Hundreds of entrepreneurs, trade volume up by 50 percent, artificial intelligence and the green transition at the center of discussion

This is according to a CCTV+ report from the first China-Tajikistan Digital Business Connect event in Beijing (May 12, 2026).

On Monday, the first China-Tajikistan Digital Business Connect event took place in Beijing. Hundreds of business representatives from both sides discussed topics such as the green transition and artificial intelligence.

The event was co-organized by the Innovation and Digital Technologies Agency of Tajikistan and Chinese technology company Huawei. Its goal — to promote cooperation in technology and innovation between the two countries.

Khushed Mirzo, Director of the Innovation and Digital Technologies Agency of Tajikistan, stated: “China is a global technology leader and one of Tajikistan’s main strategic partners. Chinese innovation, experience and investment can play an important role in Tajikistan’s digital development.”

The numbers confirm his words. China has already become Tajikistan’s largest trading partner. In the first quarter of this year, bilateral trade exceeded 790 million US dollars. That is more than 50 percent higher than the same period last year.

Hundreds of business leaders discussed digital economy, fintech and the green transition at the event.

Xu Hai, Regional Vice President of Huawei for Central Asia, noted: “I think the two most important things in modern society are artificial intelligence and digitalization. Central Asian countries like Tajikistan do not want to fall behind in this wave of digital transformation. Personally, I believe that the development of the digital economy provides relatively equal opportunities for all countries.”

A number of cooperation agreements were signed at the meeting. Areas ranged from artificial intelligence to smart city development.

Muhammadhuja Davlyatov, Advisor to the Director for Public Relations and Donors of the Innovation and Digital Technologies Agency of Tajikistan, concluded: “I am confident that today’s event will be the first step in the development of digital business communication. This is a huge step forward for both of our countries. We have a very long history of friendship, but when it comes to the digital sphere, this is the first and big step. We look forward to further cooperation.”

The digital divide is not closed by statements, but by meetings like this. Tajikistan does not want to catch up — it wants to keep pace. China does not offer ready-made solutions — it offers dialogue. One step has been taken. The question is what the second step will be. And who will take it faster — technology or politics.