Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has called on Central Asian countries to construct large-scale oil refineries to strengthen regional energy security, citing ongoing changes in global and regional energy markets.
Rahmon made the proposal during the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan held in Kyrgyzstan, where he said expanding oil refining infrastructure has become an economic and strategic necessity.
He identified transport and logistics corridors, energy cooperation, industrial development, digital transformation and food security as key priorities for deeper regional collaboration.
The Tajik president also stressed the importance of expanding cultural and humanitarian ties among Central Asian nations, saying stronger people-to-people cooperation would reinforce mutual trust and long-term regional partnerships.
Addressing broader international developments, Rahmon expressed concern over rising geopolitical tensions and shifts in the global order, calling for closer regional coordination to confront emerging security challenges.
He further described growing international interest in Central Asia as an opportunity to attract foreign investment, expand economic cooperation and accelerate the transfer of advanced technologies.
Tajikistan currently imports most of its petroleum products and natural gas supplies from Russia and Kazakhstan. Officials in Dushanbe believe that expanding domestic and regional refining capacity could reduce dependence on imported fuel while enhancing the region’s long-term energy resilience.
Analysts say the proposal reflects a broader effort by Central Asian countries to diversify energy infrastructure, strengthen regional economic integration and reduce vulnerability to disruptions in global energy markets.
