Tajikistan Trade Surge: Tajikistan’s foreign trade turnover hit $7.94bn in Jan.–July 2026, up 42.3% y/y, with exports rising 57.2% to $1.78bn and imports up 38.6% to $6.16bn, leaving a $4.38bn deficit; precious metals exports jumped more than 160-fold. Fuel Security Push: With Russian supplies faltering, Dushanbe asked Iran for 2.55m tons of crude and fuels (including diesel, gasoline and jet fuel), seeking alternatives as U.S. pressure on Iran raises sanctions risk. Iran-Tajik Talks: Tajikistan and Iran also discussed expanding economic cooperation, while Tehran floated a Persian-speaking countries union idea that could deepen regional trade ties. Tourism Funding Plan: Tajikistan approved a Tourism Fund financed by taxes on tour packages, visitor fees and permits, aimed at upgrading infrastructure, training staff and promoting the sector abroad. Business Links with Russia: About 120 Tajik companies met a Russian business mission in Dushanbe to expand imports of Russian goods across agriculture, food, pharma, construction and FMCG. Cyber Risk for the Public Sector: Bitdefender reported the SilkParasite cyberespionage campaign targeting government bodies across Central Asia, including Tajikistan, using tailored phishing lures and cloud-based command channels. Regional Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held foreign-minister consultations and signed a 2027–2028 cooperation program, with trade, energy, transport and humanitarian ties on the agenda.