Tajikistan–Mongolia Ties: President Emomali Rahmon will make his first state visit to Mongolia in 17 years (July 20–22), with talks expected to cover trade, the economy, energy, transport and agriculture, alongside a Tajik–Mongolia business roundtable. Industrial Upgrade Push: In Sughd, Rahmon said Tajikistan must stop exporting raw minerals and instead process them domestically, urging better industrial investment conditions, land allocation for projects, and support for private export-oriented manufacturing. Winter Power Watch: Tajikistan is preparing for another autumn-winter electricity shortfall, with officials saying rationing can’t be ruled out; Uzbekistan power imports are planned again under a seasonal exchange agreement. Tourism Momentum: Tajikistan welcomed 889,400 foreign tourists in the first half of 2026 (+16.7%), with 1.063 million foreign entries overall and a growing base of hotels and travel companies. Regional Connectivity: Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan agreed on a road transit corridor through Afghan territory, aiming to simplify freight movement and boost regional trade. SCO Border Security: SCO border chiefs met in Islamabad to coordinate joint operations and share assessments, with Tajikistan among participants. AI Governance Track: Tajikistan joined the founding group of WAICO, a China-led AI cooperation body based in Shanghai, as Central Asia positions itself to shape AI rules.