The Internet – One of the Key Elements of the Digital Economy

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the respected Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, in his Address to the Majlisi Oli on December 28, 2024, proposed declaring the years 2025–2030 as the “Years of Development of the Digital Economy and Innovation” with the aim of expanding innovative processes and comprehensively utilizing the opportunities of digital technologies in the economy. This initiative is a necessary step and a demand of modern times, as contemporary information and communication technologies have a direct impact on all spheres of human life. The emergence of various forms of the digital economy and the application of modern innovations in various fields of human activity are a clear example of the importance of developing information and communication technologies.

It is evident that globalization, the formation of the information space, and the acceleration of information flows have contributed to the development of the digital economy in various countries around the world, which are under the influence of waves of accelerated innovation. Tajikistan, as a full-fledged member of the global community, cannot remain on the sidelines of these processes. Therefore, the declaration of 2025–2030 as the “Years of Development of the Digital Economy and Innovation” holds immense economic, social, and even cultural-security significance for our country.

The primary goal of this initiative is to leverage the development of digital technologies in the national economy and to protect national interests, as today digital technologies have become one of the most important factors in economic growth. Through the automation of existing processes, the introduction of new business models and technologies, such as digital platforms, digital ecosystems, in-depth analysis of big data, industrial technologies, robotics, and the provision of high-speed and accessible internet, it is possible to ensure economic and social development.

In this sense, the initiative, announced directly by the Leader of the Nation, is of great, even fateful, importance for the future of the state and the nation. We all clearly understand that without the development of the digital economy and the efficient use of opportunities for innovation and modern technologies, it will be difficult to ensure progress in meeting the needs of society in the state. We are confident that within the framework of declaring 2025–2030 as the “Years of Development of the Digital Economy and Innovation,” reforms in the field of communications will receive a new impetus, as the direction of communications is one of the most important factors in the development of the digital economy and innovation. In this regard, the Communications Service has developed specific plans, based on which the level and quality of telecommunications will gradually be brought into line with modern requirements.

In particular, to achieve this goal, the Communications Service and mobile companies were given specific instructions by the Leader of the Nation to develop digital infrastructure for 5G networks. One of the important areas of activity of the Communications Service under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and mobile companies is the expansion of the new generation – 5G. Currently, 5G is mainly being tested in the city of Dushanbe. In fact, the process of modernizing basic telecommunications stations across the country is ongoing, and the foundation has been laid for expanding 5G coverage for the population. After a comprehensive study of the issue, a specific plan for the expansion of 5G will be developed and implemented.

Another area that the Communications Service is actively pursuing for the development of the digital economy is the creation of a favorable environment for the introduction of cashless payments.

An extremely important issue in the implementation of the five-year plan for the development of the digital economy and innovation, 2025–2030, is the expansion of cashless payments through communications and sufficient internet speed. It is for this purpose that the President of the country, in his Address to the Majlisi Oli, instructed that cashless payments in budgetary spheres and state services be fully ensured by the end of 2025.

In fact, one of the key factors in the development of cashless payments is the provision of high-speed internet and its easy accessibility. In this regard, the Communications Service deeply recognizes its responsibility. A set of measures envisaged to ensure access to high-speed internet is also aimed at the development of cashless payments. Within the framework of implementing the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Measures to Expand Cashless Payments” dated June 22, 2023, the Communications Service began cooperation with all relevant structures to address existing problems and obstacles, and significant results have already been achieved in this direction.

The Internet serves as a mobile social mechanism that contributes to improving access, quality, and convenience of services in the fields of healthcare, education, state and communal services, and culture. Universal access to high-speed telecommunications allows for the creation of comfortable and safe conditions for residents based on intelligent technologies, and digital platforms open up new opportunities for employment.

Press Center of the Communications Service

under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan