The countries of Central Asia are a tantalising mix of raw beauty encompassing mountains, rivers, and unspoilt terrain. Tajikistan is one exemplary country from this group, possessing tremendous potential with its abundant natural resources, cool climate, and hardworking, talented population. Calling itself the crowning glory of Central Asia, this country is a microcosm of the region with huge potential for development. In a conversation with Top 10 of Asia, H. E. Mr Ardasher Saeedjaafar Qodiri, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Malaysia, provides an in-depth insight into his ambassadorship, the social, economic, and political dynamics of his homeland, and the immense opportunities available for building strategic collaborative alliances with Malaysia.
Tajikistan (derived from the Persian word for crown) is a landlocked and relatively small, central Asian country with a population of more than 10 million. Although the country gained independence in 1991, after being a part of the USSR and subsequent civil war, the country has managed to restore constitutional order, has begun the development process and is moving confidently in this direction.
Positioned at the crossroads of strategic transportation and logistics routes, the country is imbued with a dynamic history. “Visualise the criss-crossing of military powers, business communities, and religious missionaries from the north, south, east and west, and a spectacular tapestry unfolds,” says Mr Qodiri.
The development challenges that pervade the country are challenges that can be transformed into sustainable solutions. Hidden below the soil are valuable minerals and the rushing power of water resources cannot be underestimated. The country is awash in precious and semi-precious stones and minerals. “The abundant untapped natural resources in minerals and water are lucrative investment potentials,” elaborates the ambassador.
Mr. Qodiri, a Tajik by heritage, has become a diplomat after studying in the Faculty of Oriental Studies of Tajik National University. “I initially went to Yemen as part of a student exchange program, and that experience evolved into working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traveling to numerous countries as a part of diplomatic missions and eventually, being appointed as the head of diplomatic missions in Qatar and Malaysia, as well as non-residential Ambassador to Indonesia and Thailand.”
A soft-spoken demeanour belies the steely determination Mr Qodiri possesses in putting Tajikistan on the global map in terms of development and progress. Mr Qodiri possesses expert knowledge in the political and economic arena within Tajikistan and Asia, an expertise gained from his background in oriental studies and experience in foreign affairs. His family, consisting of a doctor wife and three daughters, have taken to Malaysian life since they arrived in 2019.
Tajikistan’s history has Arian roots. Tajiks whom some academic circles have named the Eastern Iranians played a fundamental role in the formation of Islamic Civilisation and significantly influenced the culture and traditions of neighbouring countries. Modern Persian-speaking countries share many similarities, encompassing language, cuisine, religion, and overall culture. “Our history and heritage are reflected in Persian culture,” elaborates Mr Qodiri. “Right from the Zoroastrian era to the Islamic renaissance and beyond, there are phenomenal success stories in culture, arts and trade.”
“We are looking at strengthening our relations through cooperation and our involvement through alliances that will benefit both Malaysia and Tajikistan,” says the diplomat. “These include the economy, education, and tourism sectors.”
“In our efforts to strengthen Tajikistan-Malaysian ties, we are forming working commissions that focus not only on political issues but include economic and social considerations,” adds Mr Qodiri. “These agencies include the chambers of commerce, regional bodies, and business associations.”
“The further strengthening of ties in these sectors will require engagement at top tier levels, at the presidential and prime ministerial level,” he says, acknowledging the complexity. “Being members of OIC facilitates the initiation of this engagement.”
The political recognition gained will facilitate the establishment and development of businesses. “The subsequent focus will be on the development of collaborative networks between formal structures such as government and commercial agents,” continues Mr Qodiri. “Followed by the development of B2B and B2C businesses.”
“The local meetings with the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies (MCMTC) and a subsequent visit by the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) to Tajikistan in May 2023 have been successful,” said Mr Qodiri, “These highlight the significance of building relationships within the local business communities.”
“In October 2023, there was a reciprocal visit from the business communities in Tajikistan and other central Asian countries where bilateral discussions were held with MITI and MATRADE.”
On education, “Currently the Malaysian educational facilities are popular with our people,” says the unostentatious emissary. “We have a large number of students coming here to complete their higher education.”
Malaysian exports including palm oil products, furniture, electronics, gloves etc. are popular in Tajikistan and the surrounding regions consisting of an estimated 100-million-consumer market. “As a central marketing and distribution hub, Tajikistan can serve as the gateway to the region,” proposes Mr Qodiri. “Minerals are one of our largest potential resources as well, we have the mineral resources and are ready to supply to Malaysia.”
“Cotton is another of our products that we are looking at transforming into products before export. Current prices of cotton are controlled by the futures markets. By buying directly from Tajikistan, the margins can be reduced,” adds Mr Qodiri.
Tajikistan offers a whole range of tourism experiences ranging from UNESCO World Heritage sites to the rugged mountains and lakes. “Historical cities such as Sarazm and Istaravshan, Kulob and Bokhtar are Central Asia’s oldest cities and are must-sees,” says the personable envoy. “The 1,000 rivers coming from the mountains offer healing spas and hot springs as the water contains minerals.”
“From a religious perspective, a varied range of sites from Greek to Buddhism exists here. Additionally, we offer Islamic tourism packages focusing on our Islamic heritage pertaining to our culture, architecture, and tomb sites.”
Cultural habits such as cuisine and lifestyle indicate a general similarity interposed by distinctive differences. “Our cuisine is mainly meat based with subtle seasoning, the most popular being a soup called shurbo,” shares Mr Qodiri proudly. “The national dish, plov, is based on the biryani but only tastier.” As for Malaysian cuisine, he is of the opinion that chicken rendang and satay top the list.
The distinctive differences between Malaysians and Tajikistanis are influenced by the environment that is lowland and highland living lifestyles. “Simplicity, kindness, and friendliness are similar traits exhibited by both nations,” comments the Tajik. “Malaysians are generally more discrete and reserved but we are more conservative. However, we do talk quite a bit. We can summarise that we have more similarities as compared to differences. The tourism motto, ‘Feel the friendship’, that epitomises Tajikistani culture resonates with Malaysia’s famous slogan, ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’. It is a reflection of our unifying characteristics.”
Speaking briefly on his role as an ambassador with all its challenges and achievements: “The diplomatic life is challenging especially the different location postings, disrupting families, and impacting the children’s stability,” he shares candidly. “Challenges in the form of life-threatening situations exists all the time. A bomb explosion directed toward a local politician in Yemen some time after the meeting was an example of the inherent risks of the profession, just by proximity,” recalls Mr Qodiri. “There is greater risk with the destabilisation of global politics.”
On work-life balance, the career diplomat comments, “My work is my life. The strong family support throughout my career have ensured a fine balance.” Mr Qodiri refers to the various accomplishments during his diplomatic career. “Spearheading the negotiations for building of the Dushanbe Central Mosque is one of my notable achievements. Completed in 2019 after eight years, it is the largest mosque in Central Asia. It is a masterpiece, symbolic of the cooperation between Qatar and Tajikistan.”
“Additionally, playing instrumental roles in helping our citizens to get out of life-threatening hostage situations in their withdrawal from conflict zones are life achievements for me,” he continues.
As the interview comes to a close, Mr Qodiri summarises, “We want to create better opportunities for our people by focusing on our two main resources, minerals and water. Despite being landlocked and with 93% of the country mountainous, we are resolute in finding solutions to our challenges to enable us to progress.”
“Tajikistan is the new frontier for investment and tourism offerings. The building of stronger collaborative relations between Malaysia and Tajikistan can realise profound benefits for both nations.”