At an extended meeting of the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) reviewing the banking sector’s performance for the first half of 2025, key priorities for the remainder of the year were set, Avesta.tj reports.
The meeting was chaired by NBT head Tolibzoda Firdavs and attended by Jumazoda Mahmud, head of the Financial Department of the Presidential Executive Office, deputy chairpersons, department heads, as well as representatives of the Banking Association, the Association of Financial Organizations, the Deposit Insurance Fund, and the Credit History Bureau.
Tolibzoda noted that despite global economic instability and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the government has managed to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability. In the first half of the year, the NBT pursued a balanced monetary policy aimed at supporting the somoni exchange rate, curbing inflation, developing payment infrastructure, and strengthening trust in the banking sector. A particular focus was placed on digitalization, including the expansion of cashless payment systems and the launch of the State Program for the Digitalization of Tajikistan’s Economy for 2025–2030.
Reports from NBT departments highlighted several problem areas: a high share of non-performing loans, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, software glitches, and poor customer service. Banks received specific instructions to address these issues.
Jumazoda Mahmud emphasized the critical role of banks in ensuring sustainable socio-economic growth, replenishing the state budget, supporting entrepreneurship, and addressing social needs.
Following the meeting, the NBT instructed credit institutions to strengthen capitalization and resilience, improve internal controls and risk management, attract more investment, expand digital services and cashless payment infrastructure (especially in the regions), tighten control over foreign exchange operations, and enhance service quality and responsiveness to customer complaints. The regulator believes these measures will ensure the sustainable development of Tajikistan’s financial sector despite external challenges.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 21, 2025