Inflation In Tajikistan

This paper attempts to explain short- and long-term dynamics of-and forecast-inflation in Tajikistan using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) and Autoregressive Moving Average Model (ARMA). By analyzing different transmission channels through the VECM, we were able to evaluate their relative dominance, magnitude, and speed of transition to the equilibrium price level, with the view of identifying those policy tools that will enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy. We found that excess supply of broad money is inflationary in both the short and long term. The dynamic analysis also demonstrates that the exchange rate and international inflation have a strong impact on local prices. Available monetary instruments, such as the refinancing rate, have proven to be ineffective. Therefore, the Tajik monetary authority could greatly benefit from enhancing its monetary instruments toolkit, including by developing the interest rate channel, to improve its monetary policy execution and to achieve stable inflationary conditions.

Against the backdrop of a serious deterioration in its terms of trade and a large reversal of private capital flows following the Russian crisis in August 1998, the Tajik economy has entered a period of adjustment. Output growth has slowed down, inflation has flared up, and the exchange rate has weakened. More recently, macroeconomic stability has restored as the authorities have embarked on a strong adjustment path in response to adverse external developments and to correct the slippages in policy implementation during 1999.

This paper discusses Tajikistan’s Fifth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) and Request for Waiver of Performance Criterion. The macroeconomic outcome in the first quarter of 2005 was satisfactory, but the deteriorating external environment will make it harder to achieve some of the program’s original targets. Expenditure delays and strong nontax revenues resulted in a significant fiscal surplus in the first quarter of 2005. The fiscal outlook for the remainder of 2005 looks less favorable owing to lower-than-projected commodity prices.

Strong growth continued in 2022 with minimal disruption from the war in Ukraine, while strong financial inflows supported domestic demand and liquidity. Although negative spillovers from the war have not materialized, it remains unclear to what extent Tajikistan will continue to be relatively unaffected by weaker economic activity in Russia.

This occasional paper provides an overview of the economic reform experiences of the Central Asian states of the former Soviet Union since their independence at the turn of the decade. The choice of countries reflects not only a geographical grouping, but also similarities in the types of transition challenges faced by these countries notwithstanding considerable variations in their sizes, ethnic composition, resource endowments, and economic structures. The paper attempts to identify a number of key macroeconomic and structural areas where the slower reformers in the group might benefit from the experience of the faster reformes.

Building on robust economic growth since the end of a civil war in 1997, Tajikistan has transformed itself into a service economy driven by consumer spending fueled by strong remittance inflow. Yet the transfer of resources to high value-added sectors has been restrained, and structural change has generated few new jobs. Without sufficient employment opportunities in the services and industrial sectors, agriculture became the fallback for most of the labor force. To continue its economic growth, Tajikistan requires new drivers from a diversified industry sector and a modernized economy through structural transformation and export diversification.

This paper reviews economic developments in the Republic of Tajikistan during 1994–97. In 1996, the authorities embarked on their first comprehensive effort at economic reform, supported by financial assistance from the World Bank and the IMF. Although implementation was uneven, the authorities were successful in achieving a degree of macroeconomic stability during the first three quarters of 1996; progress was also made on structural reforms. However, confronted with substantial unanticipated expenditures, the budget deficit increased substantially in late 1996 and the first half of 1997.

2011 Updated Reprint. Updated Annually. Tajikistan Foreign Policy and Government Guide