History of the Center

History of the Center

 

The Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan operates as an analytical, consulting, and research institution in accordance with the conditions and objectives of our country’s development. It continually strives to provide government institutions with high quality and relevant analytical materials. The focus on organizing continuous analytical monitoring of social processes is inherent to the functioning of every political system, as only in this context can it effectively respond to internal and external challenges.

On this basis, to enhance its analytical and consulting capabilities, the Center continually seeks to attract professional experts, organize scientific conferences, and ensure the presence of its representatives at regional and international events.

Based on this, the research conducted by the organization’s staff regarding pressing issues in today’s world and its development, as well as current processes in modern Tajik society, is closely linked to the following topics: national security and the protection of national interests in the new phase of the Republic of Tajikistan’s statehood; questions and strategic prospects for ensuring this security; economic security; national and regional security; and national interests as crucial factors in the development of national governance and the strengthening of political independence. Additionally, it includes the innovative modernization of industrial production, the refinement of theoretical foundations and practical approaches in the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan during this new phase of statehood, the challenges and prospects of financial support for innovative entrepreneurial activities, and the role of science in shaping human capital and enhancing social security in contemporary conditions. The conduct of these research activities by specialists over the past ten years is assessed as a highly effective and valuable achievement.

It should be emphasized that the research and analytical activities of the Center have their roots in the Soviet era. During this period, this state organization was established under the name of the Research Institute, which later laid the foundation for extensive and large-scale scientific research, even then, the research institute possessed significant power and high prestige. Specifically, this institution was created by the decree of the Council of Ministers of the Tajikistan SSR on September 30, 1971, No. 111, as the scientific-research Institute for Economic and Econometric- mathematics Methods of Planning, functioning alongside the Computing Center under the State Planning of the Tajikistan SSR until 1991. Subsequently, in 1991, it was restructured by the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Tajikistan SSR into the Institute of Economic Research under the Ministry of Economy of the Tajikistan SSR.

The pages of the Institute’s history feature the names of outstanding figures of the nation who, through their rich and creative ideas, were able to take noble steps in the development of various sectors of the country. In particular, it is worth noting the former top officials of the country, including Kakhhor Mahkamov and Karimov Jamshed Khilolovich, prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, the minister and deputy ministers of foreign affairs, state advisors to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, and deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as several distinguished scholars who were remarkable contributors and alumni of this institution.

It should be noted that the establishment of the Center was a significant step towards overcoming the crisis phenomena characteristic of the transition from one system to another, advancing political and economic reforms, and strengthening political and social stability. The Center from first days of State Independent began operations as an analytical and consulting institution focused on analyzing and forecasting political, economic, and social processes in society. In response to transformations, changes, and the fulfillment of commitments, the structure of the Center later underwent modifications that significantly enhanced its importance during the years of independence. In particular, in 1994, taking into account its capabilities and areas of expertise, as well as the internal and external environment, the necessity arose to restructure this institution to be directly subordinate to the Head of State.

The Center, whose goal and purpose is to analyze and forecast the sustainable development of the country from a clear and modern perspective, is celebrating its 30th anniversary since the signing of the decree by the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, his excellency Emomali Rahmon on its establishment «On placing the Center for Strategic Research and Foresight of the Republic of Tajikistan at the disposal of the Head of State of the Republic of Tajikistan» (September 22, 1994, No. 93) in an atmosphere of high professional responsibility.

In 2003, the Order of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated December 31, 1998, №OP771, was declared invalid, and the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated July 18, 2003, No. 1109, established the new regulations and structure of the Center. By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated July 18, 2003, No. 1109, the Center was recognized as a state scientific-research, information-analytical, and consulting institution, directly subordinate to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.

At this historically significant stage in the development of our country, while political and economic instability still persisted, the change in the status of the Center and its transition under the authority of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan was an important and timely step. This was due to the fact that the contributions of this institution were crucial for overcoming crisis phenomena, completing economic reforms, and effectively planning the country’s development prospects.

Since its establishment, the leaders of the Center have always considered it important and necessary to conduct research and analytical work on critical political, social, economic, scientific, cultural issues, and this mission, which continues to this day.

It should be noted that from the very beginning of the Center’s establishment, the individuals appointed as directors by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan have benefited from the cadre school of the Leader of the Nation, the esteemed Emomali Rahmon, in their leadership roles, they have consistently worked to advance the activities of this institution. It should be noted that, the following distinguished individuals have served as directors of the Center: prominent Tajik economist, Professor, Academician Nuriddin Kayumov (1994-1998), Doctor of Philosophy, public figure Iskandar Asadulloev (1998-2001), Doctor of economic sciences Professor Sirojiddin Komilov (2001-2005), Doctor of Philosophy Sharipov Suhrob Ibronovich (2006-2011), outstanding state figure, Сandidate of Philosophy Bobokhon Mahmadov (2012-2014), Doctor of Political Science Khudoberdi Khaliknazar (2014-2019), Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor Dilovar Qodirzoda (2019-2020), Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Ziyoi Khurshed Mahshul (2020-2022), and Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Khaididdin Usmonzoda (from January 2022 to the present).

At the same time, many personalities worked as the first deputy and deputy directors of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan for different years and made a valuable contribution to the progress of the Center and the formation of the country’s analytical school, including: Bobomurod Ismatov (1994-1997), Ivan Kleandrov Mykhailovych (1994–1997), Nurmahmadov Mirmahmad (1994–1998), Сandidate of political sciences Safarov Saifullo Sadulloevich (2001–2019), Сandidate of economic sciences Bobokalonov Olimjon Komilovich (1999–2012), Сandidate of economic sciences Muminova Farida Mahmudovna (2012–2019), |Doctor of historical sciences Safolov Mohammadi Qurbanovich (2014-2019), Doctor of political sciences, professor Muhammadzoda Parviz Abdurrahman (2019-2024).

Currently, in the Center Oraz Murtazozoda, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, as the First Deputy Director, and Sharifzoda Lohuti Sharif, Doctor of Political Science, as the Deputy Director (since July 2024). Additionally, Jurakhonzoda Saodati Jurakhon, Candidate of Economic Sciences, serves as a Deputy Director (since February 2020).

Over the past thirty years, the Center has become an essential component of the political system of Tajikistan, serving as an «intellectual hub» that significantly contributes to the development of state programs and strategies.

The Center, serving as a fundamental analytical institution, has made a significant contribution for the strengthening of national statehood by offering comprehensive analyses that take into account both short-term and long-term decision-making objectives. On this basis, the Center generates contemporary ideas, develops strategic document projects, and conducts expert analyses of the implementation processes of state strategies and programs, providing cooperation and recommendations to other governmental bodies. It is this multifaceted activity that has transformed the Center into a vital analytical component of the political system of Tajikistan.

Another important aspect of the Center’s activities is its contribution to the development and implementation of Tajikistan’s foreign policy. In the context of globalization, where international relations are becoming increasingly complex, the Center’s analytical work enables discussions, analyses, and the formulation of effective strategies for interaction with international organizations and other states. In this context, the Center studies global political trends, analyzes the impact of global processes on Tajikistan, and develops recommendations for positioning the country on the international stage.

The study and proposal of solutions to economic development challenges occupy a crucial place in the Center’s activities. The Center analyzes global economic trends, prepared and suggest practical recommendations for sustainable development of Tajikistan. Its recommendations aim to create a favorable investment climate and improve Tajikistan’s competitiveness on the global stage.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Center’s founding, and it is recognized as one of the institutions of the era of state sovereignty. Most importantly, it is gratifying that in our beloved country—sovereign Tajikistan—a centralized analytical and consulting body operates, serving the nation and the state, and contributing to the strengthening of the foundations of national statehood.

It can be confidently stated that the staff of the Center, as the intellectual and analytical organ of our country, will continue to contribute to the implementation of visionary policies, as well as the directives and mandates of the Founder of peace and national unity, Leader of the nation the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, esteemed Emomali Rahmon.