Overview
Retail sales in Tajikistan reach a market of 10 million residents, 70 percent of which are youth. Franchising and distribution offer some opportunities in a relatively small market to introduce U.S. products and brands. U.S. companies generally have entered the Tajik market through their franchises located elsewhere: notably Kazakhstan and Turkey. There are several U.S. franchises already officially registered and operating in Tajikistan.
According to local experts, franchising is attractive for businesses engaged in: sales of business support services (business consulting – audit and accounting services, technical consulting); education services (tutoring, foreign language courses); leisure and entertainment; fast food; medical and cosmetic services; retail sales; and other personal services (laundry, footwear and clothing repair, delivery services etc.)
Leading Subsectors
- Fast-food and casual dining
- Retail sales (clothing, footwear, furniture, sporting goods, supermarkets)
- Auto repair and maintenance services, gasoline stations
- Hotel chains for low- and medium-income travelers
- Body/health care services (beauty salons, gyms, etc.)
Opportunities
Expect growing demand for education technology, community-building online platforms, and delivery franchises. Franchises specializing in business education and training services have demand in the local market. Tajikistan has a large young adult population, which makes up approximately 70% of the population in 2023. This young consumer base is crucial for retailers to target, as it forms their main customer base.
Resources
Trade Data for Franchising
This sector of the economy is emerging, and the government does not currently maintain nor report trade data as of this writing. Franchises are relatively new to the markets here but are rapidly expanding. This leads to our assessment that franchising will continue to represent an opportunity sector for the coming years.
This sector of the economy is emerging, and the government does not currently maintain nor report trade data as of this writing. Franchises are relatively new to the markets here but are rapidly expanding. This leads to our assessment that franchising will continue to represent an opportunity sector for the coming years.