Please tell us about your career journey so far. What inspired you to work in central banking, and how has your role evolved at the National Bank of Tajikistan?

I commenced my academic journey in 2003 as a Junior Lecturer at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka, shortly after completing my undergraduate degree in Marketing Management. That initial experience ignited a lasting interest in marketing and strategic management.

I began my professional career at the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) in 2003, soon after completing my higher education in Banking and Finance at the Eastern Mediterranean University of North Cyprus. My career path has been shaped by interest in economics and by the wish to contribute to the development of my country's financial system.

Over the years, I had the chance to work in several key areas of the NBT, including banking supervision, where I gained valuable experience in both off-site and on-site supervision, as well as licensing. These roles helped me build a deep understanding of how our financial system operates and how important strong regulatory institutions are for economic stability. My academic experience in Japan, where I completed a Master's program in Public Policy at GRIPS in 2009-2010, further strengthened my perspective on public administration and modern central banking practices.

This combination of practical experience and academic growth led to my appointment as Deputy Chairman, later as First Deputy Chairman and finally as Chairman in 2024. Today, as Chairman, I try to approach my responsibilities with the same principles that guided me from the beginning - professionalism, openness to learning and respect for the institution I work. I feel fortunate to engage with dedicated colleagues and to contribute, in my own way, to the continued development of Tajikistan's financial sector.

You are now Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan. Can you describe your key responsibilities in this role and what your main priorities are?

As Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan, I follow the strategic guidance of the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, the President of Tajikistan, Mr. Emomali Rahmon. The priorities set out in the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan until 2030 complement this vision and help shape the NBT's long-term direction.

My foremost responsibility is to guide the country's monetary policy and ensure price stability, as this forms the foundation for sustainable economic development. Alongside this, we focus on strengthening the reliability and resilience of the banking system, expanding financial inclusion and developing the human and institutional capacity needed to support a modern financial sector. Building the skills of our specialists is particularly important, because long-term stability depends on knowledgeable and dedicated professionals.

Looking ahead, I believe that the potential of Tajikistan's financial sector is very high. My focus, as Chairman of the National Bank, is to ensure that the National Bank continues to advance a stable, modern, digital and inclusive financial system that supports the country's long-term growth.

In your current capacity, what do you see as the main opportunities and challenges facing Tajikistan over the next five to ten years?

Tajikistan is at a moment of real opportunity. The goals outlined in our National Development Strategy of Tajikistan until 2030 and Medium-Term Development Program for 2021-2025 - from strengthening human capital to expanding digital services and industry give the country a clear direction for the years ahead. What gives me confidence is the resilience and ambition of our people, who continue to move the country forward even in times of uncertainty.

One of the areas with the greatest long-term potential is energy. With such rich hydropower resources, Tajikistan can strengthen its own energy security and contribute to the region as a producer of clean, renewable electricity. This, together with ongoing digitalization and growing regional cooperation, opens new space for investment, innovation and private-sector growth.

Of course, there are challenges as well - global instability, climate risks and the constant need to modernize infrastructure. For the financial sector, this means staying focused on low inflation, stability and ensuring that every citizen - including women, youth and people in remote areas can access modern financial services. But with steady reforms and a clear sense of direction, I believe Tajikistan can build an even more competitive and resilient economy in the years ahead. The financial sector will continue to play a major role in this transformation and contribute to long-term prosperity.

What are some of the biggest professional challenges you've faced in your career? Have there been specific initiatives or milestones that you found especially meaningful or rewarding?

In recent years, one of the most difficult challenges has been navigating the financial sector through periods of heightened uncertainty - from the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic to the global economic uncertainty today. These situations had no ready-made policy models and decisions often had to be taken quickly, with limited information and evolving risks. Managing stability under such conditions required careful judgement, strong coordination and institutional resilience.

Despite these challenges, we were able to strengthen the financial system in important ways - inflation remained under control, asset quality improved and confidence in the sector increased. The reduction of non-performing loans to single-digit levels and the improvement in Tajikistan's sovereign credit ratings reflected this progress. I also value our advances in financial inclusion and digital transformation - areas where we've expanded access to services, increased digital payments and improved consumer protection.

What I find most meaningful is seeing how consistent reforms and collective effort translate into real results for people and businesses. Even in times of uncertainty, the sector has become more stable, modern and accessible. These outcomes reaffirm the importance of long-term vision and strong institutions - lessons that continue to guide my work today.

What motivated you to pursue your Master's degree at GRIPS, and how has your education contributed to your work today?

My decision to study at GRIPS came from a genuine desire to deepen my understanding of public policy and economic management. At that stage of my career, I felt it was important to step back from daily responsibilities, broaden my perspective and learn in an environment that brought together experienced practitioners and academics from around the world.

My studies in public finance, monetary policy and the interaction between institutions helped me see policy questions from different angles and strengthened my analytical approach.

What stayed with me most was the culture of curiosity and open discussion at GRIPS - it encouraged me to question, compare and think beyond routine solutions.

The knowledge and mindset I gained have been invaluable in my work at the National Bank of Tajikistan. They strengthened my ability to make well-grounded policy decisions, helped me develop a more global perspective and reinforced a habit of continuous learning that remains essential in the fast-changing world of finance.

Since graduating from GRIPS, have you maintained connections with Japan?

Of course, I have maintained strong connections with Japan. Cooperation between Japan and Tajikistan spans many areas - from capacity building and technical assistance to financial sector development. Japanese capital has also entered the banking sector of Tajikistan, reflecting growing confidence in our reforms and the long-term potential of the financial system.

We continue to work closely with JICA and benefit from several important projects, including those focused on institutional development, financial literacy and regional initiatives. The JDS and JISPA programs have played a particularly meaningful role in strengthening our human capital. Many colleagues who studied in Japan now hold key positions within the National Bank and I have always encouraged our staff to participate in these opportunities.

These partnerships have helped deepen our professional ties, expand expertise and introduce modern approaches to policy and financial sector management. Japan remains a valued and reliable partner for Tajikistan, and I am pleased that our cooperation continues to grow across multiple dimensions.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I try to maintain balance by staying organized and making time for the things that matter most. No matter how busy the schedule becomes, it is important for me to spend time with my family because their support gives me stability and energy.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading and learning new things, even in small moments throughout the day. Continuous learning has always been a guiding principle for me. I also try to stay active, I enjoy sports and spending time outdoors, which helps me recharge and keep a clear mind.

These simple routines allow me to stay grounded and return to my work with renewed focus.

What are your fondest memories of your time at GRIPS and in Japan?

I have very warm memories of my time at GRIPS and in Japan. The place where we lived - a quiet and scenic area near the waterfront, likely Odaiba created a calm and inspiring environment for study and reflection. I still remember the peaceful mornings by the sea and the feeling of balance that the surroundings offered.

Japan itself left a deep impression on me through its culture, respectfulness and attention to detail. I appreciated the organized study trips to different cities, the chance to experience traditional tea ceremonies and the way history and modernity coexist so naturally. These experiences helped me better understand the country beyond academic life.

The studies were demanding, and there were many late nights spent preparing assignments. But this intensity made the experience meaningful and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

If you could give one piece of advice to future GRIPS students, what would it be?

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to stay committed to learning. In life, many things can become a burden - possessions, responsibilities, even success, but knowledge is never a burden. It always expands your possibilities and supports you in any circumstance.

Use your time at GRIPS to learn as much as you can, from both professors and fellow students. Be curious, ask questions and take the opportunity to broaden your perspective. The more you invest in your education, the more it will guide you in your future work and personal growth.

And above all, remember the simplest but most important principle - learn, learn, and learn.

How would you like to stay involved with GRIPS going forward?

I would be pleased to remain engaged with GRIPS through dialogue, academic exchanges and professional cooperation. Although my schedule is often very demanding, I make an effort to stay informed about GRIPS activities and the opportunities offered through the alumni network. Even when I cannot participate directly, I follow the updates closely because I am genuinely interested in the continued development of this community.

I am also glad that this year another specialist from the National Bank of Tajikistan has been accepted into the program. Seeing more of our young professional's benefit from GRIPS motivates me to support further cooperation. Tajikistan has a growing need for well-trained economists, analysts and policymakers and GRIPS can play an important role in building this capacity. Looking ahead, I would welcome opportunities to see more Tajik specialists join GRIPS programs and to strengthen collaboration through joint workshops, research initiatives and knowledge-sharing. I believe the GRIPS community has great potential to contribute to the development of our region and I hope to stay actively connected to it.

Ultimately, I view the alumni network not merely as a social connection, but as a powerful platform for global impact--and I would be honoured to support that vision.