World Bank Water Funding: The World Bank approved a $20m grant to strengthen cross-border water cooperation in Central Asia, targeting better management of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins via the CAWEC program led by EC IFAS, with Tajikistan among participating states; the money will fund regional institutions, modern water accounting, and data sharing, while feasibility work for up to six future transboundary projects is planned through 2031. Tajik-Mongolia Trade Push: Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon wrapped up a state visit to Mongolia that produced 11 intergovernmental documents spanning trade, transport, agriculture, mining, education, youth and industry, including visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports for up to 30 days and an international road transport agreement. Aviation & Connectivity: Tajik startup Shohin Airlines disclosed its first Airbus order—four A320neo-family jets (two A320neos, two A321neos)—to build a modern fleet for regional and international routes from Dushanbe. Labor Market Pressure: New Tajikistan labor survey results show low participation overall (43.9%), a wide gender gap (57.1% men vs 30.9% women), and higher underutilization when broader measures are used (11.7%). Heat Stress on Infrastructure: Extreme heat across Central Asia is buckling roads and straining power grids, with reports of concrete road deformation and rising electricity demand affecting service reliability.