Comments on: Tajikistan’s Shadow Economy

By: Poverty Isn’t Always Pretty « Kiva Stories from the Field

Poverty Isn’t Always Pretty « Kiva Stories from the Field — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:51:29 +0000

[...] education and a good job? The easiest answer is that there are no good jobs in Tajikistan. In a past blog post, I explained the challenges faced by Tajiks seeking to pursue an education or more viable [...]

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:34:14 +0000

Amazing blog, Rob!

By: Milena

Milena — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:28:06 +0000

So thoughtful and thorough… I`m impressed that you`ve been able to find out so much about the region.

By: David

David — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:14:52 +0000

Rob, I’m trying to reach you regarding stories from Khudjand and what you are doing. I am EurasiaNet’s editor in Bishkek. Please email me: dstrilling (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

Thanks, David

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:50:39 +0000

Abby, yeah most of the info on Tajikistan is sketchily documented so I get most of my dirt from talking to people here. Usually I’ll fact-check stories with other sources if they seem suspect. The pay-for-PhD one checked out. The one about astronauts in space hearing prayers from Mecca did not.

Hope you’re settling in over there in Togo and enjoying it so far. The weekend here was interesting – plenty of material for the next blog!

By: Abby

Abby — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:19:21 +0000

how the heck do you learn all this stuff? Are you getting it from talking to people, or reading? I find that when it comes to Togo there are problems with both methods (ie people make things up and its hard to find things to read about Togo).

In any case, your understanding of the situation there is very impressive and well written. it teaches me things! how wonderful.

happy friday…hope you manage to do something fun with your weekend there in taji.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:56:46 +0000

William, there is a road suitable for trucks from Tashkurgan in China over the Qolma Pass to Murghob in Tajikistan which essentially links the Karakorum and Pamir Highways. The border crossing opened up in 2004 although I believe the road itself was completed a few years earlier. But in the west of the country it’s still more efficient – particularly in Khujand – to link up with Chinese goods in Tashkent.

By: William

William — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:02:07 +0000

Good article and you highlight some interesting points which are not often mentioned, but:

“The one bright spot is the newly constructed road from China which was constructed by the Chinese as a means to access the market here.”

Which road is this? As far as I know, the road is still in the planning stage and, although a road has been partially completed between Dushanbe and Gharm, this is still a very long way indeed from the Chinese border.

I think there will be some years before we see any ‘New’ road completed between Dushanbe and China.

By: Jan & John

Jan & John — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:41:04 +0000

Thanks, Rob, your words make it all stand out so clear. We are in Kiva for the long haul. It will make a difference. jan