Tajikistan's economy is growing again, but it is still hugely dependent on remittances, RIA Novosti reports.
The economy of Tajikistan grew 6.8% in the first three months of 2010 to over $890 million, with money transfers from abroad constituting one-third, Tajikistan's National Bank said on Monday.
Money transfers increased 5.6% in January-March 2010 from the same period last year, following improvements in the world economic situation and on migrant labor markets.
Some estimates say up to 50 percent of Tajikistan's workforce seeks employment abroad. Most are in Russia, giving Moscow leverage over Dushanbe.
David Trilling is Eurasianet’s managing editor.
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