Methodology for Integrated Structures’ Formation in Agro-Industrial Complex Taking into Account Cluster Policy in the Republic of Tajikistan

The article is devoted to the methodology of integrated structures formation in the agro-industrial complex taking into account the requirements of cluster policy and the legal norms of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The analysis includes a study of the evolution of integration models from simple vertical and horizontal forms to cluster systems that combine production, science, education and infrastructure. Using the example of countries with a high share of the agricultural sector in the economy (the Netherlands, Chile, Kazakhstan), the article shows how clusters contribute to production costs reduction, innovations introduction and international markets entry. Particular attention is paid to the challenges in the development of agriculture and agricultural raw material processing industries faced by developing countries, including Tajikistan: fragmentation of production, dependence on raw material exports, lack of modern technologies, weakness of production infrastructure and marketing of final products. The article suggests mechanisms for cluster model adaptation through the creation of local brands, development of logistics networks, international support attraction and development of public-private partnerships. The study emphasizes the role of the balance of interests of participants in network relationships within cluster structures, transparency in the management of network organizations and compliance with environmental standards in the production and release of agricultural products. The study demonstrates that the transition to cluster integration not only strengthens the food security of the country and each entity, but also transforms rural areas into centers of technological growth, ensuring sustainable development in the context of global competition and climate risks in compliance with environmental standards and the achievement of sustainable development goals in general. Authors’ contribution. F.B. Makhmadizoda – substantiation of the methodology and development of the concept of the study aimed at the formation of integration structures in agriculture; determination of the reasons hindering the development of integration formations in the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Tajikistan; substantiation of the need to form cluster associations in the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Tajikistan; writing the text of the article; general scientific editing of the text of the article; generalization of the results of the study and conclusions formulation; P.A. Mukhsinova – conducting an empirical analysis of the development of cluster structures in the Republic of Tajikistan; analysis of foreign experience in creating agro-industrial clusters in developed and developing countries: formatting the text of the article according to the requirements of the journal.