On April 25, 1966, the government of the republic, in its resolution No. 143, decided to build a permanent Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy of the Tajik SSR (VDNKh). And the very next day its construction began. The author of the master plan and project for the construction of buildings and pavilions of the exhibition was the Honored Architect of the Tajik SSR Erkin Salikhov.
The exhibition area in Soviet times occupied an area of 98 hectares. The main pavilion had an introductory hall and sections – “Industry”, “Agriculture”, “Science and Culture”, etc. A pavilion for thematic exhibitions was built separately.
In total, hundreds of industrial enterprises of the republic, large agricultural complexes and dozens of research institutes presented their achievements, developments and contributions to science at VDNKh in the mid-1980s.
VDNKh of the Tajik SSR clearly demonstrated success in the development of the economy of Soviet Tajikistan. The exhibition stands told about more than a hundred industries and sub-sectors of industrial production and demonstrated their products.
In April 1971, the Council of Ministers of the Republic approved a sketch of the master plan for VDNKh, reflecting the prospects for its development. A film lecture hall with 600 seats with modern equipment was opened.
In subsequent years, work was carried out to improve the Exhibition territory – recreation areas with green spaces, flower beds and decorative pools. Pavilions “Agriculture”, “Construction and Architecture”, a stage complex, playgrounds and dance floors were built.
During the Soviet period, VDNH was visited annually by more than 300 thousand people, including many foreign guests and delegations. Among them are heads of state, scientists and cultural figures. Exhibitions of the Union republics and foreign countries were demonstrated and held. For example, in June-July 1978, the thematic exhibition “USA Agriculture” was held, and in the mid-80s, an industrial exhibition in Germany was held.
After the collapse of the USSR, VDNH of the Tajik SSR ceased its work.
