Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Mr. Wencai Zhang on August 13 met here with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Qohir Rasoulzoda, First Deputy Prime Minister and ADB Governor Mr. Davlatali Said, Economic Development and Trade Minister and ADB Alternate Governor Mr. Nematullo Hikmatullozoda and other senior government officials in Dushanbe, according to ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM).
Mr. Zhang reportedly reiterated ADB’s support to Tajikistan’s development agenda, as the country strives to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Mr. Werner Liepach accompanied Mr. Zhang during his visit to the country.
“ADB is proud to mark 20 years of close development partnership with Tajikistan,” said Mr. Zhang. “We value our strong ties with the country and will continue to support the country’s development priorities, as outlined in ADB’s country partnership strategy for Tajikistan and national development programs.”
ADB’s first assistance to Tajikistan was approved in 1998 to support post-conflict reconstruction. Since then, ADB has mobilized around $1.6 billion to the country, including around $1.1 billion in grants, and has become the largest multilateral development partner in Tajikistan. The assistance has helped to restore and build the country’s transport and energy infrastructure, support social development and gender equality, expand agricultural production, and improve investment climate, regional cooperation, and trade.
“Tajikistan has achieved impressive economic growth since independence, however, challenges remain, including the need to strengthen the banking system, improve the investment climate, and diversify the economy,” said Mr. Zhang. “ADB recognizes the existing challenges and will continue to support government-led reforms.”
Mr. Zhang announced that during 2019–2021, ADB plans to provide over $300 million to Tajikistan. The planned assistance program includes projects to rehabilitate key transport corridors, develop the financial sector, improve skills for job-seekers, support energy sector reforms and infrastructure improvements, enhance the investment climate, and boost food security.
Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region. In 2017, ADB operations totaled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in cofinancing.
