The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan signed an agreement on May 20 in Dushanbe to finance the construction of the first section of the Labijar — Qalaikhumb road. The document was inked by the EDB Director for Tajikistan, Vladimir Yakunin, and Tajikistan’s Finance Minister Faiziddin Qahhorzoda, according to the EDB press center.
The project is reportedly of strategic importance for the development of the country’s transport infrastructure and aims to strengthen transport links between the districts subordinate to the center (RRPs) and the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).
According to the agreement, the EDB will provide Tajikistan with concessional financing totaling $18.5 million. Of this amount, $17 million will be in the form of loans, and an additional $1.5 million will be allocated as a targeted grant.
The funds will be directed towards the construction and reconstruction of a 10-kilometer section of the road, as well as the erection of three bridges. It is expected that the implementation of the project will enhance the safety of freight transportation, improve transport accessibility to mountainous areas, and create additional conditions for the development of trade, entrepreneurship, and attracting investments to the regions of the republic.
“The project will become part of a broader effort to modernize Tajikistan’s transport infrastructure and will contribute to the country’s socio-economic development, expand interregional connections, and increase population mobility. For the EDB, supporting infrastructure projects that promote sustainable socio-economic development of member countries is one of the key priorities,” said Vladimir Yakunin.
The Eurasian Development Bank is a multilateral development bank operating in the Eurasian space. The bank has been active for 20 years and is involved in financing projects aimed at developing economic ties and integration of member countries.
