DUSHANBE, July 17, 2008, Asia-Plus — International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has launched the third survey of small business in Tajikistan.
According to the IFC Dushanbe Office, the survey is continuation of the previous surveys.
To date, IFC has conducted two comprehensive surveys of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tajikistan, in 2003 and 2006. They were dedicated to the problems of registration, getting permission, licensing, inspections, taxation, and access to finance and trade.
IFC also helped draft the new Inspections Law and amendments to the Tax Code, which were adopted in 2006. In partnership with NGOs and other organizations, IFC conducted 71 trainings for entrepreneurs and more than 600 government officials on the Inspections Law and reformed inspection procedures. IFC has also created checklists for use by inspection agencies and brochures on the new inspection procedures.
“The third survey covers all regions of the country and it is planned that some 1.500 people, including individual entrepreneurs, representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as dehqon (peasant) farms, will take part in this survey,” the source said, adding that on completion of the survey, in early 2009, IFC will present its report to the government and the public of the country.
The surveys’ results will support the state’s efforts to improve the entrepreneurial environment ;
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC”s vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries.
