DUSHANBE, July 8, 2009, Asia-Plus — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Tajikistan are currently developing a new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for the next three-four years, Mr. Makoto Ojiro, ADB”s Country Director for Tajikistan, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
According to him, they are currently determining what projects will be supported in the future. “We plan to prepare the new strategy in the second half of this year and submit it for consideration to ADB’s Board of Directors in October,” Mr. Ojiro said, noting that the main directions of the new CPS will include rehabilitation of transport and energy sectors as well as support for private sector development reforms.
He noted that on average 50 million U.S dollars are planned to be provided to Tajikistan per year during the strategy implementation.
Mr. Ojiro added that little more than 60 million US dollars had been provided to Tajikistan this year. “The Government of Tajikistan has asked to provide certain funds this year on account of the next year’s funds,” ADB’s Country Director said.
We will recall that last month, ADB completed a CPS formulation mission, which held extensive consultations with the government, civil society, private sector, donors and other stakeholders on the proposed strategy and consequent operations program.
Indicative allocation from ADB’s Asian Development Fund for Tajikistan is estimated at $102 million all on grant basis for 2009 and 2010. ADB”s assistance program is expected to cover investments mainly in energy and transport sectors. In order to mobilize adequate resources for development, ADB will also support critical reforms in private sector development. These areas of engagement are in line with the Government”s priorities in Tajikistan’s Poverty Reduction and National Development Strategies.
Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. ADB has been supporting poverty reduction in the country through investments in infrastructure, agriculture and rural development, social sector, and regional cooperation. As of the end of 2008, Tajikistan received $372.50 million in loans, $33.65 million in technical assistance, and $100.77 million in grants. The investments have been accompanied by crucial policy reforms and institutional development.
