DUSHANBE, March 9, 2010, Asia-Plus — In the framework of bilateral development cooperation with Tajikistan the European Union Delegation launched a new Call for Proposals under its poverty alleviation program for rural areas of Khatlon and Sughd provinces, according to the Delegation of the European Commission in Tajikistan.
The EU allocates 5 million euros for this purpose and it is expected that successful implementing partners will contribute an additional 1 million euros to the program. The program aims to assist vulnerable communities in the target areas to broaden income generation opportunities and increase training opportunities, improve food security and natural resource management, upgrade social services for vulnerable groups and enhance local governance. Successful project proposals will be implemented in the years 2010 – 2012. The program’s focus on Sughd and Khatlon is explained by high poverty and food insecurity rates in these regions.
The EU Strategy for Central Asia aims to strengthen ties between the European Union and its Central Asian partners. It has doubled European Commission assistance to the region to €750 million for 2007-2013. Tajikistan gets the main share of bilateral assistance (€66 million for 2007-2010) in support to sector programs, technical assistance and grants. It focuses on social protection, health and private sector development, underpinned by public finance management. Projects aimed at enhancing living standards continue. Tajikistan also receives regional and thematic assistance in areas like border management and drug control (BOMCA/CADAP), education (TEMPUS, Erasmus Mundus), water / environment, human rights and democracy (EIDHR), non-State actors (NSA) and SME development (CA-Invest). The total value of EC assistance disbursed to Tajikistan since 1992 is over €500 million.
