DUSHANBE. June 2. “Asia-Plus” — Tajikistan and Asian Development Bank have adjusted their Partnership Strategy for 2010-2014. According to the document, Tajikistan will be provided assistance for strengthening of its energy saving sector and transport links as well as for development of private sector for further diversification of the country’s economy.
Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference, ADB Country Director for Tajikistan Makoto Ojiro noted that the new strategy includes efforts of the Tajik government for expansion of energy saving, especially in rural areas. “Currently the republic is facing lack of energy during winter period and has surplus of electricity in summer,” Makoto Ojiro has said. “The country uses only 10% of huge energy resources. Being the biggest and many-sided partner of Tajikistan, ADB will focus on rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and on the development of clear and sustainable energy for internal and regional needs.”
According to him, under the new strategy ADB will also improve automobile roads since major portion of roads are in deteriorated condition due to the consequences of civil war and natural disasters. “ADB will also focus on internal and regional roads which link Tajikistan with China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, including improvement of customs procedures and transit conditions,” he stressed.
ADB is also planning to support reforms in state management and measures aimed at improvement of business and investment environment, namely the use of partnership in governmental and private sector, he said stressing that Partnership Strategy with Tajikistan is part of a plan on allocation of phased investments for improvement of transport communication, energy security and development of private sector in the context of strengthening of regional cooperation.
“In 2010-2012 ADB is planning to allocate $252mln in the form of state investments. This is 35% more as compared to previous three-year period,” he said. “Funding will include two energy projects (worth $142mln), two projects on reforms ($59mln) and one transport related project ($51mln).”
Technical support worth $5.1mln will be provided to Tajikistan in the same period, he added. “Currently, funding is provided without compensation. However, the country will be able to get credits as soon as situation with foreign debt is improved,” he stressed.
