DUSHANBE, December 23, 2011, Asia-Plus — The administration of the Sughd Free Economic Zone (FEZ) and the Hilfswerk Austria office in Tajikistan signed a memorandum of cooperation in Khujand on December 22.
According to FEZ Sughd, the document is dedicated to promote cooperation between the two organizations in supporting development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promoting sustainable development of the FEZ Sughd entities, and introducing high technologies.
Under the memorandum, the sides plan to implement a number of projects aiming to support transfer of modern technologies, stimulate innovative activity, as well as support business initiatives in the territory of the FEZ Sughd within the next five years, the source said.
Besides, training seminars will be organized for employees of the FEZ Sughd administration and entities, he added.
Hilfswerk Austria is one of Austria”s leading organizations for development cooperation and humanitarian aid to Eastern Europe. The organization provides worldwide assistance to people in need. It finances its projects through national and international project funding for development cooperation and disaster relief as well as through private donations and sponsoring.
Its work is oriented toward Austrian and international objectives of development cooperation. Hilfswerk Austria provides emergency relief and reconstruction assistance following wars and natural disasters. Particular attention is turned to providing relief for children in need and special assistance for women.
Economic development is a basic prerequisite for the lasting reduction of poverty and therefore an essential foundation for sustainable development. Hilfswerk Austria incorporates Austrian and European companies into its projects and supports the business initiatives of companies committed to social and ecological values through confidence-building measures. Furthermore, it supports companies in the implementation of CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives and welcomes the voluntary assumption of social responsibility by companies as a step toward establishing the necessary basic conditions throughout the world.
Hilfswerk Austria has worked in Tajikistan since 2001.
