DUSHANBE, March 20, Asia-Plus  -- The UNDP Country Office in Tajikistan has set to implementation of the “Initiative for Zarafshon Valley” funded by the British Department for International Development (DIFD).  

Safarbek Soliyev, External Relations Advisor, UNDP Dushanbe Office, has told Asia-Plus that the project is aimed at promoting reduction of poverty in Zarafshon Valley (northern Tajikistan) with a population of 270,000, rehabilitating and creating local economy, promoting social integration and social support, turning it into a single economic zone.  

“There is a real foundation for successful implementation of the initiative in Zarafshon Valley,” Mr. Soliyev stressed, noting that the UNDP field office in the region has been cooperating with local authorities, civil society and private sector in all three districts of Zafarshon Valley – Kuhistoni Matchoh, Ayni and Panjakent.   

A total amount of a grant awarded by DFID amounts to US$6.8 million, including a contribution of US$708,000 of UNDP, the UNDP Dushanbe office external relations advisor said.