DUSHANBE, June 8, Asia-Plus -- On Friday June 8, The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe in cooperation with the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia and the Business Environment Improvement Project (BEI) made a presentation and discussion of the recent changes in commercial legislation in Tajikistan and introduction of the Guide on starting a Business in Tajikistan and Compilation of Sample Business Contracts.

According to the Dushanbe Office of the Eurasian Foundation of Central Asia, changes in commercial legislation in Tajikistan were discussed at the presentation in particular the changes in Civil Code of Tajikistan, changes in new Law of RT “On Investments” and changes in legal acts on licensing.  

The Business Environment Improvement Project (BEI) is a four-year initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The BEI Project supports USAID''s strategic objectives in these countries by providing direct consultation and support to build capacity within government and the private sector to promote effective dialogue, strengthen the free market-supporting commercial law framework, improve implementation of business-related legal reforms, streamline administrative processes and promote operational improvements for the benefit of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region.

BEI works directly with national governments, regional and city administrations, private sector businesses and service providers, and professional and business associations to promote the greatest potential positive impact for SMEs in each country of operation. 

BEI commercial law reform activities are focused on developing a modern, free market-supporting commercial law framework. BEI works with government and private sector counterparts to draft, promote and implement codes, laws, regulations and sub-normative acts that facilitate the development of a legal regime for business that is simple, consistent and transparent. Specific initiatives include improving legal and regulatory drafting procedures to require publication, provide opportunities for private sector comment, and incorporating cost-benefit analysis and active public participation; identifying and eliminating Soviet-era acts that restrict free market entrepreneurial activity; improving access to alternative dispute resolution services, facilitating the enforcement of ADR (alternative dispute resolution) decisions, and improving private sector contracting practices; reducing inspection frequency, increasing assertion of rights by entrepreneurs during inspections, and increasing the penalties on government agents for illegal conduct; and reducing the legal requirements for registration, licensing and other business activities.