DUSHANBE , October 17, Asia-Plus  -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) grant package totaling US$ 2 million will help boost the Tajikistan Government''s capacity in promoting private sector development, press release issued by the ADB Dushanbe Office said.

The package comprises a grant of US$1 million from the Government of the United Kingdom ’s Department for International Development (DFID), US$900,000 from ADB''s technical assistance funding program, and US$100,000 in-kind contribution from the Tajikistan Government.

“The Government has identified private sector development as a strategic development priority for Tajikistan ,” says Neeraj K. Jain, ADB’s Country Director for Tajikistan . “And ADB with its sector expertise and multilateral structure is proud of being a partner for the Government in supporting private sector development."

The main intended outcomes of the technical assistance grant are supporting the Government as an “enabler” of the private sector, effective engagement and active leadership of the Government in simplifying business regulations and creating a favorable environment for private sector development, and mainstreaming and strengthening of business promotion and advisory services by the Government.

“DFID is pleased to be supporting this program to boost private sector development and growth. It is an example of the Government and donors joining efforts to provide support in a coherent and concerted manner”, says Sobir Qurbonov, DFID Economic Adviser.

The project will be conducted over about three years from October 2007 to around October 2010. The State Committee on Investments and State Property Management is the executing agency for the technical assistance program under the overall coordination of the President’s Office.

ADB, based in Manila , is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2006, it approved loans and grants for projects totaling $8.5 billion, and technical assistance amounting to almost $242 million.