DUSHANBE, April 25, Asia-Plus  -- The National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) is currently considering applications by a number of foreign banks for operating licenses, the NBT head Sharif Rahimzoda told a press conference in Dushanbe yesterday.  

According to him, the issue of establishment  of a joint bank, which some foreign partners, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), intend to set up in Tajikistan, is currently under consideration.  

Representatives of the EBRD will arrive in Dushanbe on April 29 to negotiate this issue, Tajik central bank head said.  

He noted that several foreign banks have to date signaled interest in working in Tajikistan and opening their subsidiaries here.  Among them are Pakistani Habib Bank and Russian Vnesheconombank, according to Rahimzoda.  

“Earlier we had been granting licenses without any terms.  However, experience of other countries shows that it is necessary to make terms for foreign banks under which they will be granted operating license,” said the Tajik central bank head.  “For example, they should introduce new technologies, offer new products differing from our products, train our personnel.”  He added that it is necessary to conduct negotiations with foreign banks.