DUSHANBE, August 12, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Mr. Lars Thunell, Executive Vice President and CEO of International Finance Corporation (IFC), is expected to visit Tajikistan on August 14-16.  

Ms. Wendy Verner of the IFC Dushanbe Office told reporters in Dushanbe on August 12 that the aim of his visit to Tajikistan is to discuss with high-ranking Tajik state officials prospects of further expansion cooperation between IFC and Tajikistan. 

During his stay in Dushanbe, Mr. Thunell is scheduled to hold talks with President Emomali Rahmon on August 14.  

The same day, Mr. Thunell will hold meetings with clients and top managers of The First MicroFinanceBank of Tajikistan (FMFB-T) and managers of Tojiksodirotbonk (TSB) in Dushanbe.

On August 15, the IFC executive vice president will visit the Pamir Energy Company (PEC) in Khorog, Gorno Badakhshan and on Saturday, he will visit Khujand, Sughd province to hold talks with top managers of Eskhata Bank.

Mr. Thunell is leading IFC in its mission to promote sustainable private sector development.  Since joining the Corporation in January 2006, Mr. Thunell has confirmed IFC’s strategy to grow its business and its mission to create opportunities in emerging markets and improve people’s lives.  He has visited over 30 developing countries to see at first hand how IFC can best help its clients with financing and advisory services, and endorsed further decentralization of IFC.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC’s vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries.