DUSHANBE, April 7, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- A center to support development of business associations has been set up in Tajikistan.

Ms. Malika Mahkamova of GTZ (German Agency for Technical Cooperation) Tajikistan says the center has been set up due to technical and financial support from the GTZ project, Support for Small and Medium Enterprises in Tajikistan.

According to her, the center is dedicated to promote strengthening of potential of the country’s business associations and development of entrepreneurship in Tajikistan.

A meeting of founders and general meeting took place in Dushanbe on April 5 and Ms. Sabohat Rahimzoda, the chairperson of the Association of Businesswomen of Tajikistan, was elected chairperson of the Center board for one year.

In December 2009, with support from the GTZ project, Support for Small and Medium Enterprises in Tajikistan, 11 heads of business associations from Tajikistan had an opportunity to visit Albania and Germany to study experience of work of similar business associations operating in those countries, Ms. Mahkamova said.

The GTZ project, Support for Small and Medium enterprises in Tajikistan, has worked since December 2006 and one of components of the project is aimed at promoting development and strengthening of potential of Tajikistan’s business associations.  The project will be finished in December 2014.