DUSHANBE, July 8, 2010, Asia-Plus -- The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) have concluded a contract with independent research team of Kubat Rahimov on financing the first part of the survey “The Sughd Free Economic Zone (FEZ SUGHD) – the Concept of Creation of Logistics Center in Ferghana Valley.”

According to EFCA, the research team is to determine trends of long-term development of trade in Ferghana Valley and assess potential of development of trade relations in the region as well as impact of the logistics center in the FEZ SUGHD on the process of growth in freight turnover in the region.

The independent research team of Kubat Rahimov consists of specialists from Tajikistan, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

A total cost of the survey is 50,000 U.S. dollars and the work is financed by the USAID Regional Customs and Trade Liberalization Project (RCTL).

The Regional Trade Liberalization and Customs Project works to foster economic growth and improve the competitiveness of Tajikistan through improving conditions for international and cross-border trade and transit.

The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) was created in 2005 to better meet the needs of Eurasia Foundation’s local partners in Central Asia and to devolve management responsibilities to local staff.  Based in Almaty, Bishkek, Dushanbe and Osh, EFCA staff manage a broad portfolio of programs, developing local organizations via technical assistance and grants.  Eurasia Foundation (EF) and EFCA have invested more than $40 million in Central Asia to support local initiatives in community development, private enterprise, education and public administration.

A public-private partnership, EFCA is governed by an international board of trustees and is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as governments, foundations, corporations, intergovernmental organizations, universities and individuals.

Continuing the work of EF, which has been active in the region since 1993, EFCA staff have extensive experience in project design, implementation and oversight.