DUSHANBE, May 14, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in supporting private sector in the country were discussed ere on May 13 at a meeting of Tajik CCI Chairman Said Sharif with Mr. Ulf Hindstrom, Head of the EBRD Office in Tajikistan, the CCI press center reports.

Mr. Hindstrom reportedly noted that the Bank planned to work with representatives of Tajik small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) directly.  The EBRD Office head offered to organize presentation of the loan program for members of Tajikistan’s CCI in order to explain opportunities in getting loans to them, the source noted.

According to him, Mr. Hindstrom also noted that the EBRD was ready to provide Tajik entrepreneurs with services of experts, lawyers and professional marketers as well as assist them with launching joint ventures and seeking business partners.

Said Sharif, for his part, noted that they were interested in cooperation with the Bank because raising professionalism and qualification of the CCI members was an import part of the CCI work.  He invited Mr. Hindstrom to visit the InterLeglProm exhibition that will take place at the Kokhi Borbad State Complex in Dushanbe from June 7 to 9.

In Tajikistan, the EBRD focuses its activities on developing the banking sector, improving municipal infrastructure, and promoting small businesses.  The Bank is also supporting the development of the agricultural sector, with a special emphasis on loans to farmers under the Tajik Agriculture Financing Framework (TAFF).  To date, the EBRD has committed over €205 million in various sectors of the Tajik economy, mobilizing additional investments in excess of about €60 million.