DUSHANBE, April 7, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- State and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) were the focus of a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with ADB’s Country Director for Tajikistan Joji Tokeshi that took place here on April 6.

President’s official website reports the sides, in particular, considered regional projects on construction of railroads, including a rail link that will connect Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.  They also discussed projects aimed at laying a gas pipeline and constructing a power transmission line.

In the course of the talks, Emomali Rahmon and Joji Tokeshi reportedly underlined the significance of expansion of cooperation.

Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998.  Since that time, ADB has reportedly approved a total of some $860 million in concessional loans, grants and technical assistance to the country.

We will recall that the Asian Development Bank plans a $215.1 million grant program for Tajikistan in 2012-2014 to help develop energy and transport infrastructure and reforms, including renewable energy alternatives, and support private sector development.

ADB assistance for 2012 is expected to be $62 million in grants.  This would be followed by anticipated assistance levels of $84.3 million grant, and $69 million grant in 2013 and 2014, respectively.  However, final amounts will depend on the country’s performance and the availability of ADB funds.