DUSHANBE, January 15, 2014, Asia-Plus -- State and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) were discussed here yesterday at a meeting of senior representatives from the Tajik Ministry of Transport with the EBRD delegation, led by new head of EBRD’s Resident Office in Tajikistan, Mr. Richard Jones.

According to the MoT press center, the sides, in particular, discussed issues related to financial support for transportation development projects in Tajikistan and the progress of implementation of EBRD-supported projects in Tajikistan.

EBRD’s operations in Tajikistan started in 1992 with technical cooperation, with the first investments in 1996.  During this time, the EBRD has concentrated on private sector development, which accounts for over 70 per cent of the Bank’s investment there.

The Bank’s strategy for Tajikistan takes into account the fact that Tajikistan is a priority recipient of grant co-financing and TC to alleviate serious affordability constraints, in particular in the rural areas, and to improve the institutional capacity to narrow the transition gaps and ensure timely implementation of Bank-financed projects.