DUSHANBE, June 29, 2016, Asia-Plus -- GIZ Program “Framework and Finance for Private Sector Development in Tajikistan/ Growth in Rural Economy and Agriculture in Tajikistan” (FFPSD/ GREAT) is nearing completion.

On this occasion, a formal closure event took place at the National Library in Dushanbe yesterday, GIZ Office in Tajikistan said.   

Commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) since 2011, the program is coming to its logical end.  Program Director, Hagen Ettner opened the event with a presentation outlining major achievements made and challenges encountered in the course of the five-year program.

The outcomes reached in three key thematic areas, in particular Business Enabling Environment, Commercial Approaches to Value Chain Development and Inclusiveness in Value Chain Development, were in the focus of presentations and discussions among the participants. 

The format of the conference foresaw that both program specialists and implementing partners would split into thematic groups, to present their experience and impressions on cooperation with the program.  Each of the thematic sessions yielded feedbacks from partners on what has and has not worked well, and what needs to be replicated or improved.  In the course of vivid discussions, the participants highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation with the regions, since this is the level for practical activities aimed at translating reforms into action.

Deputy governor of Sughd province, Anvar Yoqubi summed up: “Activities need to be more focused on the regions, as it is the regions where reforms are being implemented, farmers are working and products are being produced.  Therefore, field works should be in the focus and local successes need to be enhanced and disseminated throughout the country.  This, I hope will be the next stage of our cooperation.”

Recommendations will be formulated from the proceedings of the conference to be taken into account for planning future activities.

The Framework and Finance for Private Sector Development Program (FFPSD) in Tajikistan was commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is co-financed by DFID.  The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) is implementing the program in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MoEDT) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) of Tajikistan and other national and international partners.  The Program contributes to improving the framework for sustainable and pro-poor growth in the Tajik economy, especially in rural areas.