DUSHANBE, July 16, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- On Saturday July 16, President Emomali Rahmon received Mr. Olivier Descamps, Managing Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for Turkey, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

According to the presidential press service, the sides discussed state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the Bank.  Issues related to implementation of the earlier reached agreements were reportedly among major topics of the meeting.   

Tajik leader expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation with Bank, under support of which 44 projects for a total amount of more than US$100 million are being implemented in the country.  Besides, 10 other projects for €70 million are at the stage of preparation, the source said.

Mr. Descamps arrived in Dushanbe on July 15 for a three-day visit and according to the EBRD Dushanbe resident Office, during his stay in Dushanbe he is also scheduled to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Murodali Alimardon, Economic Development and Trade Minister Farrukh Hamraliyev and Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) Sharif Rahimzoda.

The EBRD’s activities in Tajikistan focus on fostering the private sector, strengthening the financial sector and supporting critical infrastructure.  In developing the private sector, the first priority is to develop micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through microfinance instruments, small and medium-sized enterprises credit lines, and Trade Facilitation Programme.  The financial sector will be strengthened through various means including broadening lending products and extending a Medium-Sized Co-financing Facility to suitable local banks.  In supporting the country’s infrastructure, the EBRD will facilitate commercialization, while concentrating on the basic needs of the population and affordability.