DUSHANBE, October 11, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon today held talks with Mr. Jan Fischer, the Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

According to the presidential press service, the sides discussed state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the Bank.

42 EBRD-sponsored projects for a total amount of more than 200 million euros have been implemented in Tajikistan in recent year and 16 other projects for a total amount of 65 million euros are in the stage of preparation.  These projects are aimed at promoting implementation of important national programs and supporting the private sector.

Tajik leader reportedly supported EBRD”s new practice of supporting Tajikistan’s banking sector through an equity investment in Tajik lenders.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of cooperation and activities of the Council for Improvement of Investment Climate under the President of Tajikistan that had been set up under support of the EBRD.

While discussing the EBRD’s next country strategy for Tajikistan designed for the coming three years, the sides noted that there were still unused resources for expansion of bilateral cooperation, the source said.

The sides also reportedly considered issues related to cooperation in energy, transport and communication sectors, construction of highways  and railroads as well as establishment of medium-sized and small enterprises for processing farm produce.

In the meantime, a press release issued by the EBRD notes that a high-profile delegation from the EBRD is visiting Tajikistan on October 10-12 for the country strategy consultations.

The press release issued on October 7 notes the Bank is currently working on its next country strategy for Tajikistan – which is an important country of operations for the EBRD.  The EBRD delegation members reportedly include the Vice President Jan Fischer, Managing Director for Turkey, Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia Olivier Descamps, Director for Central Asia Masaru Honma, Senior Political Counselor Mahir Babayev, and Senior Regional Economist Nienke Oomes.  The EBRD''s representatives are meeting interested parties – including the country''s political leaders, International Financial Institutions, representatives from the diplomatic community and from civil society and the media, as well as business leaders.

Tajikistan became a shareholder of the EBRD in 1992. Up to date, the Bank invested over 280 million US dollars in over 58 projects in the country.