DUSHANBE, January 17, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans a $313.9 million assistance program, including expected cofinancing from other development partners for Tajikistan over the next three years, press release issued by ADB’s Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM) says.

The indicative program stresses improving regional connections and investment climate.

The assistance program agreed upon with the government is described in a recently endorsed Country Operations Business Plan (COBP) for 2014-2016, essentially a pipeline of projects that ADB wishes to support.  The new pipeline is planned following a year of record-breaking assistance approved by ADB for Tajikistan in 2013 amounting to $249.3 million all in grant.

“This is the last COBP under the current Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), and the work to prepare a new CPS for 2015-2019 is underway,” said C.C. Yu, ADB’s Country Director for Tajikistan.  “ADB will continue to support the country in improving energy and transport infrastructure, expanding access to clean water and better social services, and investing in human development and private sector development.”

The 2014-2016 indicative assistance pipeline includes projects to reduce energy losses by reinforcing power metering and transmission, strengthen private sector participation in technical and vocational education, and develop regional railway connecting Tajikistan with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. The proposed regional railway project, in particular, is expected to bring major socioeconomic benefits for Tajikistan.  The COBP also comprises projects to develop water resources, and support investment climate reforms.

Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998 and, to date, the institution has approved total assistance of over $1.2 billion in concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance to the country. The 15 years of ADB-Tajikistan partnership has promoted social development, restored and built new infrastructure, expanded agricultural production, and encouraged regional cooperation and trade within the framework of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.