DUSHANBE, 16.09.2017 /NIAT “Khovar”/. Presentation of EBRD banking and consulting products for companies operating in tourism sector was held today, September 15, in Dushanbe. The event was initiated by the Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan jointly with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The event is aimed at the development of the hospitality sector in Tajikistan and is supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs through the Small Business Facility.

The presentation was attended by the Chairman of the Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Numon Abdugafforzoda, the leading manager of the EBRD Small Business Advisory Program in Tajikistan Sitora Bobojanova, as well as by about 60 companies operating in tourism sector: tour operators, representatives of the hotel business and resorts in Tajikistan.

The presentation of new banking and consulting products is aimed at increasing the awareness of private business representatives about the possibility of cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in attracting investments and using know-how.

“To create a modern infrastructure and attract more tourists, it is necessary to develop investment projects and business plans that meet the requirements of investors, marketing strategies for the sector development, as well as brands and websites for travel companies that will help attract tourists and thereby promote tourism sector of Tajikistan”, — said Numon Abdugafforzoda.

“During the work in Tajikistan market, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development supported more than 114 projects. The EBRD operates in several sectors, including energy, transport, private sector, municipality, infrastructure, as well as agribusiness and tourism. The main task of the bank is to promote the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Tajikistan, the infrastructure of the republic, that is, to all that helps countries in transition period with transition economy. All EBRD projects are related exclusively to the development of Tajikistan, we work very closely with all public organizations, private sector, and associations. Today we represent those products, which are offered by EBRD in Tajikistan in the sphere of tourism and hotel business. And we will be happy to find partners for further fruitful cooperation”, — stressed Sitora Bobojanova.

During the event, participants learned about the EBRD’s financing instruments, selection criteria, opportunities for cooperation, as well as about the Small Business Advisory Program, which partially subsidizes the consulting projects needed by private business for further development.

According to the EBRD’s “Business Environment of Tajikistan” report, tourism is highlighted as one of the most important sectors of the country’s economy. This event will continue the EBRD efforts to improve the tourism sector of Tajikistan. We will recall that in 2016, the EBRD held an event for representatives of the hotel business with the involvement of international consultants from Canada who shared their experience and told about real successful projects implemented by EBRD consultants in the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan and abroad.

To date, the EBRD’s accumulated investments in various sectors of Tajikistan’s economy exceed 608 million euros (700 million dollars).