DUSHANBE, 15.04.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Yesterday, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan Zavqi Zavqizoda met with the head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan Marilyn Josefson.

Zavqizoda noted the importance of monitoring the execution of a letter of the Tajik government to the European Commission President regarding the provision of financial and technical support to prevent the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic to the national economy.

Josefson said that the EU will provide additional grant assistance in the amount of €48 million and a loan in the amount of €30 million through the European Investment Bank to mobilize the Anti-Crisis Plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into Tajikistan.

These funds will be used for education, healthcare, border protection, improving the health care system, water supply and sanitation, as well as eliminating economic and social consequences resulting from the pandemic.

So far €1.3 million has been allocated for the provision of protective clothing for medical workers in 25 medical centers, and €780,000 has gone toward the provision of sanitary and hygienic conditions for educational institutions.

Within the framework of the meetings of the Intergovernmental Commissions, grant assistance in the amount of €631 million was raised for the development of the socio-economic sector, health, education, agriculture and energy. Over €350 million will also be allocated in accordance with the EU new multi-year indicative program for 2021-2027.