DUSHANBE, 12.07.2022 (NIAT Khovar) – As part of a working visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the governmental delegation of Tajikistan headed by the Deputy Prime Minister Usmonali Usmonzoda took part in the anniversary Forum of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which was held in London in honor of the 30th anniversary of the EBRD cooperation with the countries of Central Asia.

The event was also attended by EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, members of the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, experts and representatives of business circles.

During the event, an overview of the EBRD’s interaction with the countries of the Central Asian region over the past 30 years was made, as well as a vision for the further development of partnerships in the context of countries.

The Bank’s management noted that Central Asia has a special priority in the investment policy of the EBRD, and also expressed a commitment to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries of the region.

The EBRD will continue to finance major infrastructure projects in such areas as energy, water supply, transport, logistics and other areas. Increased attention will be paid to projects aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and expanding transport and logistics communications.

It was also announced that they were ready to increase investment in the implementation of sustainable development and green energy projects, which will significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the countries of the region.

Usmonzoda, in his speech at the plenary session, told the participants about the stages of the country’s economic development over the past 30 years, about the current state and prospects of cooperation with the EBRD, measures taken to improve the business environment, available investment opportunities and major infrastructure projects.

He stressed that the main priorities for the government of Tajikistan are improving the well-being of the people, increasing human potential, sustainable economic development in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, maintaining and strengthening peace and stability in the country.

Deputy PM emphasized that over the past years Tajikistan has managed to strengthen its independence and become a full and responsible participant in international relations. During this period, sustainable socio-economic development of the country was ensured, a lot of work was done to achieve its highest goal, to increase the level and improve the quality of life of the population.

Over the past 20 years, the average annual economic development has been achieved at the level of 7.5%, the country’s gross domestic product from 1.8 billion somoni in 2000 was brought to 95 billion somoni in 2021, and the state budget revenue from 252 million somoni to 28 billion somoni. That is, the gross domestic product increased by almost 53 times, the state budget by 11 times, and the gross domestic product per capita increased by more than 30 times. During this period, more than 2,000 manufacturing enterprises were created in the country, and the volume of industrial production increased almost 4 times compared to the first years of independence.

Within the framework of this event, a business forum was also held with the participation of British and foreign companies, representatives of the business community.

On the sidelines of the EBRD Forum, Deputy PM Usmonzoda and First Deputy Minister of Finance, EBRD Coordinator for Tajikistan Jamshed Karimzoda held a number of bilateral meetings, and exchanged views on topical issues of bilateral cooperation with an emphasis on issues of trade and economic cooperation.

The meeting focused on the importance of creating a unified energy regime in Central Asia, the construction of hydropower facilities, including the Rogun hydroelectric power station.

In particular, on July 8, the Deputy PM Usmonzoda met with the EBRD President, Ms. Odile-Renaud Basso, and the Vice-President of this bank Mark Bowman, as well as with the EBRD directors for infrastructure for Eurasian countries Ekaterina Miroshnik and Operations Manager Natalya Khanzhenkova.

Usmonzoda also met with Deputy Prime Minister — Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan Eluran Zhamaubaev and Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Adilbek Kosimaliev.

It was reported that the next 32nd Annual Meeting of the EBRD Board of Governors in 2023 will be held in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand.