Donors indicated pledges of some $900 million over three years (including $200 million in humanitarian assistance) for a poverty-focused investment program presented by the Tajik government to the CG meeting, which convened from May 2-3, 2003. Some two-thirds of the total were pledged in grants. Actual disbursement will depend on further prioritization, effective implementation, and continued strong policy and governance reforms.

"We are aware of the urgency of deepening social and economic reforms, and ensuring sustainable growth," said President Emomali Rahmonov. "We have turned the page on humanitarian assistance and are now embarked on a full-blown program of development." The focus of activities under the government's program is on improving health and education services, rehabilitating the country's crumbling infrastructure, and supporting private sector development.

The program is based on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper recently prepared by the government in consultation with the private sector, non-government organizations and other representatives of civil society in this mountainous, isolated country where 80 percent of the population of 6 million live below the poverty line.

The last Consultative Group for Tajikistan, which met in Tokyo in 2001, drew pledges totaling $390 million for commitment over two years. So far significantly less than this sum has been disbursed. "This time both the government and donors must ensure they achieve the goals they have set for themselves, both in terms of concrete reform on the ground and financial support," said Dennis de Tray, World Bank Country Director for Central Asia. "Promises don't deliver jobs or schools. We need to do better in delivering on what we discuss. It is about implementation -our shared responsibility to make development happen."

Johannes Linn, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, reminded the Consultative Group of the international community's resolve to move from words to action in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2000. "This global resolve will come to little here if the countries in Central Asia do not open their borders to take mutual advantage of their regional market. Until the big Central Asian countries demonstrate their readiness to cooperate, there is little chance the smaller ones will make much headway on regional cooperation," he said.

Participants underlined the importance of an improved investment climate to encourage private investment, which is essential to growth and poverty reduction. They attached special importance to community-driven initiatives, rural development, and improving health and education. Promoting good governance and fighting corruption were also highlighted. President Rahmonov, meanwhile, confirmed his government's commitment to deepening the reform program.

Useful links: For more information on the World Bank’s work in Tajikistan, click here .