June 2, 2007 Dushanbe Tajikistan

Tajikistan is at the new development stage when it needs deeper structural reform and focus on the longer-term development challenges.

The Tajikistan Development Forum brought together development partners of the country in Tajik capital on June 2, 2007. Forum provided  an important opportunity to assess the implementation of the Tajikistan first Poverty Reduction Strategy and carry out an open dialogue between government representatives, development partners and the civil society on the implementation of the country’s National Development Strategy and the second Poverty Reduction Strategy recently adopted by the Government.  The discussions focused on the way forward and determining the role each partner can play in contributing to the Government’s development vision. 

President Emomali Rahmon addressing Forum participants	From left to the right Ms. Annette Dixon, WB; President Emomali Rahmon; Prime Minister Akil Akilov; Juan Miranda, ADB	Maria Lagus of SIDA presenting the strategy of Donor Coordination Council

Forum discussed a variety of issues representing importance for the Tajikistan long-term development, but particular emphasis was made on:

• National Development Strategy and the Second Poverty Reduction Strategy;
• Development of the Energy Sector;
• Human Potential Development;
• Rural Development and Resolution of the Cotton Farm Debt.

Mr.  Gulomjon Babaev, Minister of Economy and Trade presenting the NDS

Tajikistan has achieved a lot during the last decade. Economic growth has averaged 9.4 percent for 2000 to 2005 and inflation has been relatively stable and kept at single-digits.  Growth in traditional sectors, such as cotton and aluminum, combined with remittances has enabled Tajikistan to sustain its economic growth performance. However, Forum participants recognized that much work remains to be done to implement the Poverty Reduction Strategy for 2007-2009 and achieve the development outcomes envisaged in National Development Strategy. The Forum served as another step towards strengthening cooperation between Tajik Government and the development community.

Mr. Raghuveer Sharma, WB Lead Financial Analyst commenting on the Energy Sector Strategy

The Development Forum has proven to be a valuable opportunity for an open and inclusive discussion on difficult, but critical issues for the future of Tajikistan.  The Government outlined their development vision and ambitious reform program and donor partners reaffirmed their commitment to aligning support behind the priorities identified in the Poverty Reduction Strategy.  In line with the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness, Government and donors agreed to work in close collaboration to improve their joint impact and focus on tangible, visible results to improve the lives of the people of Tajikistan.

Prime Minister Akil Akilov and the WB Regional Director Annette Dixon at a joint press conference

At a joint press conference marking the end of the Forum, Mr. Akilov Akilov, the Prime-Minister of Tajikistan,  expressed his confidence that the close cooperation of Tajik Government with the donor community will help promote and build upon the progress in macroeconomic stabilization and economic growth. Annette Dixon, the World Banks Regional Director for Central Asia, in turn, stated that Tajikistan has achieved great progress since the last Forum over 2.5 years ago. The Government has developed its ten-year vision for development in the National Development Strategy and the three-year action plan in the second Poverty Reduction Strategy. The aim of the Forum was to discuss the plans and ensure that external aid of donors supports the Government in implementing these strategies.

For more information about the Forum, please download the Press release and Chairman Concluding Remarks.

FORUM PRESENTATIONS:

Government Presentation of the National Development Strategy
Donor Presentation on the National Development Strategy
Government Presentation on Energy Sector Development
Donor Presentation on Energy Sector Development
Government Presentation on Cotton Farm Debt
Donor Presentation on Cotton Farm Debt
Government Presentation on Human Development
Donor Presentation on Human Development                                                  

Presentation on Donors Support

Since  1996 the World Bank is helping the Government of Tajikistan organize Donors’ Consultative Group Meetings for Tajikistan. The World Bank’s mission in Tajikistan is to improve the country’s economy and provide people with a better quality of life.

Since 1996, the World Bank has approved twenty nine lending and grant-funded projects (plus four supplemental credits) for a total commitment of about USD 440 million. Grants account for more than USD 86 million of this amount. USD 337 million of the total amount committed has already been disbursed. In addition, over USD 48 million has been made available to Tajikistan for economic management, rehabilitation of infrastructure and development of human capital on a grant basis through Trust Funds administered by the World Bank. Furthermore, the International Financial  Corporation (the private sector arm of the World Bank Group) has approved eleven investments for a total commitment (loans and equity) of approximately USD 36 million. Please read more in our World Bank Activities Report and the Project Stories on how World Bank's assistance is affecting people's lives in Tajikistan.