DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, March 23 - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has ambitious plans for Tajikistan, announcing around 20 projects set to launch over the next four years. These initiatives cover a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, urban development, social services, finance, public sector management, transport, and energy.
During a recent meeting, Ko Sakamoto, ADB's country director for Tajikistan, emphasized the crucial role these projects will play in aligning with the government's goals of fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. “Our work with the government and all our partners continues to yield good results across various sectors. We are committed to making sure our initiatives succeed,” Sakamoto stated during the announcement.
As of now, ADB's portfolio in Tajikistan boasts 18 ongoing projects, collectively valued at $930 million, primarily supported by grants. This portfolio reflects the bank's focus on critical sectors such as transport, energy, and agriculture. Interestingly, 75 percent—or 12 out of the 18 projects—are currently on track for success, despite facing some challenges related to contract awards and disbursements. Since joining ADB in 1998, Tajikistan has benefited from over $2.7 billion in aid focusing on infrastructure, climate resilience, and social services.
Simultaneously, on the same day, another significant development unfolded with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signing a 2 million euro grant agreement with Tajikistan's Shabakhoi Intikoli Barki company. This grant is aimed at providing technical support for the "Modernization of the Sughd-500 Substation" project. Funded by the Japanese government, this initiative is pivotal for enhancing the stability of Tajikistan's power grid and encourages the integration of renewable energy sources into the national infrastructure.
The country's Ministry of Energy underscored the importance of this project, stating, “The project is of critical importance for strengthening the country's energy infrastructure and expanding its regional energy network connections.” This grant marks a substantial step forward for Tajikistan's energy objectives, signalling a shift toward modernized and resilient energy systems.
In the context of the development landscape, 2024 saw a remarkable increase in EBRD's investments in Tajikistan, with a fourfold rise compared to the previous year. Last year alone, the EBRD signed 23 projects valued at a total of 88 million euro, with over 62 percent of these investments directed towards green economy initiatives. Additionally, 61 percent of the projects were aimed at promoting inclusive lending, demonstrating a commitment to both environmental sustainability and social equity.
The coordinated efforts of both ADB and EBRD reflect a broader strategy to foster economic resilience and promote sustainable development in Tajikistan. As the government continues to navigate various challenges, these financial commitments will be crucial for realizing developmental goals while addressing the ongoing issues of infrastructure and energy demands.
In summary, the newly announced projects by ADB and the grant agreement by EBRD signify a robust investment in Tajikistan’s future. With focused efforts on improving energy infrastructure alongside strategic support for key sectors of the economy, Tajikistan stands to gain significantly from these initiatives. This foundation will not only fortify economic growth but will also enhance the country’s resilience to future challenges, positioning it as a stable player in the regional landscape.
