DUSHANBE (TCA) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) exceeded its annual disbursement target in Tajikistan by more than 40% in 2019, as it continued to support the Tajik Government’s efforts to achieve sustainable inclusive growth in the country, and improve socio-economic conditions of the people of Tajikistan, ADB said.
This was confirmed on March 10 at the conclusion of the 2019 performance review meeting of ADB-funded projects in the country. The meeting wrapped up the country portfolio review mission, an annual exercise jointly carried out by ADB and the Government with executing and implementing agencies.
“Overall, the country portfolio continued to perform well in 2019 with only one project having some delays in contract awards,” said ADB Project Administration Unit Head in Tajikistan Raza Farrukh, who co-chaired the meeting together with the First Deputy Chairman of the Tajik State Committee of Investments and State Property Management Sharaf Sheralizoda. “In 2019, our projects achieved 143% of the annual disbursement target and 98% of the annual contract award target.”
Common issues affecting project implementation were discussed at the meeting, and participants agreed on concrete actions to address them. The issues of lengthy internal government procedures for ratifying grant agreements and fulfilling project effectiveness conditions, and taxation on contracts procured under ADB-financed projects still require attention.
At a special ceremony held during the meeting, ADB also recognized and presented awards for projects that had demonstrated excellent results in 2019.
ADB’s ongoing portfolio in Tajikistan in 2019 included 16 projects amounting to $768 million, with $686 million or 89% financed by grants. Energy and transport sectors remained the largest recipients of total ADB financing, accounting for 45.1% and 29.5%, respectively. ADB financing also focused on agriculture, natural resources, and rural development (9.2%); water and other urban infrastructure and services (5.4%); health (4.2%); education (4.1%); and finance (2.5%). In addition, there were nine technical assistance grants totaling $7.3 million.
ADB’s first assistance to Tajikistan was in 1998 to support post-conflict reconstruction. Since then, ADB has mobilized over $1.8 billion for the country, including more than $1.3 billion in grants. The assistance has helped improve the country’s transport and energy infrastructure, support social development, expand agricultural production, and strengthen regional cooperation and trade.
Source: TCA
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