President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Rena-Basso, during her two-day visit to Dushanbe, met with representatives of the media and discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation with Tajikistan.
Key sectors of cooperation with Tajikistan include energy, transport, and support for private businesses. The focus is on developing green clean energy, with investments in the electricity sector. A project on transmission and distribution networks was signed earlier this year. Additionally, emphasis is placed on digitalization and gender issues, with significant attention given to projects promoting women's entrepreneurship.
As part of the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the National Bank of Tajikistan for financing women's entrepreneurship. Separate agreements were signed for a credit line to Arvand Bank and trade financing to Humo Microcredit Deposit Organization. Furthermore, a project in the water supply sector was signed, such as the Faizabad district water supply project. The bank is also implementing several small water supply projects in Khatlon, providing clean and safe water access to over 400,000 residents in the region.
In collaboration with the Dushanbe mayor's office, a program for the city's future planning was developed. The priority is to enhance the city's greenery in terms of transportation, water supply, solid waste management, energy supply, and central heating. The transportation greening project includes the introduction of electric vehicles and the installation of charging stations. This will be the third project under the "Green City" concept, implemented jointly with the Dushanbe mayor's office.
Previously, efforts were made to improve distribution networks and connect 194 buildings to the city's central heating system. The total project budget is 28.45 million euros, with a credit provided for 18 years at 1% interest.
The Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant is a major strategic project, with funding support from the World Bank. This project aligns more with the World Bank's modality than the EBRD's usual structure. The Tajikistan government, with the World Bank's assistance, has attracted significant funding from international financial institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and Asian Development Bank. While the EBRD is not currently allocating funds, they are closely monitoring the project. Notably, the EBRD participated in the rehabilitation of the Kayrakkum Hydroelectric Power Plant and provided concessional funds from the Green Climate Fund.
The EBRD finances the country based on its needs and holds shares in MDO Imon International, Bank Eskhata, and a stake in the hypermarket Auchan. Regarding capital investment in other companies and organizations in the country, no specific plans have been disclosed. Overall, over 30 years of partnership, the EBRD has invested approximately 1 billion euros in 168 projects in Tajikistan.
