The Aga-Khan Foundation in Tajikistan (AKF) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have actively contributed to the work of International Economic Forum “Kulob - 2022” held on August 26-27. The purpose of the forum was to present investment opportunities, intensify the process of attracting capital, strengthen the production of import-substituting products, expand cooperation between entrepreneurs and investors, create joint ventures and establish mutually beneficial cooperation in Khatlon region.
The forum took place in Kulob city in the premises of State University named after Abu Abdulla Rudaki with the participation of more than 300 people including officials from Government of Tajikistan, ministries and state committees, distinguished guests from foreign embassies and development partners as well as investors from other countries.
The event started with an exhibition of goods and products of domestic manufacturers in the field of industry, agriculture, tourism, and banking services. AKF presented agriculture produces such as reproduced high-quality wheat seeds, potato, pomegranate, and apples produced by farmers through “Agribusiness Development” and THRIVE projects funded by JICA and USAID and implemented by Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP).
During the official part of the forum the representatives of the government of Tajikistan, development partners and business sector made speeches. In his speech, the head of Khatlon region Mr. Hakimzoda Kurbon informed participants about the investment climate and opportunities of the Khatlon region and stressed out the importance of the role of business sector as well as development partners in socio-economic development of the region. On the latter, he mentioned in particular about valuable contribution of JICA, USAID and AKF in job creation, entrepreneurship and agrobusiness development in Khatlon region.
Mr. Takasaka Muneo, Chief Representative of JICA Tajikistan office expressed his gratitude to the Government of Tajikistan for organizing such an important event that improves business environment and contributes to creating business network between Tajik and foreign enterprises in the region with huge economic potential. While briefly introducing JICA activities in the region Takasaka Muneo stated, “We have been implementing several projects in Khatlon region, which are contributing to the private sector development, creation of enterprises for processing and packaging of food products, improvement of farmer’s access to quality agriculture inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, as well as extension system of agricultural advisory services.” He added “In agriculture sector, together with our implementing partners AKF and FAO, we have contributed to the improvement of wheat and potato seed revolving funds by providing 129 tons of elite wheat seeds and 100 tons of elite potato seeds to farmers in Khatlon, GBAO and Sughd regions.”
The official part of event ended with signing of several cooperation documents for the amount of 3,5 billion Tajik somoni.
In the working part of the forum, plenary sessions dedicated to various sectors including agriculture, industry and tourism were conducted. This section contained speeches and presentations of the responsible authorities of the industry, entrepreneurs and investors, representatives of development partners and experts. AKF was represented in two plenary sessions. Mr. Behruz Dadoboev, manager of “Agrobusiness Development” project presented the outcomes of the project as well as opportunities for collaboration with established Agriculture Input Revolving Funds. Mr. Pulod Amirbekov, Coalition of Employers Senior Coordinator, presented AKF initiative “Coalition of opportunities for business and youth” and emphasized the mission, opportunities for youth and business development.
About JICA
JICA began its technical cooperation with Tajikistan in 1993 by inviting Tajik officials to gain knowledge and experience on governance and macroeconomics development. As of March 2020, a total number of participants to JICA’s Knowledge Co-Creation Programs, formerly called the Training Programs, has exceeded 2380 people. JICA Office was established in Tajikistan in 2006 and since then various Grant Financial Assistance and Technical Cooperation projects have been implemented more dynamically, aiming at improving living standard of Tajik people for the sectors such as agriculture and rural development, water supply, health, transport, energy, capacity building as well as SME promotion. JICA’s cumulative investment portfolio in Tajikistan in all sectors comprises 44 projects amounting to more than 418.5 million USD (94.66 million USD for Technical Cooperation and 324 million USD for Grant Assistance), including 14 ongoing projects.
Read more: https://www.jica.go.jp/tajikistan/english/index.html
About Aga Khan Foundation
The Aga Khan Foundation has been implementing innovative development solutions in Tajikistan since 1993. Central to its efforts have been inclusive, community-based development approaches in which community-based organizations identify, prioritize and implement projects with the Foundation’s assistance.
The AKFs programs in Tajikistan focus on six areas: agriculture and food security, economic inclusion, health and nutrition, education, early childhood development and civil society. Its initiatives address cross-cutting themes including gender equality, pluralism, human resource development and public awareness of development issues. Through its activities in all four regions of Tajikistan, AKF is reaching to approximately 1.9 million people.
Source: Asia-Plus