14 January 2022, Dushanbe – United Nations Development Programme in Tajikistan held the Steering Committee meeting of the “Strengthening Communities in Khatlon region and Rasht Valley of Tajikistan” and “Accelerating Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery through Improved Livelihood, Employability, and Regional Cooperation in Ferghana Valley” projects funded by the Russian Federation.

The Steering Committee meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mr. Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Consul Ambassador of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Shamil Shamsutdinov, and Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Tajikistan, Mr. Christophoros Politis. The main objective of the meeting was to present the project results achieved in 2021 and agree on the work plans for 2022.

“Strengthening Communities in the Khatlon Region and the Rasht Valley of Tajikistan” project has been implemented since 2020 and aims to improve access of rural communities to effective and quality services and support local population to explore new niches for income generation. To date, the project created employment opportunities for 120 people and improved capacity of 175 farmers on sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, the project supported development of district development plans (DDPs) of Sangvor, Temurmalik, Vose and Khovaling districts for the period of 2021-2025.

“I would like to express UNDP’s appreciation to the Government of Russian Federation for their commitment and valuable contribution to Tajikistan’s development”, said Mr. Politis.

Launched in January 2021, “Accelerating Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery through Improved Livelihood, Employability, and Regional Cooperation in Ferghana Valley” project envisages improvement of livelihoods, promotion of productive and decent employment, and increase income generation opportunities through innovations for sustainable enterprise development and cross-border trade promotion in Ferghana Valley of Tajikistan. As a result of efforts implemented in 2021, one hundred priority investment projects were elaborated in Sughd region. In addition, the project established organization of preferential loans for the population affected by the negative impact of the pandemic. Furthermore, preparatory activities has been initiated to equip vocational education institutions with modern equipment.

“Russia is a strategic partner of Tajikistan and we are happy to support residents of Khatlon region, Rasht and Ferghana Valley in improving their living conditions and enhancing their competitiveness in the labor market”, stated Mr. Shamsutdinov.

The Russian Federation has allocated 3.85 million US dollars for the implementation of “Strengthening Communities in Khatlon region and Rasht Valley of Tajikistan” and “Accelerating Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery through Improved Livelihood, Employability, and Regional Cooperation in Ferghana Valley” projects.

For additional information, please contact:

Firuz Saidkhadzhaev, Economic Development Advisor, UNDP Tajikistan: firuz.saidkhadzhaev@undp.org