Dushanbe, Tajikistan

1 October 2021, 9:00 a.m.

Statement by Dr. Pratibha Mehta,

Resident Representative, UNDP Tajikistan

Dear Mr. Sherali Kabir, Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan

or Mr. Umed Solehzoda, Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan

Dear Mr. Korenkov Evgeniy, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Tajikistan,

Distinguished Partners, Entrepreneurs, Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my pleasure to join you today to discuss best practices in innovative and technological infrastructure development as part of the implementation of the fourth strategic goal to accelerate the industrialization of the Republic of Tajikistan. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies for strong leadership in promoting this strategic goal to accelerate industrialization in Tajikistan. Development of innovative industries is vital for sustainability and diversification of Tajikistan’s economy. At the same time, let us remember that the next frontier for sustainable economic development will require working with and not against the environment and promoting social responsibility.

The Mid-term Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period of 2021-2025 stipulates the importance of sustainable and inclusive growth, stipulating industrialization which is energy efficient and based on low consumption of natural resources.   There is a lot of room for innovative practices and incentives to industrialists.   

The on-going covid pandemic has exposed economic inefficiencies, highlighted the need for low consumption economies to prevent climate change as well as importance for creativity, innovations  and smart use of technologies.  To promote this, UNDP has established world’s largest learning network on sustainable development challenges called UNDP Acceleration Labs to promote innovative solutions for future development. There are 91 Labs covering 115 countries promoting breakthroughs to address inequality, decarbonization, the 4th industrial revolution and new forms of governance. UNDP is ready to offer its expertise and global knowledge to promote experience sharing and lessons from development of technologies and innovative thinking, especially targeting young men and women.

In Tajikistan we are pleased to partner with the Government, and particularly with the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan on strengthening regulatory frameworks for promotion of innovations in public service delivery, e-governance and digital business. We are supporting drafting of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Industrial and Innovation Parks” and Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On commercialization of science activities” that will provide a favourable investment environment for start-ups  and business incubators.   

I would like to commend Ministry of Industry and New Technologies for considering technology parks for creation and development of knowledge-based enterprises. There is a wealth of global experience in this regard, well designed technology parks benefits going beyond the tenants of the Park. Today, most technology parks all over the world are multifunctional to help concentrate scarce fiscal and human capital, reduce transportation and communication costs thus contributing  to creating growth poles and economic multipliers.  Fostering such multifunctional spaces in Tajikistan can provide opportunities for industrial growth and entrepreneurship.

I am very pleased to note that today we have guests and experts from the Association of Cluster, Technoparks and Special Economic Zones of Russian Federation who will share best international practices on regulatory practices in establishing industrial and innovative technological infrastructure, IT parks  and related policy frameworks. I hope that today’s event will also be a networking opportunity to discuss cooperation between the “Association of Clusters and Technology Parks of Russia” and business stakeholders in Tajikistan.

I am pleased to note that knowledge exchange between Russia and Tajikistan facilitated by UNDP has proved in successful collaboration in the past. For example, in contributing to the amendments to the regulatory legislation of Free Economic Zones in Tajikistan and more effective use of land, costing, etc.

We hope that discussions today will contribute not only in strengthening the legal base for functioning Techno Parks but will also inform the IT Parks Promotion Strategy, Entrepreneurship Promotion Strategy, Digital Economy strategy.  In conclusion I would like to assure you of continued support of UNDP and wish you all very inspiring  discussion today.

Thank you.