The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $50mn policy-based grant aimed at improving Tajikistan's business environment to better support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and advance climate responsiveness, as it was disclosed by ASIA-Plus.
The Enabling Climate-Responsive Business Environment Improvement Program focuses on several key areas of reform. These include enhancing digital capabilities and e-commerce through the operationalization of the Agency for Innovation and Digitalization and the E-Commerce program. The program also aims to improve infrastructure governance, fiscal transparency, and provide support for climate-friendly SMEs. A significant aspect of the program is the provision of subsidized financing to SMEs that adopt environmentally friendly practices, with a focus on supporting women entrepreneurs.
The program seeks to align with Tajikistan's National Development Strategy 2030 and the Green Economy Development Strategy 2023–2037, reinforcing the country's commitment to sustainable development. It also supports ADB’s country partnership strategy for Tajikistan 2021–2025, which aims to foster an inclusive and sustainable economic environment.
In addition to the grant, a $500,000 technical assistance (TA) grant has been approved. This TA support will focus on policy, legal, and regulatory reforms, and will enhance the capacity of various government agencies involved in implementing the program.
Since joining ADB in 1998, Tajikistan has received over $2.6bn in assistance across sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and public sector management. This includes more than $2bn in grants, reflecting ADB’s ongoing support for the country’s development needs.
Established in 1966, the ADB is owned by 68 members, with 49 from the Asia-Pacific region. The bank’s mission is to promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific through loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments.
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