Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 5 of 20 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment A. Economic Performance Assessment B. Poverty Assessment C. Assessment of Socio-Environmental Performance D. Governance: Sound Development Management E. Implementation Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies IV. Regional Cooperation V. Donor Activities and Aid Coordination VI. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources VII. ADB’s Operational Program VIII. Economic and Sector Work Program IX. Local Cost Financing

Country Assistance Plans - Tajikistan : I. Country Performance Assessment

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D. Governance: Sound Development Management

20. To develop a legal framework necessary for a market economy, initial steps have been taken, including the adoption of a number of new laws and other legal acts. Some 39 economic laws were passed between 1991 and March 2000, with a number of them strengthened in the last two years through successive amendments, often to make them consistent with international standards. Among the laws approved by Parliament are the Law on Privatization of State Property (November 1995 and revised in May 1997), Foreign Investment Law (revised in 1996), Central Bank Law (December 1996), and Law on Banks and Banking Activities (May 1998). In 1998, Parliament approved amendments to laws concerning collateral, joint stock companies, the stock market, and bankruptcy. During 1999, amendments were also made to the Constitution and to laws on property, foreign trade, and foreign direct investment. The laws mentioned above have introduced new concepts into the legal system of Tajikistan. A Law Reform Commission, which has been established with ADB's assistance, has the task to review the overall legal system, with a view to improve transparency and information dissemination.

21. Following the Presidential election, the Government was reshuffled in early 2000 and the new Government has demonstrated strong leadership in strengthening law and order as well as improving social and economic conditions. The new parliament initiated its activities on 27 March 2000. The fight against economic crime, including corruption and drug smuggling through the Afghan border, is becoming a major challenge for the Government. According to state statistics, while the reported total number of crimes increased by 9.5 percent in 1999 compared to 1998, much higher rates of increase were shown for bribery (25 percent) and drug related cases (68 percent). The Government's efforts have increased since May 2000 based on the President's decrees on corruption and drug trafficking.

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