Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 6 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

---

E. Implementation Assessment

1. The Portfolio

22. After Tajikistan joined ADB in April 1998, ADB provided initial assistance to Tajikistan on an accelerated basis, responding quickly to support the peace process. Tajikistan was classified as a Group A country and all loans have been from the Asian Development Fund (ADF). International donors, especially WB, IMF, and the UN system, provided substantial support to initiate ADB operations in the country. Three loans amounting to $45 million were approved during 1998-1999. The first loan of $20 million for the Postconflict Infrastructure Program was approved in December 1998 to support reforms in the transport and energy sectors. Two loans were approved in 1999 totaling $25 million, including the Social Sector Rehabilitation Project ($20 million) and the Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project ($5 million). Due to implementation difficulties in Tajikistan, the United Nations Office for Project Services was designated to manage the implementation of the Social Sector Rehabilitation Project until its midterm review.

23. By 31 December 1999, ADB had provided eight technical assistance (TA) grants totaling $5.5 million. TAs are helping to improve governance, build institutional capacity, support policy and institutional reforms, develop the legal and regulatory framework and human resources, and prepare investment projects.

2. Issues in Project Implementation

24. The Government and ADB recognize that the country's implementation and absorptive capacity is limited. Policy and institutional support in all sectors continues to be required. All ADB projects are accompanied by substantial capacity building TAs. The Government is eager to learn through TAs and has demonstrated strong commitment and ownership of the projects. ADB must ensure the effective implementation of TA operations and closely monitor their progress.

25. Tajikistan's security status remains a concern for ADB operations in Tajikistan. In August 1999, ADB and the UN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under which ADB staff and consultants have availed of the UN's security and evacuation arrangements in Tajikistan. The MOU has allowed ADB missions to be fielded and travel to areas outside Dushanbe, which they otherwise could not do given the current security status of the country. The UN has not yet reclassified Tajikistan's security status after the completion of the peace process⁷. ADB missions need to continue close coordination with the UNDP to be fully covered by the UN security umbrella.

____________________

Back D. Governance: Sound Development Management	Next II. Country Operational Strategy