ADB's Work in Tajikistan   Download Fact Sheet

Tajikistan’s economic growth had been robust in the 2 decades leading to 2019, averaging 7.6%, before the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic cut the growth to 4.5% in 2020. In 2021, growth rebounded to a reported 9.2%. To promote sustainability, the country requires more private investment and efficient allocation and rationalization of public finance through structural reforms. More jobs must be created and labor productivity must be enhanced by developing human capital. Regional cooperation and trade is also critical to overcoming the limitations of Tajikistan’s geography. Responding to climate change is another important issue, given Tajikistan’s vulnerability to natural hazards.

ADB has partnered with Tajikistan since 1998 and is now the country’s largest multilateral development partner. Under the bank’s country partnership strategy for 2021-2025, ADB operations in Tajikistan pursue three strategic priorities—supporting structural reforms to enhance resource allocation and mobilization, improving labor productivity through human capital development, and fostering better livelihoods through investment in a land-linked economy.

To date, ADB has committed 146 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $2.2 billion to Tajikistan. Cumulative loan and grant disbursements to Tajikistan amount to $1.58 billion. These were financed by concessional ordinary capital resources, the Asian Development Fund, and other special funds. ADB’s ongoing sovereign portfolio in Tajikistan includes 3 loans and 21 grants worth $943.2 million.

In 2021, ADB approved a $30 million grant for Tajikistan to modernize the Yovon irrigation and drainage system in the lower Vakhsh river basin, which will boost agricultural productivity and women’s participation in land and water management.

Nonsovereign operations. Total outstanding balances and undisbursed commitments of ADB’s nonsovereign transactions in Tajikistan as of 31 December 2021 was $1.55 million representing 0.01% of ADB’s total private sector portfolio.

Operational challenges. As of 31 December 2021, the implementation of 13 out of 17 ADB projects were on track, but the COVID-19 pandemic posed a challenge in project implementation—highlighting the critical role of the resident mission. Challenges also remain in project design and ownership, and in securing resources for maintenance of rehabilitated facilities. To address these issues, ADB and the Government of Tajikistan are working to improve quality-at-entry for projects, enhancing procurement and disbursement capacities, strengthening country processes, and promoting financial sustainability of investments.

Mountains of the Rasht region, Tajikistan. Photo: ADB

COVID-19 Response

In 2020 and 2021, ADB assisted the country to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, including budget support to strengthen the health system, expand social assistance for poor and vulnerable groups, ensure food security, and safeguard small businesses. ADB also delivered urgent medical supplies and personal protective equipment for health care staff.

In 2021, over 3.3 million doses of ADB-funded COVID-19 vaccines with safety boxes and syringes were delivered to Tajikistan and transported to health facilities around the country. ADB also provided capacity building for staff at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population to strengthen the vaccination program and gender- and age-sensitive outreach and training.

Knowledge Work

ADB knowledge support for Tajikistan is aligned with the country partnership strategy’s focus areas—offering solutions for market-based transition of economic activities, the creation of competitive markets, private sector development, and inclusive growth. In 2021, ADB produced the Tajikistan Transport Sector Assessment and the Climate Risk Country Profile for Tajikistan. An impact evaluation of various ADB interventions for maternal and child health is underway. ADB aims to support an up-to-date sector assessment of general secondary education and a national urban assessment to guide investments for urban development. In addition, ADB assists in enhancing a road asset management system and road safety measures to ensure safety and reliability.

  ADB Projects in Tajikistan Project data sheets for loans, grants, TAs

Future Directions

Under the country partnership strategy 2021-2025, ADB will support structural reforms to attract more foreign and domestic private investors. To improve labor productivity, ADB will continue to support education and market-relevant skills development and strengthen health services and social protection. To enhance livelihoods and food security, ADB will support agricultural production and natural resources management, improve urban services in Dushanbe and secondary cities, tap Tajikistan’s tourism potential, and develop roads connecting rural and urban areas with neighboring countries. ADB will also address climate change and promote gender equality and regional cooperation and integration in its operations, while developing its private sector operations.