DUSHANBE, March 9, 2016, Asia-Plus -- Deputies of Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament have unanimously voted for ratification of an agreement between the Government of Tajikistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Project.

A regular sitting of the second session of Majlisi Namoyandagon of the fifth convocation, presided over by its head, Shukurjon Zuhurov, was held on March 9.

Speaking at the session, Tajik Minister of Labor, Migration and Employment, Ms. Sumnagul Taghoyzoda, noted that the ADB would provide 30 million U.S. dollars for implementation of the project

According to her, the ADB financing includes a $15 million grant and a $15 million concessional loan from its Asian Development Fund.

The project is aimed at helping modernize the TVET system by developing industry-endorsed standards, and competency-based training and assessment tools for 17 priority occupations.  The project will upgrade physical learning and teaching facilities in 29 TVET institutions and will also strengthen governance and management and improve access to quality programs.

The project will benefit the two-thirds of the labor force who need more marketable skills, including returning migrants, rural residents, and women.  Students will obtain competitive technical certifications from improved TVET courses, as well as internships and links to private firms.