DUSHANBE , July 4, Asia-Plus -- The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (FECA) yesterday launched a project establishing a Public-Advocacy Center (PAC).

The project, funded by the Dutch, is aimed at defending the rights of businessmen and improving relevant legislation in Tajikistan.

“The Public Advocacy Center will help to overcome significant barriers to business through strategic litigation. This will empower businesses to protect their rights,” said Rahmatillo Zoirov, chairman of the Tajik legal consortium and the implementer of the project at the grant signing.  “Free legal consultation to small businesses as provided in the PAC will help them to go for officially settling their issues.”

The Dutch Government earlier supported a similar project in Uzbekistan.

“Experience shows that strategic litigation is the method of choice to empower small businesses and defend their interests”, said Zarona Ismailova, director of the EFCA Dushanbe Office on the same occasion.  “We are very grateful to the Royal Netherlands Embassy for their interest in this important field of anti-corruption and support for business in the country. Likewise, EFCA will continue to support efforts in support of enterprise development and empowerment in the whole of Central Asia.”