DUSHANBE . July 28, Asia-Plus - On Thursday July 27, the Government of Tajikistan and the World Bank signed finance agreements on three projects in the field of development aimed at supporting Tajik Government’s reform efforts and helping to minimize the bird flu risks in Tajikistan .

According to information from the WB Dushanbe Office, the first two projects totaling US$15 million aimed at supporting the Tajik Government’s reform efforts aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the public sector, development of the private sector, and more efficient social service delivery.  The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved two grants for a total amount of US$15 million for implementing these projects.  The Programmatic Development Policy Grant, in the amount of US$10 million, supports the government’s reform program as outlined in its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP).  The US$5 million Public Sector Reform Grant finances technical assistance that will complement and support the Programmatic Development Policy Grant. The project will assist the Government in the implementation of its Public Administration Reform Strategy, through strengthening policymaking and service delivery systems and enhancing transparency of public management in selected core public sector entities.

The third project is aimed at helping the Tajik Government to minimize the risks that Avian Influenza infection and other zoonoses may pose to humans and the poultry industry in Tajikistan .  The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$5 million grant for Avian Influenza and Human Pandemic preparedness and response activities in Tajikistan .

  NOTICES: Tajikistan became a member of the World Bank in 1993. Since that time, the World Bank has approved 29 lending and grant-funded projects for a total commitment of approximately US$422 million, of which around US$325 million has already been disbursed.