DUSHANBE, May 14, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Germany will allot €36 million in no-strings aid to Tajikistan within the framework of financial and technical cooperation.

Economic Development and Trade Minister Ghulomjon Bobozoda and German Ambassador to Tajikistan, Ms. Doris Hertrampf signed two cooperation documents on May 14.

The agreement between the governments of Tajikistan and Germany on financial cooperation for 2008-2009 provides for provision of a €29 million grant for implementation of six projects in Tajikistan: development of microfinance system in rural areas (€4.5 million); establishment of microfinance bank – phase 3 (€2.5 million); mother and child health protection and improvement of acute care system (€7.4 million); project for combating TB (€4.6 million);  project for reconstruction of the 500/220 kV switch yards at the Norak hydroelectric power station (€5 million).

Besides, 5 million euros will go to supporting projects for generation of power from renewable energy resources and enhancement of power efficiency.  Speaking to reporters, Bobozoda said the funds would go to financing construction of five medium-sized power plants, including the Oqsou plant in GBAO’s Murgab district.

Under the second agreement between the governments of the two countries on technical cooperation 7 million euros are provided to promote development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), support microfinance sphere in rural areas, assist implementation of the basic and vocational education reform support program, as well as pay examinations.

According to Bobozoda, Germany has provided 119.3 million euros to Tajikistan so far within the framework of financial and technical cooperation.