DUSHANBE, January 31, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- On January 30, President Emomali Rahmon received newly appointed World Bank’s Director for the countries of Central Asia, Mr. Motoo Konishi.

According to presidential press service, many-aspect cooperation between Tajikistan and World Bank was the focus of the talks.

In the course of the talks, it was noted that 12 WB-supported projects for a total amount of 173 million US dollars, including $85 million provided in forms of grants, have been implemented in Tajikistan.

Mr. Konishi noted that it was quite important for him to start his first tour of the Central Asian regional from the visit to Tajikistan.

Positively assessing anti-crisis measures taken by the Tajik government, the World Bank director for Central Asia stressed that the Bank in cooperation with relevant bodies of Tajikistan would take efforts to minimize negative effects of the world financial crisis.  He also stated that that World Bank would extend its comprehensive assistance to Tajikistan with using wide opportunities of the country’s economy.

During the meeting, it was noted that development of hydropower engineering was one of priorities of cooperation between Tajikistan and the World Bank.  Enhancement of agrarian sector was also outlined as one of the main directions of the cooperation.

The World Bank’s mission in Tajikistan is to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and encourage a better quality of life.  The country became a member of the World Bank on June 4, 1993.  The World Bank’s overall mission in Tajikistan is to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and encourage a better quality of life.