During the first ten days of April, Ambassador Qozidavlat Qoimdodov, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)’s Resident Representative in Tajikistan, visited several districts in Khatlon Province and the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), according to press release issued by AKDN Resident Office in Tajikistan.

While in Khatlon, Ambassador Qoimdodov met with Kulob Mayor Bakhtiyor Nazarzoda and some other officials to review the progress of construction of the building of the Microfinance Organization "Mountain Development".

More than 15 employees have been involved in the construction of this building.  In the future, this organization will create 20 new jobs in the center and a few others in other districts of Khatlon.


The parties also discussed further socio-economic development projects.

In GBAO’s Darvoz district, Mr. Qoimdodov joined Darvoz chairman, Mr. Saidburhon Abdurahmonzoda, in visiting the cross-border irrigation program in Roghak village.  The parties also discussed related to cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, health, education, disaster risk reduction, banking and telecommunications services.

Mr. Farrukh Dodikhudoyev reportedly appreciated AKDN agencies’ contribution to improvement of the quality of life of the people and their ongoing cooperation with the local authorities.

Rushan district chairman, Mr. Farrukh Dodikhudoyev expressed satisfaction with the level of the mutually beneficial cooperation of the organization with the local government and noted the development and implementation of long-term programs in agriculture, animal husbandry, fruit and vegetable growing and effective use of greenhouses as priorities.

It was underlined that Rushan is one of the districts that could provide the local market with food, such as vegetables and fruits, if assistance in the construction of greenhouses will be increased.

In Khorog, AKDN Resident Representative met with Khorog Mayor Rizo Nazarzoda.  The parties exchanged views on the outcomes of fruitful cooperation between the AKDN agencies and local government.  It was mentioned that the most influential projects of the AKDN in Khorog, such as Pamir Energy, Tcell, Serena Hotel, University of Central Asia, Aga Khan Lyceum have made a significant contribution to the development of economic and social areas of the city, and provided jobs.  It was stated that it is the peaceful environment of the city that will allow attracting more investments and implementing high-impact projects.  The parties noted that the Khorog Resilient Program is one of the other long-term initiatives of the AKDN’s agencies, being implemented in cooperation with development partners and under support of the Government, which will raise the image of the city, its infrastructure and status to a new level.

In the coming days, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Tajikistan will launch a program to promote peace and stability in GBAO through the necessary infrastructure, which will lay the groundwork for attracting young people to jobs, improving their skills and improving the city's infrastructure.

In Khorog, Ambassador Qoimdodov and other officials reportedly visited the renovated building of the Microfinance Organization "Mountain Development" and gave useful advice to its staff to perform their professional duties responsibly and with high quality.

Afterwards, Mr. Ambassador met with representatives of community institutions and organizations in Ismaili Center of Khorog.

It was noted that as a result of state independence,  peace and national unity and due to the open door policy and wide diplomacy of the Government of Tajikistan, especially on the initiative of His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, along with freedom of conscience, the development of His Highness the Aga Khan  institutions in Tajikistan is ensured.  Today, the programs and projects of the Aga Khan in partnership with development partners and government agencies are producing effective outcomes on  creating jobs, developing various sectors of the economy, and attracting investment.  Ambassador Qoimdodov stated that the highest goal of the AKDN's programs is to improve the well-being of the people and promote an environment of peace and stability in society, and expressed hope that in the future AKDN programs will continue to contribute to the development of Tajikistan in partnership with partners and government. He further underlined that “to implement these noble plans and intentions we have to obey the rule of law and to be active citizens of the country”.

At the same time, during this visit, the Ambassador held fruitful meetings with the heads of law enforcement agencies of the region, who today are doing a lot to ensure the rule of law and peace and stability in the region.

During the visit to GBAO, Mr. Qoimdodov met with GBAO Governor Alisher Mirzonabot.  During the meeting, the parties reportedly discussed mutually beneficial cooperation and the development of medium-term programs in education, industry, agriculture, and other related aspects.  It was noted that the AKDN, as a reliable partner of the Government for more than 25 years, has been working with the government and partners to develop and implement national and regional programs, such as Pamir Energy, Tcell and the University of Central Asia, to create jobs for citizens,  improving the quality of life of the people and promoting a safe and secure environment in society.  In addition, the AKDN's programs are developed on the basis of the National Development Strategy and organization is using all available resources and opportunities for their implementation. It was suggested that within the framework of “Mid Term Economic Action Plan” parties should design and develop joint programs for the future progress of the region. 

The Ambassador also held fruitful talks and meetings with veterans of Khorog, who have served in high positions in the regional government for many years.


During the visit to GBAO, Mr. Qoimdodov visited the manufacturing enterprises of Durobak village in Darvoz district and stressed the importance and constructive development of future cooperation with the private sector.

AKDN and its agencies focus on empowering and improving the lives of people in developing countries. AKDN programs are aimed at the well-being of all people, regardless of race, nationality, or religion.