The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Vice-president for Policy and Partnerships, Mr. Mark Bowman, arrived in Dushanbe today on a three-day working visit (April 24-26).

The EBRD Resident Office in Dushanbe says that while in Dushanbe, EBRD vice-president will hold talks with high-ranking Tajik state officials and the Bank’s customers in the country. 

The main purpose of the visit is for Mr. Bowman to discuss the implementation of the current EBRD-sponsored projects in Tajikistan and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between the Bank and Tajikistan aimed at ensuring sustainable development of Tajikistan.  

During his three-day visit, EBRD vice-president will hold meetings with Prime Minister Qohir Rasoulzoda, Finance minister Faiziddin Qahhorzoda, Tajikistan’s National Bank Head Hokim Kholiqzoda and Dushanbe Mayor Rustam Emomali. 

EBRD official will also hold meetings representatives of private business and diplomatic community, according to the EBRD Dushanbe Resident Office.  

Mr. Mark Bowman is the Vice President for Policy and Partnerships at the EBRD and joined the Bank in October 2021.

Prior to arriving at the EBRD, he was Director General International Finance at the UK Treasury, with oversight of international and EU policy.

EBRD activities in Tajikistan cover all sectors, including energy, infrastructure, financial sector, corporates and SMEs, reaching almost 900 million euros in 157 projects.  The new country strategy for Tajikistan sets out the Bank’s priorities in the country for the period 2020-25 and addresses issues such as a volatile macroeconomic environment, a challenging business climate and vulnerability to climate change factors.

The EBRD’s operational and strategic priorities in Tajikistan are based on the following three pillars: 1) strengthening the competitiveness of businesses and improving the business environment; 2) fostering regional integration, energy reform and infrastructure connectivity; and 3) supporting wider access to better infrastructure and business services for women, young people and underdeveloped regions.