DUSHANBE, February 16, 2012, Asia-Plus – On Wednesday February 15, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sharif Rahimzoda met with Mr. Munir Merali, Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan.

According to the press center of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MoEDT), the sides discussed state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and AKDN.

Rahimzoda, in particular, noted that the MoEDT as the public body authorized for coordination of cooperation with international organizations was ready to extend cooperation with AKDN.

For his part, Mr. Munir Merali made specific proposals regarding plans, programs, implementation of projects covering the private sector, finance and banking, energy, agriculture and health, as well as improvement of activities of free economic zones in the country and training of personnel for the fields of economy, tourism, insurance and other social directions, the MoEDT press center said.

During the meeting, Rahimzoda and Merali also exchanged views on a number of other issues being of mutual interest.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities. AKDN agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin or gender.

AKDN works towards the vision of an economically dynamic, politically stable, intellectually vibrant, and culturally tolerant Tajikistan.  This is achieved by supporting the establishment of programs and institutions that allow the government, private sector and civil society to play complementary roles in increasing prosperity and creativity within a pluralistic society.  Operating in Tajikistan since 1992, AKDN draws on a strong base of experience in working with mountain societies.  It works in all regions of the country and employs approximately 3,000 people through its operations and investments.