The Asian Development Bank
(ADB) needs to spur inclusion and sustainability in designing future
development support in Tajikistan, says a new report by ADB
Independent Evaluation Department.

The report is the first independent assessment of ADB’s assistance
program in Tajikistan since it joined ADB in 1998 up to October 2013.
Its primary objective is to improve the effectiveness of ADB
development support.

ADB’s overall program in the country is rated successful. ADB has
supported economic growth in Tajikistan through investing in
transport, energy, agriculture and rural development, social and other
sectors. However, the sustainability of some of the investments may be
doubtful, and the report recommends enhancing the country’s financial
and institutional capacities to increase sustainability.

ADB support for regional cooperation has improved trade in energy and
other products, although challenges of regional cooperation may affect
the outcomes of ADB’s program. While maintaining political neutrality,
ADB should assess potential underlying risks when preparing new
projects and, where possible, adopt mitigation measures.

ADB has supported private sector development and public–private
partnerships by trying to create an enabling environment, but made no
direct private sector investment in Tajikistan so far. To improve the
investment climate, the report recommends strengthening ADB’s support
for better governance in the country.

It further recommends enhancing ADB support to climate change and
disaster risk management in Tajikistan, which is one of the most
disaster-prone countries vulnerable to climate change.

During the evaluated period, ADB approved 38 projects and programs in
Tajikistan for a total of just over $1 billion, with almost 61%
provided on grant basis. Nearly 42% was allocated to transport,
followed by energy (24%), agriculture (9%), and public sector
management (8%). These initiatives were supported by 69 technical
assistance projects for a total value of $46.4 million.