DUSHANBE, September 1, 2014, Asia-Plus -- A new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Independent Evaluation Department says that the Bank 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.

According to the report, 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, the report says.

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.