DUSHANBE, November 4, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) today is holding the Second National Conference of Consultants in Dushanbe.

A day-long EBRD-supported event that is being held at the Sheraton Hotel reportedly brought together 300 participants representing consulting firms, the SME sector, state agencies and international organizations to develop consulting sector in the country. 

According to the EBRD Dushanbe Office, the Conference includes exhibitions by consulting firms, presentations and master classes from leading local and international consultants on management skills, and a reception celebrating International Consultants’ Day.

The conference aims to raise awareness of the importance of external expertise and consulting for business growth and establish a platform for the discussion of issues faced by the consulting sector, as well as to give professional consultants the opportunity to share experiences.

“The EBRD is supporting Tajikistan’s transition to a well-functioning market economy. We believe that the presence of high quality consulting expertise is a valuable tool for business and I am delighted that we are holding this event for the second year,” said Richard Jones, EBRD Head of Office in Dushanbe.

The EBRD supports small and medium-sized businesses both through improving access to finance and by helping them access the know-how to grow their businesses.  Working with local consultants and international industry advisers, more than 430 enterprises have received business advice and industry expertise since 1999.  These activities are currently funded in Tajikistan by donor funds from Japan, the USA, the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund, and the Early Transition Countries (ETC) Fund.