DUSHANBE, December 19, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Conditions of providing a $10 million loan to support enhancement of Tajikistan’s agrarian sector were discussed here on December 18, according to Amonatbonk (Tajikistan’s savings bank).

An official source at Amonatbonk says the China Development Bank (CDB) provides the loan for the period of five years.  “The loan is aimed at supporting development of agricultural and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tajikistan,” the source said.

Amonatbonk has reportedly cooperated with the China Development Bank since 2008 within the framework of the national policy on attraction of foreign investments to support enhancement of the agrarian sector and development of SMEs in mountain areas.

Amonatbonk is the only state-owned bank.  It is one of the oldest in Tajikistan (established in 1925) and one of the largest based upon various criteria - including the number of branches and the number of served clients.  The institution is unique in its orientation towards implementing social, pension and other state programs.  Amonatbonk has 5 regional centers, more than 70 branches and nearly 500 agencies.  This gives the institution a presence in the most remote mountainous parts of the country.

Established in March 1994, the China Development Bank (CDB) is a financial institution in China led by a cabinet minister level Governor, under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council.  As one of three policy banks of China, it is primarily responsible for raising funding for large infrastructure projects, including most of the funding for the Three Gorges Dam and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.   The bank is described as the engine that powers the national government’s economic development policies.  At present, the CDB has 35 branches and 1 representative office across the country.