On Monday, June 5, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon received the World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Ms. Antonella Bassani.

The Tajik president’s official website says the parties discussed the current state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the World Bank.

President Emomali Rahmon reportedly expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between Tajikistan and the World Bank over the 30 years of partnership, including the fact that this international financial institution has allocated more than 2.7 billion US dollars for the implementation of 116 projects in various areas of activity in the country.

Ms. Antonella Bassani, for her part, noted the significant opportunities of Tajikistan in the production and export of clean and renewable electricity and, on this basis, the "green" economy, reaffirmed the readiness of the World Bank to support Tajikistan's contribution to the global climate change agenda.

Rahmon and Bassani reportedly exchanged views on attracting more investment from partners in the development of healthcare, education, social protection, water supply and irrigation, access of the population to high-quality products, as well as for the development of the digital economy in Tajikistan.

Support for the continuation of economic reforms, financing for the development of the energy sector and ensuring food security were regarded as effective cooperation between Tajikistan and the World Bank.

Regarding the difficult situation of today's world and the strengthening of adverse effects, it was considered necessary to establish the implementation of permanent reforms to prevent and reduce the impact of threats and negative factors affecting the national economy.

The parties reportedly also had an engaging conversation on other issues being of mutual interest.

Tajikistan joined the World Bank in 1993 and the International Development Association (IDA) in 1994.  Currently, the World Bank is financing 25 projects in Tajikistan totaling US$1.59 billion.  Since 1996, the World Bank has provided over US$2.72 billion in IDA grants, highly concessional credits, and trust funds for Tajikistan.