Further expansion of collaboration between the Government of Tajikistan and UNDP to mitigate impacts of the coronavirus pandemic were discussed at a meeting of Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade Zavqi Zavqizoda with Ms. Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan, according to the press center of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MoEDT).

In the course of the talks, Tajik minister reportedly told Dr. Pratibha Mehta about measures taken by the Tajik government to reduce pandemic effects in the country and prevent external threats, particularly the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the world and its impacts on the country’s economy.  

The two sides reached an agreement to expand cooperation to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the national economies, the MoEDT press center says.  

Zavqizoda asked to increase UNDP’s support for implementation of strategic goals and national programs in Tajikistan.  

Dr. Pratibha Mehta reportedly expressed readiness for expansion of cooperation and attraction of additional grants for implementation of national programs in Tajikistan.  

UNDP is expected to support promotion of the model system and the plan of actions for 2021-2035, the national export development program designed for 2021-2025, and Tajikistan’s digital economy development program designed for 2021-2025.     

UNDP works in some 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion.  

In Tajikistan, UNDP began its operations in 1994. Nowadays, Tajikistan is a peaceful and stable country, with a rapidly developing economy.  A member of the United Nations Country Team in Tajikistan, the UNDP works with the Government of Tajikistan, people, civil society and businesses to strengthen the rule of law, promote human rights and freedoms, protect the environment and support economic and social reforms for social inclusion and an equitable society.  UNDP plays an active part to harmonize the efforts of all the UN agencies active in the country.

The UN agencies’ activities in Tajikistan regulated by the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). The UNDAF for Tajikistan focus on four strategic areas that respond to country development needs and make use of the United Nations’ comparative advantages: 1) Democratic Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights; 2) Sustainable and equitable economic development; 3) Social Development, Inclusion and Empowerment; and 4) Resilience and Environmental Sustainability.