The Asian Development Bank has approved a $50 million grant to help Tajikistan advance key structural reforms that promote green jobs and strengthen economic resilience, with a particular focus on improving opportunities for women. The support comes through the Asian Development Fund under subprogram 2 of the Enabling Climate-Responsive Business Environment Improvement Program.
The reforms aim to diversify the economy, enhance fiscal governance, accelerate digital transformation, and increase the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets. ADB highlights that the new phase builds on the progress made under subprogram 1 and is designed to foster green entrepreneurship, expand support for small exporters, mobilize green finance, and advance climate-resilient economic development for the benefit of all citizens.
Subprogram 2 introduces several important measures, including amendments to the leasing law to expand SMEs’ access to finance, the development of green taxonomies to guide climate-aligned investments, incentives for subsidized financing for climate-friendly SMEs, and the adoption of a new law on organic production. Collectively, these steps advance Tajikistan’s transition toward a greener, more sustainable economy.
The program also reinforces fiscal governance by expanding climate-related fiscal risk reporting and launching climate budget tagging to better track climate expenditure. Digital transformation receives a boost through strengthened cybersecurity measures, fiscal incentives for innovation-driven businesses, and the creation of an IT park to accelerate growth in the technology sector.
Export competitiveness is strengthened through support for small exporters, including progress toward establishing a small exporter facilitation center and prioritizing women-led and climate-friendly enterprises for export assistance and market diversification. Tajikistan has also issued its first sovereign green bonds, advancing its capacity to mobilize sustainable financing.
Developed in close partnership with other development partners, the program leverages global expertise to improve the business climate, build investor confidence, and generate stronger private sector growth. ADB’s long-standing engagement in Tajikistan has already delivered major improvements in transport, energy, water systems, and social infrastructure, supporting the country’s broader development goals.
The Asian Development Fund continues to assist the region’s poorest and most vulnerable countries, while ADB remains a leading multilateral partner promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.
