The document was signed by Makoto Ojiro, ADB’s Country Director in Tajikistan, and Necia Quast, Charge d’Affaires, US Embassy. Negmatjon Buriev, Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Policy, CAREC National Focal Point, and General Negmatboy Rahmatov, First Deputy Chairman of the Customs Service, witnessed the signing ceremony.

The US authorities transferred a US$1.6 million grant to ADB for reconstruction of the Kulma and Kizil-Art border crossing posts. The improved facilities at these two busy crossing points will support Tajikistan’s international trade with China and Kyrgyzstan, as well as an increased flow of freight and people through these critical paths for imports and exports.

"The project will allow border guards, Customs Service, and other agencies working at these posts to have better living and working conditions," said Ms. Quast. "This is expected to lead to an improved ability to intercept false documents, illegal narcotics, precursor chemicals, and other contraband."

The grant from the US Government will complement ADB’s ongoing project approved in 2004 that supports development of a unified automated information system and modernization of border-post infrastructure in the country. Total project cost now amounts to US$14.98 million, including ADB’s loan of US$10.7 million and the Tajik Government’s contribution of US$2.68 million.

"This initiative supports the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program and is expected to contribute to improvement of overall trading and investment environment in Central Asia," said Mr. Ojiro. "The project will also directly benefit small and poor traders through reduced transaction costs that will ease trade in small volume."

Over the past 17 years, the US has invested over US$900 million in Tajikistan, and the trade volume has grown from US$10 million in the early 1990s to almost US$270 million annually. The mission’s efforts are focused on security cooperation, as well as on broader democratic and economic reforms that will help integrate Tajikistan into the global community and ensure lasting stability.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members, including 48 from the region. In 2008, it approved US$10.5 billion in loans, US$811.4 million in grant projects, and technical assistance amounting to US$274.5 million.