Leah Gutierrez, Director General for Central and West Asia at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has concluded her inaugural visit to Tajikistan, marking a milestone in the ongoing partnership between the development bank and the country.
During her trip, Ms. Gutierrez joined Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in inaugurating the ADB-supported Hydromet campus, a key infrastructure project aimed at enhancing Tajikistan’s meteorological and hydrological monitoring capabilities, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.
She also held high-level meetings with senior government officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister Hokim Kholiqzoda and Sulton Rahimzoda, Chairperson of the State Committee on Investment and State-owned Property Management, according to the ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM).
“ADB values its strong partnership with Tajikistan and is proud of our joint achievements in improving the people’s lives,” Ms. Gutierrez said. “We remain committed to supporting the government’s efforts to foster resilient, inclusive, and diversified growth. We also aim to step up our support for private sector development in the country.”
In discussions, Ms. Gutierrez reaffirmed ADB’s long-term commitment to Tajikistan’s development through the forthcoming Country Partnership Strategy for 2026-2030. The strategy will focus on building resilient and efficient infrastructure, enhancing economic management and competitiveness, and improving access to quality social services to foster greater inclusivity.
Since joining ADB in 1998, Tajikistan has received more than US$2.7 billion in assistance, including over $2.2 billion in grants. This support has facilitated key projects such as upgrading major transport corridors-including the Obigarm-Nourobod, Dushanbe-Bokhtar, and Ayni-Panjakent roads-modernizing irrigation and water supply systems, and constructing hospitals and schools.
ADB has also been instrumental in strengthening the country’s power sector, financing the construction of transmission lines and substations, reconnecting Tajikistan’s electricity grid to the Central Asian power network, and rehabilitating major hydropower plants such as Nurek and Golovnaya.
Founded in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is a leading multilateral development institution owned by 69 members, 50 of which are from the Asia-Pacific region. The bank works closely with governments and partners to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific, leveraging innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships.
Ms. Gutierrez’s visit underscores ADB’s dedication to advancing Tajikistan’s development goals and strengthening cooperation to improve the livelihoods of its people.
