devinitorg/iati-policy-markers huggingface dataset:
SEF SugdAgroServe The project consists of expanding the asset base of SugdAgroServe (SAS or the company), an existing client of IFC, to help meet the growing demand for funding by cotton farmers in Tajikistan.  In April 2002, IFC helped establish SAS on a pilot basis to alleviate poverty among cotton farmers.  SAS allows farmers to become shareholders and capitalize on profits by financing crop inputs at affordable prices and selling their cotton in greater quantities and on better terms.  The initial $502,000 was sufficient to provide crop input financing to about 1,200 hectares.  As more farmers want to participate, the contemplated expansion and additional funding would enable SAS to service up to an estimated 3,500 hectares.
FMBT loan 2 The project involves a senior loan of up to US$2.5 million (or Tajik Somoni equivalent) to Closed Joint Stock Company The First MicroFinanceBank (FMBT), an existing IFC client and one of the leading microfinance providers in Tajikistan. The proceeds of the loan would be used by the bank for on-lending to micro, small and medium sized entrepreneurs (MSMEs).   In conjunction with the loan, IFC plans to provide advisory services to FMBT to strengthen the banks capacity in SME banking, a line of business which the bank has recently started developing. (i) Expanding access to finance for MSMEs, particularly small entrepreneurs and individuals in impoverished and rural areas, thus increasing banking penetration and financial inclusion (specifically amongst women entrepreneurs) in remote areas; and  (ii) Job creation, poverty reduction and economic diversification through private sector-led growth in an anchor sector.
Zeravshan Gold Company Summary Of Project Information (SPI)       Project Name    Tajikistan-Zeravshan Gold Project            Region    Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa        Sector       Project No007192   Projected Board DateMarch 7, 1996   Company NameZeravshan Gold Company (ZGC)   Technical Partner and/or Major Shareholders    	Nelson Gold Corporation (49%) with management control of ZGC    	Government of Tajikistan (51%)    Project Cost Including proposed IFC investment    	US$110 million.  The proposed IFC investment is for up to US$7.5 million in equity and shareholder loans as an initial investment in Phase I of the development.      Location of project and Description of site    	The site is located within the Zeravshan Valley in the Leninabad Region of northwestern Tajikistan, approximately 25 km from Penjikent by road.  The Zeravshan Valley is flanked by the Turkestan mountain range to the north and the Zeravshan range to the south.    Description of Company and Purpose of Project    	IFC has been requested by the Government of Tajikistan and Nelson Gold Corporation to participate as a 5% partner in the Zeravshan Gold Company joint venture. The objective of the joint venture is to rehabilitate and expand ZGCs existing gold mining operations and to conduct further exploration in the region.  This project comprises Phase I of the development which consists of modification of the existing open pit mine and processing facility to produce approximately 60,000 ounces of gold per year.  Completion of a feasibility study for the second phase is also part of this project.  Phase II would comprise expansion of the existing open pit mine and a heap leach operation to increase production to 160,000 ounces of gold per year for a minimum of eight years.  Following completion of the feasibility study, Phase II would be evaluated as a separate project.    Environmental Category and Issues    	This is a category B project according to IFCs environmental review procedure.  Environmental issues associated with this project include tailings treatment and disposal, waste water treatment, potential modification to land use, the handling of toxic and hazardous materials, and socio-economic benefits.  The project includes a cyanide detoxification plant and modification of the existing tailings facility in accordance with the engineering design criteria required by the State of Nevada (USA) for a retrofitted facility.  The project sponsor is preparing an environmental assessment as part of the feasibility study for Phase II which would be a category A project.    The  is  February 7, 1995 from the Public Information Center.       Host country location of environmental documents    Ministry of Environment, Dushanbe      Date SPI sent to PIC February 5, 1996   For Additional Information contact:  Corporate Relations Unit -   telephone: (202) 473-7711   facsimile: (202) 676-0365  Environmental documents for this project are available at http://www.ifc.org and from the World Bank InfoShop (http://www.worldbank.org/html/pic/aboutinfo.html).
SEF AKFED MICROFINANCE BANK TAJIKISTAN The project is to provide support to the Micro Finance Bank (FMBT, the Bank, or the company), the first microfinance bank to be licensed in Tajikistan. The Bank, which received a full banking license in September 2003, will provide credit and other financial services in rural and urban areas. It is currently expected that  the capital of the Bank would be increased to $3.5 million with IFC taking up to 19% of the banks equity or $ 0.7 million equivalent. FMBT  is expected to have a highly developmental impact in terms of: 

-  providing much needed funding to an underserved sector in both urban and rural areas; 
-  employment generation; 
-  skill-building and best practice in the financial sector; and 
-  demonstration effect for financial sustainability.
IMON SL 2 Project The Project (IMON Senior Loan 2) is to support Micro Lending Organization IMON International LLC (the Company or IMON), Tajikistans largest microfinance company, founded in 2005. 

IFCs debt financing to a strong financial intermediary like IMON with a successful track record of providing funding to local micro entrepreneurs would help the company expand its lending to micro and small entrepreneurs. The Company seeks long-term funding to continue its dynamic growth and offer new products to its target clientele. The developmental impact is expected to be high:

-	The Project would provide funding for the underserved segments of the society in Tajikistan, more specifically women entrepreneurs; would strenghten the microfinance sector in Tajikistan and would help create jobs and reduce poverty in Tajikistan by supporting economic growth.

-	In Tajikistan, the provision of term funding in the local financial market would have a very strong demonstration effect and build market confidence.
SEF Tajik Sodir Ot Bonk The project consists of an equity investment of up to $500,000 in Tajik Sodirotbank, which will represent up to 20% of the share capital.   The proceeds of the IFC investment would be used by TSB to:     - strengthen its capital base, and    - increase available funding to support the anticipated growth in private sector and SME lending.     The IFC investment would be part of a larger recapitalization program that will increase the Bank''s capital from $1.14 million to $3 million equivalent.  Other prospective investors include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for 15% to 20% of capital and the Agha Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), which has expressed interest to subscribe for 25% to 30% of capital.  There will also be a capacity building technical assistance program that will strengthen the bank''s operations and bring them in line with sound banking principles.     IFC''s key role in the financial sector has three objectives.  First, IFC seeks to encourage and support institution-building by focusing on the following  priority areas:    - help develop new and efficient private sector companies;    - establish commercially viable intermediaries capable of mobilizing and allocating domestic savings for use by these private companies; and    - assist in employment generation.      Furthermore, the project will set standards of corporate governance and business conduct and discourage government interference.  IFC''s involvement, in partnership with EBRD and AKFED, will foster the institution-building role through the Technical Co-operation (TC) program approved by the EBRD and AKFED''s active involvement in the operations of the bank.  Third, IFCs involvement will act as a catalyst for more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).  Over the years, Tajikistan has attracted very little FDI.  No foreign banking institution has to date invested in the Tajik financial sector and no strategic or financial investor is presently willing to take such initiative on its own.  The success of the project should encourage other investors, who are currently reluctant to do business in the country, to invest in Tajikistan as the perceived risk diminishes.
TCell Project With approximately 3.1 million subscribers and a market share of 36%, TCell (or the Company) is Tajikistans largest mobile phone operator. Established in 1998, it is also the countrys first mobile operator. TeliaSonera acquired a controlling stake in the Company in July 2007 and AKFED, which was a shareholder at the time of TeliaSoneras purchase, owns the remainder of the Company.   TCell is seeking to raise US$30 million from the IFC to expand the services it offers and its geographic reach within Tajikistan.  Over the next five years the Company intends to grow its mobile broadband and value added services. -	Extend and improve the quality of telecommunications services:  TCell plans to invest heavily in its network by upgrading and expanding coverage.  This is expected to improve service for its subscribers and result in access in areas of the country that were not covered in the past.  TCell''s investment program will also compel other operators to invest in their networks, leading to improvements across the industry as a whole and benefiting the general population.  -	Direct and indirect employment:  Due to the limited employment opportunities domestically, nearly half of Tajikistan''s labor force works abroad.  This project is expected to generate employment opportunities in the local market at both a Company level and across the supply chain.  -	Support delivery of Social Services:  In 2002 TCell launched 3G services under its Indigo Tajikistan brand, making the country one of the first in the former Soviet Union to have a 3G network.  Due to the lack of fixed line, broadband infrastructure, the country''s 3G network is relied on for the transmission of data and mobile internet access.  As applications such as mobile banking and eGovernment services come on line, TCell''s extensive network will allow these services to reach a larger share of the population.  -	Demonstration Effect:  IFC has taken a leading role in in the telecom sector as a pioneer investor in post-conflict and IDA countries, such as Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, West Bank and Haiti.  IFC''s participation in this project would send a positive signal to other investors about Tajikistan''s investment potential despite perceptions about a challenging business environment and country risk.  Although it grew significantly in the years that followed the 1992-1997 civil war, foreign direct investment remains limited.
SEF Tajero II Based in Dushanbe, the Tajero Group of Companies (the Group) is composed of three related but separate companies:  Tajero LLC, Tajero-Sugd and Amal Industry.  It is the leading nationwide importer and distributor of food and beverages with exclusive contracts from 16 International Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies.  Tajero distribution currently covers 70% of sales points in Tajikistan.

Tajero is exposed to volatility in global prices as a distributor of imported food, which makes up 80% of food in Tajikistan.   Increasing food prices coupled with currency depreciation have limited Tajeros ability to further expand the operation, particularly as access to affordable capital has diminished in Tajikistan. To sustain stable volumes and further grow the business, Tajero seeks more affordable sources of financing and has approached IFC to reduce refinancing risks.   

Tajero has approached IFC for a 3-year working capital line to refinance a current loan and reduce financing costs (the Project). This would be IFC's second investment with Tajero. Through this Project, IFC will be supporting a local sponsor that has built a distribution business in a challenging environment.  The project will have strong development impact:  i) in the business community where Tajero will serve as an example of the benefits to be gained through improved transparency and corporate governance; ii) for consumers, as  the affordable financing that Tajero will obtain from IFC will help mitigate the price increases it is passing on to its customers, which are also as a result of global food price increases; and iii) for investors and exporters to the region, as IFC's involvement with Tajero adds comfort in identifying potential partners in Tajikistan,  a country with few foreign investors outside the resource sectors and microfinance.
Humo SL LCY The Project entails IFC investment in CJSC MDO Humo (Humo), one of the leading microfinance institutions (MFI) in Tajikistan, an IDA country, to support expansion of its lending program to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and to provide micro housing loans for individuals, mostly in rural areas of Tajikistan, that are in need of improving living conditions. The investment will be provided in local currency for up to four years from IFCs own account by leveraging the IDA 18 IFC-MIGA Private Sector Windows Local Currency Facility, (PSW LCF), which was created by the Word Bank Group to catalyze private sector investment in IDA countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected states, by providing financing in local currency for high impact projects where local currency solutions are underdeveloped or missing. The development impact of the Project is expected to be: (i) increased access to financial services for the underserved MSEs, (ii) increased access to housing microfinance for underserved population of rural areas in Tajikistan. Beyond the Project, IFC anticipates that the Project will promote greater inclusiveness by fostering housing microfinance through a leading MFI via capacity building and demonstration effect.
SEF Tajero Choc The owner of the leading FMCG distributor in Tajikistan, plans to create a new entity, Amiri LLC, to launch chocolate and confectionary production in Dushanbe. Production is planned to start by the end of December for chocolate products, targeting the middle class consumers, with nationwide distribution.  

Amiri will be the first modern chocolate operation in Tajikistan, competing against imported brands. The project includes investment in: (i) the renovation of existing production premises, formerly used for storage; (ii) equipment for chocolate production; and (iii) working capital. IFC funding will be used to support the purchase of modern chocolate processing equipment.  

The existing distribution company, Tajero, was established in 2002 and has since built strong relations with leading international companies to distribute and market FMCG products in Tajikistan. The new company, Amiri, will take advantage of the Tajero network for brand management, distribution and key shelf space to leverage Tajeros depth of expertise and strong relationships with retail players. Through this Project, IFC will be investing with a local sponsor that has built a strong distribution business in a challenging environment and now is looking to start its own production in a predominantly import dependent market. With IFC's involvement, Amiri is well positioned to become a model production site through support from IFC on food safety, HACCP and environmental standards, and would be able to disseminate best practices through its distribution network.
The Project's main beneficiaries will be financiers, employees, owners of small stores and consumers.
BOP IMON SL The proposed project is a 3-year straight senior loan of up to US$5 million denominated in Tajik somoni (TJS) to Closed Joint Stock Company Microcredit Deposit-Taking Organization IMON International (IMON or the Company), Tajikistans largest microfinance institution (MFI) and the fourth largest financial institution. The Project will be processed under IFCs Base of the Pyramid program and will enable IMON to provide much needed local currency funding to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to help them recover from the economic shock of the pandemic (the Project). The Project is expected to benefit from IDA Private Sector Window (PSW) Pooled First Loss Guarantee to help de-risk the Project and IDA-PSW Local Currency Facility to help support the local currency financing. Increased access to finance for MSEs through provision of financing to make investments in inventory and inputs necessary to resume full economic activity post COVID.
Contribute to market resilience in the Tajik financial sector by sending a positive signal to boost investor confidence and demonstrating the viability of supporting the sustainability and recovery of financial institutions.
CDel IMON-FY24 The proposed project is a three-year Tajik Somoni (TJS or LCY) denominated loan from IFCs own account of up to US$5 million to the Closed Joint Stock Company Microcredit Deposit-Taking Organization IMON International (IMON or the Company), the largest microfinance institution (MFI) and the fourth largest financial institution in Tajikistan, an IDA country, to support its lending program to micro and small enterprises (MSE) in underserved segments and regions. (The Project). At least 50% will be allocated to MSEs operating in the agriculture sector of Tajikistan, including small holder farmers, up to 40% for housing microfinance projects and the remaining proceeds will be used to finance MSEs, including women led MSEs. As part of the BOP Program, the Project will use IDA PSWs Local Currency Facility (LCF) to source local currency, as well as the Pooled First Loss Guarantee (PFLG) from IDA PSWs Blended Finance Facility (BFF). The most significant expected project-level outcomes are increased access to MSE and housing finance in Tajikistan where the use of proceeds will be split 60:40. Beyond the project level outcome, IFC anticipates that the Project will promote greater competitiveness through demonstration and replication channels.
RSE Tajero Project IFC will provide a senior secured loan of up to US$3 million (the IFC Loan) to Tajero Group (Tajero, the Group) as an allocation under the IFCs COVID-19 response facility. The IFC Loan will support the increase in working capital requirements of Tajero's core import and distribution business and newly launched diaper production.  This project is linked to  Tajero WrCap #40023 (  https://disclosures.ifc.org/project-detail/ESRS/40023/tajero-wrcap  ). The expected Project-level outcomes are improved access to affordable quality products and economy-wide impact based on potential value-add and job creation. The investment is expected to promote resilience in the market by creating competitive pressure on other players to strengthen their distribution networks and facilitating vertical integration in the retail market via demonstration channels.
Cdel Arvand-FY24 The proposed Project consists of a straight senior loan to Closed Joint-Stock Company Bank Arvand (Arvand or the Bank)  a private bank in Tajikistan, an IDA country, with a strong focus on lending to micro and small enterprises (MSEs). The three-year loan would provide much needed mid-term uncollateralized funding in Tajik Somoni (TJS or LCY) to Arvand to support the Bank in servicing the most vulnerable clients in the remote under-/ unbanked regions of Tajikistan. Out of the total loan proceeds, up to US$2.5 million will be dedicated to housing microfinance projects, up to US$1.25 million will be dedicated to women-owned MSEs (WMSEs), and up to US$1.25 million will be directed to support the Banks lending program to MSEs (the Project) in the challenging economic environment caused by the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, further exacerbated by the geopolitical tensions. As part of the BOP program, the Project will use IDA PSWs Local Currency Facility (LCF) to source local currency, as well as the Pooled First Loss Guarantee (PFLG) from IDA PSWs Blended Finance Facility (BFF). (i)	Stakeholder effects  Increased access to MSE finance: IFC anticipates that the Project will contribute to increased access to finance to MSEs and individuals in Tajikistan and help narrow the MSME access to finance gap in Tajikistan;  
(ii)	Stakeholder effects  Increased access to housing microfinance: By directing 50 % of the total project resource envelope to housing finance, this Project is expected to contribute towards the reduction of the access to housing microfinance gap in Tajikistan; 
(iii)	Competitiveness: IFC expects that the Project will promote the competitiveness of the microfinance market in Tajikistan through the competition channel.
ARVAND SL LCY The Project entails IFC investment in LLC MDO Arvand (Arvand), one of the leading microfinance institutions (MFI) in Tajikistan, an IDA country, to support expansion of its lending program to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and to provide micro housing loans for individuals, mostly in rural areas of Tajikistan, that are in need of improving living conditions. The investment will be provided in local currency for up to four years from IFCs own account by leveraging the IDA 18 IFC-MIGA Private Sector Windows Local Currency Facility, (PSW LCF), which was created by the Word Bank Group to catalyze private sector investment in IDA countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected states, by providing financing in local currency for high impact projects where local currency solutions are underdeveloped or missing. The development impact of the Project is expected to be: (i) increased access to financial services for the underserved MSEs, (ii) increased access to housing microfinance for underserved population of rural areas in Tajikistan. Beyond the Project, IFC anticipates that the Project will promote greater inclusiveness by fostering housing microfinance through a leading MFI via capacity building and demonstration effect.
Open Joint Stock Company "Bank Eskhata" This project  Open Joint-Stock Company Eskhata Bank (Eskhata Bank or the Bank)  is part of IFC's Central Asia Micro and Small Enterprise Facility (the Facility), comprising of individual credit lines to selected partner banks for on-lending to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) through specialized micro and small business finance windows created at the partner banks level for this purpose.  Within the framework of the facility, IFC will, in close collaboration with EBRD, make available up to $45 million for lending (in the form of credit lines) to selected local banks for onlending to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kazakhstan, The Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Eskhata Bank, a Tajik commercial bank with approximately 4% of the banking systems total assets in Tajikistan, has been selected as a partner bank for the Facility.  It was registered as a commercial bank on November 16, 1993 following the issue of a General License for banking operations by the National Bank of Tajikistan.  Eskhata Bank has obtained licenses for conducting all types of banking operations, including foreign currency dealings.  The main objective for the establishment of the Bank was to provide private companies and individuals (mostly in the cotton and agribusiness sectors) with access to credit and with a range of diversified banking services.

The objective of this project is to expand the frontier of finance by extending downward the range of market segments served by Eskhata Bank. Thus, the IFC credit line will increase the availability of sustained credit to creditworthy MSEs, while at the same time building up the lending capacity and skill base of Eskhata Bank.