On 22-23 September 2021, the OECD organised a two-day webinar on Investment Promotion in Tajikistan. The capacity-building series is part of the cycle of events under the peer review of investment promotion policies in Tajikistan.
The capacity-building series responded to a specific request from Tajikistan for amore practical event on the strategic and institutional framework behind investment policy and promotion, as well as the targeting of, and support for, investors. The event was organised as part of theOECD Policy Component of the EU Central Asia Invest initiative and brought together experts from Business France with stakeholders from the Tajik government.
Opening the introductory session on day one, Mr Numon Abdughafforzoda, Head of the Secretariat of the Consultative Council on the Improvement of the Investment Climate, outlined his government’s most recent steps to improve the investment climate and further digitise services for investors. Mr Francesco Straniero, Attaché at the European Union Delegation to Tajikistan, agreed with the positive track record and noted that Tajikistan was committed to implementing sustainable change for investors.
Mr Philippe Yvergniaux, Director of international Co-operation at Business France presented an overview of his agency and discussed the key elements of putting together an investment promotion strategy, namely targeting priorities that optimise the overlap between FDI market trends and the country’s competitive advantage. Mr Yvergniaux also emphasised the role of an IPA in improving the investment climate, by seeking feedback from investors. During a lively Q&A, he pointed out how digitalisation can facilitate investment promotion and how to promote re-investment.
On day two, Mr Salim Saifi Project Director at Business France, underlined Mr Yvergniaux’s points and added details on the retention and targeting of investors. The session was opened by Dr Hans-Joachim Siegert, expert at TajInvest, who described his agency’s development over the past year, including the creationa training centre for entrepreneurs, a B2B portal, and the creation of a joint investment fund with neighbouring countries. He noted the challenges Tajikistan faces in attracting diversified investment, such as its geographical position, and its small domestic market.
Noting these challenges, Mr Saifi presented some insights on how to best identify (CRM; geographic business research; economic intelligence); target (sales cycle of an IPA) and contact a foreign investor (tailor-made communication according to the company goals, size and growth; one-to-one meetings). He emphasised the importance of maturity analytics to keep in mind the stakes and how the project will contribute to Tajikistan’s development objectives.
The two-day session was concluded by Mr Grégory Lecomte, moderator of the day and Head of the OECD Central Asia Unit, who reiterated his thanks to the participants and experts, and the EU for their financial support. He invited every participant to join the 5th October for the next dedicated webinar during which the OECD will present the conclusions of its report on investment promotion in Tajikistan.