IFC Improves Business Environment in Tajikistan with New e-Services System

As outlined in a press release on the IFC website, a  new online e-system for businesses in Tajikistan developed with IFC support is being launched to help the government increase transparency, reduce its administrative burden, and improve the country's investment climate, the IFC (a member of the World Bank Group) said on December 11th. The IFC has been working with Tajikistan's State Committee on Investment and State Property Management for almost two years to help develop the new e-Services for Business System with support from the government of Switzerland. The new portal consists of: an e-Registry database comprising all existing licenses and permission documents with details of their issuance; an e-Inspection system to enable the planning and conduction of inspections and report results online; and an e-Permit platform to apply for licenses and permission documents. The new online system will help increase the transparency of activities and services provided by state authorities and minimize costs for the private sector to access information, apply for licenses and permits, provide feedback, and report on problems in the work of inspection and licensing bodies. "Simplifying administrative procedures and reducing the state impact on business activities by - among other things - reducing the number of inspections is essential to improve business confidence and attract investment," said Khurshedai Qodir, Deputy Chairperson of the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management. The portal will also enable the committee to have valuable real-time data on the number of inspections conducted and licenses and permits requested and issued. It will also enable monitoring of the extent to which state bodies comply with legal requirements in carrying out their duties. "Developing Tajikistan's private sector without improving the conditions it operates in is practically impossible," said Farukh Sultonov, IFC Country Officer in Tajikistan. "Accessible administrative systems are key to help public authorities cut bureaucracy, reduce costs and time for the private sector, and strengthen the country's investment climate."