Project News

In Tajikistan, many workers go to neighboring countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan in search of jobs, but due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people coming back to Tajikistan (labor migrants) is increasing. Business Incubator Project (BIP) has initiated the pilot scheme called "Mini-financing ", under which equipment and materials necessary for business start-up are provided to the selected applicants in the target area who have participated in "Basic of Business" training. To be selected, the applicants need to submit a business plan deemed feasible and in line with the criteria determined by BIP/SIBI. This pilot effort is aimed at providing business opportunities to a total of 400 Tajik labor migrants who were forced to come back or couldn't leave due to the restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the end of July 2021, a total of 122 migrants participated in the training. Under a strict screening of the submitted business plans, JICA so far provided equipment and materials to 33 migrants as of August 2021.

One of the beneficiaries is Ms. Mavluda. After the death of her husband, she has raised three children by herself. Due to the lack of a well-paid job in her hometown, Mavluda started working in Russia in 2017. She got a job in a textile factory as a seamstress but returned to Tajikistan at the end of 2020 because of the pandemic. She planned to have her own sewing shop and then applied for the Mini-financing scheme. BIP supported her with a modern electrical sewing machine and auxiliary devices. Now she is running a quite successful business of sewing national dresses at home.

Another beneficiary is Mr. Farruh. He worked as an assistant of a car repairman in Shymkent, Kazakhstan from 2012 to 2020 where he learned many technical skills. He returned to Tajikistan in mid-2020 and then applied for the Mini-financing scheme. He planned to establish a car repair shop and BIP supported him with welding machines, tools boxes, etc. Now Mr. Farruh applies his knowledge and skills to make a living in his hometown. Mr. Farruh said that thanks to the business training, he learned how to run a business. He also appreciated that for the last few months, he was not only able to earn good money, but also enjoy a stay with his wife and two beloved daughters.

"Basics of Business" Training (June 2021)

Ms.Mavluda and the sewing machines (May 2021)

Ms.Mavluda at work (July 2021)

Mr.Farruh and his car repair shop (July 2021)