Contact us: Info@amcham.tj

AmChamTajikistan Monthly Newsletter January 2016

AmCham Monthly Newsletter is the bulletin of the American Chamber of Commerce. Its goal is to inform the media and AmCham members of AmCham’s activities and events. The articles of this newsletter are a summary of the news and happenings during the previous months.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

AmCham news:

• GEW2015 and International Entrepreneurship Forum

• New Members

• Meeting of the Board of Directors

• Pre-New Year Business Cocktail and annual Meeting of AmCham members

• EBRD Presentation of “Transition Report 2015-2016”

• AmCham Business Breakfast with participation of Her Excellency Elisabeth I. Millard, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan

Member news and offers:

• Tcell’s Fixed Internet Offer

• Special Winter Offers from Dushanbe Serena Hotel

• Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Special Valentine’s Offer

• Fitness Center Offer from Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel

• Imkon Consulting’s MBA program Graduation Ceremony

• FINCA Tajikistan’s Head Office relocation

• Prodygia gives AmCham Tajikistan members 30% off any course

2015 was marked by the Global Entrepreneurship Week and International Entrepreneurship Forum.

About GEW and GEW 2015 Tajikistan

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the

world’s largest celebration of the innovators and

job creators, who launch startups that bring ideas

to life, drive economic growth and expand

human welfare. It has been three years that

AmCham Tajikistan has been hosting GEW.

GEW 2015 took place during Nov 16th – Nov

22nd in Tajikistan. The week consisted of various

engaging events taking place in Dushanbe,

Khujand, Khorog and Kulob connecting

participants to potential investors and mentors.

November 18th was marked by a spectacular

event, the International Entrepreneurship Forum

and Exhibition of products and services of

member companies of American Chamber of

Commerce in Tajikistan.

AmCham News

Some figures from GEW Tajikistan 2015

• Fundraised over $50,000 for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2015 for weeklong events

• 14 events throughout the country

• 20 Development Organizations took part in GEW 2015

• 60 private companies took part in GEW 2015

• 10 NGOs took part in GEW 2015

• 11 key ministries and agencies of the Republic of Tajikistan working in Economic Sector Bloc took part in GEW 2015

• Five National Universities took part in GEW 2015

• http://wearegen.co/tajikistan-gew/tajikistan-packs-activities-programs-largest-gew-yet

AmCham Tajikistan welcomes its new members!

Expo Central Asia is a part of an exhibition company group established in 1999 with offices in Istanbul, Almaty, and Dushanbe. The company is specialized in organizing international exhibitions since 2005 in Kazakhstan and since 2010 in Tajikistan. Expo Central Asia is prestigious organizer of international exhibitions which gives great chances and remarkable advantages for every company to meet buyers, make business and get their own share in the market of Central Asia region.

After two successful editions of all industry trade shows in 2010 and 2011, ExpoCentralAsia recently launched a series of exhibitions in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, including AgroFood, in which AmCham Tajiksitan had an opportunity to present itself, BuildExpo, TajTourism, TajMed and TajindustryEnergy in 2015 and 2016. With 16 years of experience, Expo Central Asia is an expert in international, Turkish and Central Asian exhibition markets.

www.expotajik.com

Air Astana commenced regular flight operations on 15 May 2002 and currently operates a network of over 60 international and domestic routes from hubs in Almaty, Astana and Atyrau. Air Astana operates an all-western fleet of Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 757-200, Airbus A320 family aircraft and Embraer E-190. Air Astana became the first carrier from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe to be awarded the prestigious 4-Star rating by Skytrax in its World Airline Awards 2012 and was named The Best Airline in Central Asia and India. Three of accolades were repeated in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Air Astana is a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s national wealth fund, Samruk Kazyna, and BAE Systems, with respective shares of 51% and 49%. www.airastana.com

RSM Tajikistan is a full member of RSM International and is active in Tajikistan since 2009. Being the 7th largest audit, tax and consulting network, RSM International has firms in over 110 counties, employs over 37500 staff in more than 730 offices. “We are here to advice you on a wide range of issues, namely audit & assurance consulting, tax, risk advisory IFRS, restructuring, transition and business, and financial advisory. As a global network, we recognize the importance of local knowledge. Our member firms understand local culture and traditions, possess expertise in regional rules and regulations, and have in-depth knowledge of the services and sectors in their country”.

www.rsm.tj

EBRD Presentation of

Meeting of the Board of the Directors took place on December 18th, 2015 in Rudaki Plaza. During the meeting issues such as financial statements, approval of new members and AmCham’s plans and directions for 2016 were discussed. During the meeting all the financial statements up to end of 2015 were presented to the board for the examination. As mentioned earlier in the text, the membership application of the Expo Central Asia was approved by the Board of the Directors, and we look forward for our members’ cooperation and mutual benefits. The three main directions of AmCham, in 2016 are Advocacy, strengthening the Member to Member (M2M) services and Networking, the implications and realizations of which will only be possible with contribution of our dear members.

On December 18th there was a Pre New-Year Business Cocktail and the Annual Meeting of AmCham members. During the meeting the Executive Director of AmCham Tajikistan-Ilhom Aliev summarized the events and overall activities of AmCham in the past 2015 year and introduced the plans and directions of AmCham Tajikistan for 2016.

EBRD Presentation of “Transition Report 2015-2016”

Jan 28th, 2016, Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Jan 28th, 2016, EBRD presented its Annual Transition Report 2015-2016, presented EBRD’s economic forecast of the region, and results of EBRD activities for 2015 at Sheraton Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

AmCham Tajikistan had the honor to participate during the presentation. Ilhom Aliyev, Executive Director of AmCham Tajikistan, Muboraksho Mashkhulov, CEO of Somon Capital, Manvel Harutyunyan, Executive Director of Grant Thornton Tajikistan, Jana Chmelnizki- Kadian - CEO of FINCA, Mindaugas Ubartas, CEO of Tcell, and others were among the AmCham members who participated at the presentation.

During the presentation, Richard Jones, Head of EBRD Resident Office in Tajikistan, reported about EBRD’s investments in 2015 in Tajikistan’s economy, which amounted to 166 Million Euros.

Alxander Plekhanov, Deputy Director, Lead Economist of EBRD, presented EBRD’s Transition Report 2015-2016. The report was first presented in London in November of 2015. You can access the Russian version by visiting http://2015.tr-ebrd.com/ru/

Agris Preimanis, Deputy Director, EBRD Chief Regional Economist, presented EBRD’s latest economic forecast of the region. The report of Regional Economic Prospects underlines the major influence of complex external factors on Tajikistan’s economy. Due to recession in Russia, fall of ruble, dropping oil prices, and other commodities, growth and currency exchange is lower in Central Asian countries.

The worsening situation in China also affects growth in the countries of the region. Due to complexities in the region, Central Asian countries should continue reforms, work on improving infrastructure, international and regional integration, support innovation, take actions in improving competitiveness, and economic sustainability in long term prospects.

AmCham Business Breakfast with participation of Her Excellency Elisabeth I. Millard, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan

January 29th, 2016, Dushanbe Serena Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

On January 29th, AmCham Tajikistan held its first Business Breakfast in 2016 at Serena Hotel Dushanbe. The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan, Her Excellency Elisabeth I. Millard was invited as a guest to the Business Breakfast. About forty CEOs and top managers of leading international and local companies of Tajikistan, all members of AmCham Tajikistan, gathered for the event.

During the first twenty minutes companies had the opportunity to chat over a cup of coffee at Kuhsor Restaurant of Serena Hotel. Ilhom Aliyev, Executive Director of AmCham Tajikistan, welcomed the Ambassador to the Business Breakfast, and summarized the main goals and achievements of AmCham Tajikistan since its establishment in 2009.

U.S. Ambassador Millard gave brief remarks about the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Tajikistan.

Following her remarks, companies had the opportunity to present their business activities in Tajikistan. Various topics were discussed during the Breakfast, such as improvement of trade relations between the U.S. and Tajikistan, attraction of the U.S. companies to Tajikistan, and ways to improve investment climate of Tajikistan. It was noted, that the main obstacles in doing in business Tajikistan remain the impact of global financial crisis on Tajikistan, currency devaluation and various other obstacles that companies face.

It was discussed that companies should work altogether in order to improve business environment, and attract foreign investment in Tajikistan. Tourism sector in Tajikistan, global oil prices, capital market development, and improvement of the U.S.-Tajikistan trade relations were among topics that were discussed during the Breakfast.

Gulanor Atobek, the Chairman of BOD of AmCham Tajikistan thanked the U.S. Ambassador and all the companies for joining the Business Breakfast. After the official part, companies had the opportunity to informally network with each other.

Tcell offers access to Internet resources on personal data transfer channels with guaranteed instant access to any informational and multimedia content of the global Internet. Using our high-speed connection to the Internet, save your time and improve efficiency of your business!

You get 24/7 guaranteed access to Internet, plenty of options for speed - from 1 Mbit/s to 50 Mbit/s, static IP-address, a personal manager service and much more.

Fixed Internet is a high quality service at the best price!

We guarantee you the speed you choose!

Imkon Consulting’s MBA program Graduation Ceremony

The first graduation ceremony of the first group of the first International MBA Program in Tajikistan provided by Steinbeis University Berlin (SHB) took place in Sheraton Hotel Dushanbe on December 18th, 2015.

Imkon Consulting welcomes both Tajik citizens and foreigners in Tajikistan to apply for an internationally recognized German MBA degree in Tajikistan which is conducted in partnership with Steinbeis University Berlin. hhtps://www.facebook.com/MBA.Tajikistan?fref=ts

AmCham Members’ offers and news

Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Special Valentine’s Offer

Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel is delighted to offer to all AmCham Members a special rate for their Fitness Center additionally to the discounts offered last year:

DISCOUNTED RATES FOR FITNESS CLUB AT SHERATON DUSHANBE:

Monthly membership at the Sheraton Dushanbe Fitness Club (use of swimming pool, fitness center and sauna)

3 times per week – 125 USD (2 hours per day) for 1 member

3 times per week – 200 USD (2 hours per day) in case if AmCham member comes with his/her peer together at the same time

Conditions:

Person who is buying a membership should be an employee of AmCham Member Company.

Full prepayment should be done prior the use of Fitness Center. Start your year in an excellent health and shape!

FINCA Tajikistan’s Head Office has relocated to the new address: 734060, Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Jabbor Rasulov str, 9. Reference point: Farovon Market

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en_US&app=mp&mid=zaSjisW_zMT8.kzxEtBH_0cVQ

AmCham Tajikistan is happy to announce a partnership with Prodygia, which offers short online courses on China, including how to do business in China!

Prodygia has paid short courses and also free short courses and content that would be of use to AmCham Tajikistan members, many of whom are interested in doing business with China. Therefore, AmCham Tajikistan has preliminarily negotiated 30% off any course for up to 3 total purchases for AmCham members. If there is further interest after 3 courses, we can negotiate a different contract. Prodygia also writes: “Of course, you're welcome to use any of the free content we produce as well, either via your social media channels or on your site. Infographics, for instance, are pretty popular. As a benchmark, we're a knowledge partner with some chambers and agencies here in China, like Swissnex.”

Please check www.prodygia.com for more information about Prodygia