amcham newsletter 2016-06-16 monthly newslett… · amcham news uniform electronic system for...

NEWSLETTERAMCHAM TAJIKISTAN April-May

IN THIS ISSUE:

AmCham Tajikistan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with State Unitary Enterprise “Tajinvest”

Interview with Artyom Kataev-Manager of Interfitness LLC

Joint Business Cocktail organized by Hyatt Regency Dushanbe and Amcham Tajikistan

Business Breakfast with Mr. Aidyn Bibolov, Resident Representative of International Monetary Fund to Tajikistan

Happy Ramadan

Joint Business Cocktail organized by Hyatt Regency Dushanbe and Amcham Tajikistan

April 6th was marked by the Joint Business Cocktail organized by Hyatt Regency Dushanbe and Amcham Tajikistan.

The Business Cocktail gathered AmCham Tajikistan member companies for the farewell for

Mr. Walter Gag, the former General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Dushanbe and a welcome for

Mr. Patrick Iserlohe, the newly appointed General Manager of Hyatt Regency Dushanbe.

AmCham News

07 03 | www.amcham.tj | NEWSLETTER

AmCham News

Round Table with companies from UK

UK Embassy with support of AmCham organized a round table with British companies in fields of health, construction, power equipment and exploration, development and production of precious metals. Participants included major Tajik companies, international companies and AmCham members working in those fields, Consultative Council on Improvement of Investment Climate, Donor Coordination Council, State Unitary Enterprise “Tajinvest”, EBRD and others.

During the opening ceremony Deputy Head of Mission of UK Embassy - Jonathan Layfield welcomed everyone and expressed his hopes for future partnerships and cooperation of the present parties. Richard Jones - Head of EBRD gave a presentation about business opportunities and current economic environment in Tajikistan. Numon Abdugafforzoda- Head of Consultative Council on Improvement of Investment Climate spoke about incentives for foreign investors and reforms taking place in the country. Nekruy Zabirzoda - General Director of SUE “Tajinvest” presented investment opportunities in Tajikistan. Afterwards British companies gave presentations about their companies and B2B took place.

04 | www.amcham.tj | NEWSLETTER

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Member News and Offers

07

AmCham News

New member-Interfitness LLC


“Interfitness” LLC was registered in 2007. In 2012 it opened the first water park in Dushanbe. In 2013 started building the largest fitness facility in Central Asia encompassing 12000 square meters, as “X-fit” franchisee. The fitness facility's goal is introduction and development of fitness services in Dushanbe and attracting citizens to be engaged in a more healthy and active lifestyle. The main objective is to set high quality standards for fitness services in the capital of Tajikistan, that would meet that of the world standards.

Adress:Muhammadiev Str.(992) 48 702 00 50, (992) 48 702 00 22, 90 882 77 77

www.xfit.ru

07

Business Breakfast with Mr. Aidyn Bibolov, Resident Representative of International Monetary Fund to Tajikistan

On May 26th, AmCham Tajikistan held Business

Breakfast together with Mr. Aidyn Bibolov, Resident

Representative of International Monetary Fund to

Tajikistan at Hyatt Regency Dushanbe. Apart from

AmCham member companies, invited guests

included: Mr. Hans-Joachim Siegert, Investment

Promotion Consultant at Tajinvest, Peter Fabian,

CEO of Spitamen Capital, and Jamie Baldwin,

Airlines Consultant, who is visiting Tajikistan from

Washington DC.

During the meeting, Mr. Aidyn Bibolov made a

presentation about the latest "2016 IMF

Regional Economic Outlook Update". Mr.

Bibolov briefly covered the global macroeconomic

outlook, and then gave an overview of the regional

and Tajikistan's economic analysis.

After the presentation, the Q&A session covered

various topics, such as Tajikistan's tax policy,

reforms important to improve the investment

climate, current situation in the banking sector,

IMF's interaction with the Government of Republic

of Tajikistan, and current business environment.

IMF's recommendations for Tajikistan were

discussed, as well as topics of market competition,

and attraction of Foreign Direct Investment to

Tajikistan.

At the end of the Breakfast Gulanor Atobek,

Chairwoman of AmCham Tajikistan thanked Mr.

Bibolov, guests, and AmCham members for active

participation, and expressed to see stronger

cooperation between IMF and Tajikistan in the

future.

NEWSLETTER | www.amcham.tj | 07

AmCham News

AmCham News


Grand Opening Ceremony of the Puli Sangin resort

AmCham Tajikistan together with its members had an honor to participate at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the summer resort “Puli Sangin” located in Nurek city. The gala night included excursion, horseback riding, and live concert of Avesto with entertainment, buffet and alcoholic beverages. “Puli Sangin” is a great place to visit with family, friends or spouse. It encompasses swimming pools with bar, football, volleyball fields, and a tennis court. One can also enjoy horseback riding, boat trips, and the incredible mountainous view.

AmCham News

Uniform Electronic System for Permits Processing

On June 2, 2016, AmCham Tajikistan had the

opportunity to participate at the opening ceremony of

the Uniform Electronic System for Permits

Processing that is introduced in the Ministry of

Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry

of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of

Tajikistan on a pilot basis that was held at the State

Committee on Investment and Management of the

State Property of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The official opening ceremony was attended by

Muminzod Abdumajid - First Deputy Chairman of the

State Committee on Investment and Management of

State Property of the Republic of Tajikistan, Patricia

Vivers-Carter - The World Bank Country Manager in

Tajikistan, Peter Fernandes Cardy - Head of Department

for International Development of the UK in Tajikistan,

Nathalie Barbancho - Deputy Head of the Swiss

Cooperation Office in Tajikistan, Martin Naegele - acting

Country Officer of IFC, other Ministries, the

private sector, and NGOs.

Aiming to ensure execution of instructions and orders of

the Founder of Peace and National Unity, the Nation's

Leader, His Excellency Emomali Rakhmon given during

his Message to the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of

Tajikistan, dated April 20th 2012 in order to provision of

up to 30 percent of permits in the electronic form, the

State Investment Committee on Investment and

Management of State Property of the Republic of

Tajikistan with the support of the “Business Regulation

and Investment Climate” Project, which is implemented

by IFC (International Finance Corporation), a member

of World Bank Group, and financed by the Governments

of Switzerland and the United Kingdom, introduced the

Uniform Electronic System for Permits Processing

in the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of

Tajikistan and the Ministry of Health and Social

Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan on a pilot

basis.

It should be mentioned that the Uniform Electronic

System for permits processing is available online and is

posted on the website of the authorized state agency

responsible of permitting system www.ijozat.tj on the

page of “Electronic system for permits processing”.


“Follow Up Round Table discussion” on tourism development in Tajikistan

One May 30th, 2016 GIZ hosted the “Follow Up Round

Table discussion” on tourism development in Tajikistan,

where AmCham Tajikistan and member companies of

AmCham, such as Hyatt Regency Dushanbe, Sheraton

Dushanbe Hotel, Dushanbe Serena Hotel, and Somon

Air participated.

The warm welcome speech was made by Mr. K.-H.

Frank, Country Director of GIZ Tajikistan. He

mentioned the progress of tourism development in

Tajikistan with contributions of donor organizations and

private sectors. In the last three years lots of changes and

progress were made in marketing and promotion of

Tajikistan. There were several familiarization trips

organized for international tour operators to Tajikistan.

Results are visible for example in the 2nd edition of the

travel magazine “Mit Yak and Pack”. MSDSP tourism

advisor Mr. Matthias Poeschel is successfully supporting

this process. The big success has been the presentation of

Tajikistan in ITB 2016 in Berlin.

Later, Mr. Thomas Lux introduced the agenda and the

objectives of the joint meeting of Tajik Tourism Service

Providers, NGOs and International Organizations

Mr. Lux informed about the great success that British

Foreign Ministry has given the travel advice for Pamirs.

Thanks to PECTA who was supporting that process.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/tajikistan/tajikistan-best-trekking-destination-you-have-

not-heard-of/

During the discussions, results and achievements in

tourism sector were noted, such as ITB 2016,

Globetrotter, Mit Yak and Pack Travel Magazine, etc.

Later on, Matthias Poeschel, Tourism Advisor at

MSDSP presented the Travel magazine about Pamirs,

which is intended for German speaking tourists who

would like to visit Tajikistan. Closing the day, participants discussed current challenges and opportunities in

tourism sector.

AmCham News


AmCham Tajikistan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with State Unitary Enterprise “Tajinvest”On June 3rd, 2016, AmCham Tajikistan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with State Unitary Enterprise “Tajinvest” under the Committee on Investments and State Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan.

During the signing ceremony, Ilhom Aliyev - Head of AmCham Tajikistan and Nekruy Zabirzoda -

General Director of SUE “Tajinvest” discussed cooperation opportunities between AmCham Tajikistan and SUE “Tajinvest”. It was agreed, that AmCham and SUE “Tajinvest” will cooperate and promote investment opportunities of Tajikistan to the American companies, mutually exchange information about round tables, conferences, seminars on business and investment opportunities, support entrepreneurship, attract foreign investment, and work together in improving the investment climate attractiveness of Tajikistan.

Focus on an AmCham Member

Interview with Artyom Kataev-Manager of Interfitness LLC

AmCham Tajikistan welcomed its new member, Interfitness LLC, and recently held an interview about Dushanbe city's 3 entertainment establishments, with Director of the “Delfin” water park- Artyom Kataev and his colleagues, Derevyankin Dmitriy- Manager of the X-Fit fitness club and Shirindjanov Farid- Manager of “Segafredo Zanneti”. At first, Mr. Kataev gave an overview about all three projects. Segafredo Zanetti as he said was opened in 2007 and soon became well-known as a cafe with supreme service, serving European menu you would not find elsewhere in Dushanbe at that time. “One of the investors- Mansour Astanaev made no mistake with a choice”, he said “Segafredo cafe is an indicator of food, service and cleanliness. Our chef often participates in many programs; the kitchen is also often called for banquets because there is trust. People may confidently come and be sure that they will be served at the highest level”.Another project that Mr. Kataev talked about is the first water park in Dushanbe city. “Initially, back in 2007, we started off with the idea of launching X-fit fitness club and even designed it. Meanwhile, we have also decided to build a water park. Due to some reasons, the water park was launched earlier. It was a successful project and a good experience. We opened another place for people to come and relax and get a lot of pleasure. This year we incorporated the "Family Day" option which falls on Saturday and gives families an opportunity to enjoy their time in a safe setting and friendly atmosphere”.On top of the two leisure and entertainment places above, Artyom Kataev and his colleagues are soon to impress the country by opening the branch of a well-known “X-fit” sport operator of Russia. “This is a new project of ours”, Artoym says “It is still in the process of being launched but membership cards are already out on sale. The opening is planned for the end of July. In order to implement the European level of fitness clubs, the largest Russian fitness operator “X-fit” has been involved, which has more than 70 fitness centers in Russia and the CIS. Ours is going to be yet the largest in the area with a total area of fitness club being 12500 square meters, in the territory of which we have 2 swimming pools measuring 25 meters in length, 12 meters in width; separate female pool sized 12x12; a large gym of 1,500 square meters; the area of martial arts; crossfit; climbing wall and a

closed field for mini football. One of the highlights of our club will be children's club. Besides the fact that we will provide high-quality and comfortable service for parents, we will also create it for their children. If Segafredo is a development vector in the restaurant business, a water park is in the sphere of services and leisure, the X-fit, we may surely say, will be the number one in fitness. It should be also noted, that these projects create a lot of jobs for our country”.

During the interview, we also discussed such questions, whether market of fitness had changed in the past few years and whether franchising is a faster and more profitable way of business development.“The city is ready for good fitness. Now is time when the quality should come instead of quantity. We have a sufficient number of small fitness clubs, but today it's time for the big player to come to the market and give people what they want. Also, we consider franchising as the best way of business development. We did not invent the wheel but instead let experts to ensure the business processes and establish standards”.At the end of the interview, Artyom and his colleagues were asked what kind of projects should Tajikistan expect from them to what they responded that, “X-fit has a large number of sub-projects. It is a spa, a sporting goods store and a climbing wall that come as separate businesses. By now it is all we are working on but we will keep doing our job as good as possible!”


Total area: 12500 square meters 2 swimming pools: 25x12 metersSeparate female pool: 12x12 metersGym: 1,500 square meters

Also:martial artscrossfit climbing wall closed field for mini footballchildren’s club

X-Fit features:

Artyom Kataev

Derevyankin Dmitriy

07

The Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan and CBT (Community Based Tourism) Kyrgyzstan at ITB Berlin 2016 - The World's Leading Travel Trade ShowITB is well-known as one of the world's most important exhibitions for the tourism industry, an excellent meeting point for tourism professionals and a perfect place to promote your destination and tourism product. The Pamirs Eco Cultural Tourism Association (PECTA) together with representatives of Tajik and Kyrgyz tourism associations and tour operators took the opportunity to present the rich tourism potential of the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan and the various opportunities of community based tourism in Kyrgyzstan from 9-13 March 2016 at ITB Berlin 2016. As in the years before, PECTA was supported and accompanied again by CIM Expert and MSDSP Tourism Advisor Matthias Poeschel.

H.E. Mr. Malikscho Nematov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Germany visiting Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan stand during ITB. Persons from left to right: Mahmud Amirov/Tourism Expert ComYST, Matthias Poeschel/Tourism Advisor MSDSP, Habibullo Amirbekzoda/Deputy Chairman ComYST, Ambassador Nematov, Asadsho Zoolshoev/Director PECTA

In close cooperation Tajik and Kyrgyz partners presented Tajikistan and its regions as an attractive and promisingtravel destination with the Pamir Highway as the linking element between both Central Asian countries and beyond. The joint presentation followed the concept of the cross-border approach for the development of tourism in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in a sustainable way and, at the same time, raised awareness for the region within the international tourism community, so far only known to few. The event provided opportunity for partners to interact with tourism industry

colleagues from Central Asia including Gilgit-Batlistan Region of Northern Pakistan.

For the very first time in ITB history Tajikistan successfully presented itself at two stands, one managed by the Committee of Youth Affairs, Sports and Tourism under the Government of Republic of Tajikistan and the other one run by

PECTA, collecting several private sector businesses and associations. The long lasting fruitful cooperation between National Tourism Authority of Tajikistan and PECTA with its partners has been an excellent effort towards a formal public private partnership (PPP), as PPP are very important for the development of tourism destinations, as it mentioned during the 6th Silk Road Ministers Meeting held at ITB Berlin on 9 March 2016.

On occasion of ITB 2016 PECTA proudly presented the 2nd edition of the German language travel magazine “Mit Yak und Pack durch den Pamir. Unterwegs in Tadschikistan”. Available as well online on www.mit-yak-und-pack.de the brochure collects personal and heartwarming travel stories taking the reader already on short excursions to Tajikistan and the Pamirs.

Highlights from Partners


For the third time in a row PECTA also got the chance to present itself and the destination it comes from at the Pow-

th

High level visit at Tajikistan and Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan Stand: Mr. Rifai is Secretary-General of the H.E. Mr. Malikscho Nematov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Germany

Exposure visit to the National Park Harz

The Tajikistan stand

Busy days at the trade fair

Wow for Tourism Professionals. The 11 Pow-Wow focused on the importance of water for the global travel industry. MSDSP Tourism Advisor Mr. Matthias Poeschel and Mr. Qobiljon Shokirov, Research Fellow at the Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI) of University of Central Asia, talked about Cherishing the Earth's Water Resources – The Pamir Mountains amidst Water Abundance and Scarcity. A closer look at Pamir Mountain Societies'. Ways to meet challenges and chances created by glaciers, rivers, lakes and hot springs.

As well for the third time PECTA and its partners participated in the “ITB Blogger Speed Dating”, a platform created by ITB to facilitate meetings between tourism professionals and travel bloggers. For PECTA to work with travel bloggers and journalists turned out to be a very effective way to promote the Pamirs via social media, a very nice and also very much clicked result being the 3min-video-declaration-of-love to wintry Tajikistan of one of Germany's best known travel bloggers Yvonnn Zagermann of justtravelous.com: Tajikistan and the Pamir Highway: https://vimeo.com/148065534

Altogether the presentation of Tajikistan was a full success, as it helped foster contacts to partners from the international tourism industry and journalists but as well to look for new potential partners. The PECTA ITB presentation was financed through support by the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme Tajikistan, GIZ Tajikistan, ACTED Tajikistan, the Aga Khan Foundation Kyrgyzstan but as well through financial contributions by the participants.

After a successful ITB presentation in Berlin, Asadsho Zoolshoev (PECTA Director) and Matthias Poeschel had the opportunity to meet with H.E. Mr. Malikscho Nematov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Germany. They thanked Ambassador Nematov for his visit to ITB and his ongoing support to promoting tourism to Tajikistan.

Before heading back a small PECTA delegation together with the MSDSP Tourism Advisor visited the Harz National Park, the Harz Mountains Tourism Association HTV in Goslar and PECTA's longstanding cooperation partner DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen in Dresden. The idea behind the study tour was to collect ideas and to share experience about tourism development in the Pamir Mountains and the Tajik National Park. Inspired from the trip to ITB and Germany PECTA's director and staff are now looking forward to the upcoming season and welcoming guests from around the world to its home, the beautiful Pamirs.

For further information contact:Matthias PoeschelAdvisor for Sustainable Tourism and Developmentemail: [email protected]

Highlights from Partners


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