STUDY TOUR TO KYRGYZSTAN FOR TAJIK TEXTILE AND CLOTHING COMPANIES AND UNIVERSITIES – MISSION REPORT

BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN, 25-29 MAY 2016

By SAIDMUMIN KAMOLOV, ITC NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER IN TAJIKISTAN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Project background ..................................................................................................... 3

Mission objective, structure and preparation ............................................................... 3

Objective ..................................................................................................................... 3

Mission Structure ........................................................................................................ 3

Pre – mission preparation ........................................................................................... 3

Commencement of study tour to Kyrgyzstan .............................................................. 4

Day 1 .......................................................................................................................... 4

Day 2 .......................................................................................................................... 4

Day 3 .......................................................................................................................... 5

Day 4 .......................................................................................................................... 6

Summary and results of mission ................................................................................. 7

Participants' feedback ................................................................................................. 7

Media coverage .......................................................................................................... 7

Visibility ....................................................................................................................... 7

ANNEX 1 - Details of the Tajik delegation .................................................................. 8

ANNEX 2 –Study Tour Program ................................................................................. 9

ANNEX 3 – Summarized feedback from Tajik delegation ......................................... 10

ANNEX 4 – Copy of MOUs signed between Technological University of Tajikistan

and Kyrgyz universities ............................................................................................. 15

ANNEX 5 – PR of study tour to Kyrgyzstan .............................................................. 19

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PROJECT BACKGROUND The Project titled “Tajikistan: Strengthening export competitiveness of SMEs in the textile and clothing sector and enhancing trade support institutional capacities” is the fourth Component of the Trade Cooperation Program (TCP) in Tajikistan, which is funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC).

The main focus of the project is to increase the export competitiveness of the T&C sector in Tajikistan by providing sector specific support to SMEs and relevant trade supporting institutions (TSIs), as well as by supporting the respective stakeholders in taking a strategic approach to the sector’s development.

MISSION OBJECTIVE, STRUCTURE AND PREPARATION

OBJECTIVE The clothing industry has been booming in Kyrgyzstan in recent years and currently the sector employs around 100,000 - 150,000 people in about 1,500 companies. The country produces textile and clothing products for around USD 190 million annually and exports almost entirely to Russia and Kazakhstan. In recent years, Tajik garment factories have invited Kyrgyz specialists to work in Tajikistan, too. The study tour to Kyrgyzstan for representatives of Tajik T&C companies and universities was organized based on the request by the ITC project partners and beneficiaries in Tajikistan (pilot T&C companies and universities). It aimed to introduce the Tajik T&C companies to the current working conditions and environment of T&C companies in Kyrgyzstan through visiting selected companies and learning the key factors and practices behind the development of the garment industry in the neighbouring country. The mission also considered discussing the possibility of mutual cooperation between Tajik and Kyrgyz T&C companies, as well as establishing partnerships/exchange programs between educational institutions of the two countries, which prepare specialists for the T&C industry.

MISSION STRUCTURE Representatives of twelve Tajik textile and clothing companies – “Lider”, “Maftuna”, “Mehrovar”, “Nafisa”, “Nassoji Khujand”, “Nohid”, “Olim Textile”, “Ortex”, “RBT Tajikistan Spinning”, “Spitamen Textiles”, “Suman”, and “Vahdat Textile”, as well as two universities - Technological University of Tajikistan (TUT) and Khujand Polytechnic Institute of Tajik Technical University (KPITTU) - participated in the study tour to Kyrgyzstan, which took place on the 25-29 May 2016. The delegation was composed of 16 people, including Mr. Saidmumin Kamolov, NPM, and Ms. Nargiza Abdumajidova, NPA, who accompanied and guided the delegation throughout the mission. The list of participants is enclosed (Annex 1). Similar to other previous marketing missions and study tours, the above visit was also conducted on a cost-sharing basis. Total contribution by the participating companies constituted USD 6,115.

PRE – MISSION PREPARATION First of all, it should be emphasized that all preparatory activities for the study tour to Kyrgyzstan were discussed and carried out in close cooperation and coordination with the ITC project office in Bishkek. As a first step, the offices identified and agreed the dates of mission, informed the project pilot companies about the tour, prepared the draft list of participants, developed the draft program of the study tour, and agreed with the participating and visiting companies. To the extent possible, the final program took into consideration the proposals and views shared by Tajik T&C companies to make the program more efficient and productive. The program included visiting textile, knitting, and garment factories; a wholesale market of accessories, fabrics, and ready garments; garment machines, equipment, and spare-parts shops; and meeting with the Government officials and sectoral association, as well as relevant educational institutions of Kyrgyzstan (see attached the program of study tour in Annex 2).

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Before departure, each member of the Tajik delegation was provided with a separate folder containing the program of the study tour, details of Tajik delegation, a list of possible questions to be addressed during the company visits or meetings, Feedback Form, and etc. The ITC project office in Kyrgyzstan also provided valuable advice on hotel accommodation and transportation of the Tajik delegation during the mission.

COMMENCEMENT OF STUDY TOUR TO KYRGYZSTAN

DAY 1 Companies arrived to Bishkek on May 25th before noon and visited two companies –“Larisa Fashion” and “Ardamin” - in the afternoon. The Tajik delegation was warmly received by the owners of the above companies and they provided answers to all questions raised by representatives of the Tajik T&C industry.

DAY 2 In the morning of Day 2, the Tajik delegation split into two groups based on their interests. The first group visited the garment factory “”Zorin”, which specializes in the production of men’s suits. “Zorin” is a pilot company of the USAID Business Initiative (BGI) Project implemented by Deloitte. The company visit was kindly arranged by Mr. Artur Aliev, Manager of Apparel Sector Development. The second group visited the company “Nazik” , which specializes in the production of women’s clothing. Both groups were highly satisfied from visiting the companies and became well-familiarized with the companies’ activities, and received relevant answers to their questions. Before lunch, the Tajik delegation also visited the garment machines and equipment shops of the company “TANA”. In the afternoon, the delegation visited another three companies: knitting factory “VIVA TEX”, sock manufacturing company “Textile Trans”, and knitting factory “Salkyn”. Some Tajik spinning companies seized the opportunity and discussed with the knitting companies about the possibility of a supply of cotton yarn from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan.

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DAY 3 Day 3 was a very intense but productive day with several meetings and visits scheduled. It started with a meeting in the Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan with participation of government officials, representatives of Kyrgyz universities, and sectoral associations, etc. Mr. Turatbek Junushaliev, Deputy Minister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan welcomed the Tajik delegation and provided brief information about the T&C industry of Kyrgyzstan, the government policy towards the sector, taxation issues, etc. Separate presentations were made by the government representative, representatives of the Technological University of Tajikistan, Kyrgyz State Technical University, Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture and “Inter Asia Trade”- a Kyrgyz logistics company, which controls the fulfillment of orders and delivery of goods from China to Central Asian countries. After the presentations, the MOUs of cooperation were signed between the Technological University of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz State Technical University, and the Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture. In the afternoon the delegation visited the whole market “Madina”, which is one of the largest markets in Central Asia, where customers can purchase all necessary raw materials and accessories for garment manufacturing, sewing equipment, spare parts, etc. During the visit, most of the Tajik companies purchased needed equipment and spare parts for their factories. While some delegation members preferred to spend more time in the “Madina” market in view of their sourcing needs, the rest of delegation preferred to visit the worsted spinning factory OJSC “Kasiet", which is located 60 km east of Bishkek at Tokmok, Chui Oblast. JSC “Kasiet” is one of the largest spinning mills

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in the former Soviet Union. The company was put into operation in December 1977, and in November 1994 it became a joint stock company. JSC “Kasiet” specializes in producing high quality all-wool worsted and semi-woolen knitting and weaving yarns of different colors and shades. The capacity of the installed equipment is from 1500 to 3000 tons of yarn per year, depending on the product range. The company has made equipmentin Italy, Germany, and France. The location of the company in Tokmok is also an advantage. Tokmok is close enough to the main regions which produce raw materials such as fine-fleeced wool. In the evening, concluding meeting and business dinner was organized at the restaurant of Hotel “Dostuk” with participation of the Tajik delegation, representatives of Kyrgyz T&C companies, universities, businesses, and ITC project offices. Mr. Kamil Isaev, First Secretary of the Tajik embassy to Kyrgyzstan participated in the event and expressed the full support of the embassy in any kind of cooperation between the two countries.

DAY 4 The last day of the study tour started with a visit to the garment company “Svetlanka”, which specializes in the manufacturing children clothing and school uniforms. The company was established 15 years ago and mainly focuses on the Russian market. It has around 75 wholesale customers and annually uses approximately 43 km fabrics for stitching. The owner of company shared her useful experience of sourcing fabrics from China with Tajik visitors. Tajik producers were especially interested in the samples of school uniforms.

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After visiting the “Svetlanka” company, the Tajik delegation moved to Dordoi bazaar, which is the largest wholesale and retail market in Bishkek. The Dordoi bazaar is a dense maze of 30,000 containers and employs more than 150,000 people, according to World Bank figures from 2009. With an estimated annual turnover of around $3 billion, Dordoi is no mere market – it is a vital artery in Kyrgyzstan’s economy. Different sections of the markets specialize in various types of consumer goods, including: clothing, shoes, furniture, electric and electronic equipment, toys, automotive supplies, construction materials, etc. Most of the goods sold at Dordoi arrive from China and Turkey. One can also find clothing from Thailand and Korea, and goods from many other countries in Eurasia, as well as a selection of local products. Visiting Dordoi was important for Tajik producers to know about the current retails and wholesale prices for garments and fabrics.

SUMMARY AND RESULTS OF THE MISSION The mission was very productive and all Tajik delegation members were happy to be part of this important event. It was very beneficial for the Tajik delegation in terms of learning new experiences and practices from Kyrgyz T&C companies and the Government policies towards the T&C sector, establishing new business contacts and cooperation (some negotiations between Tajik and Kyrgyz companies have already started), sourcing opportunities (purchasing necessary accessories and equipment from the Madina market), etc. Obviously, one of the immediate results of the mission was the signing of the two MOUs on cooperation between the Technological University of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz State Technical University, and the Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture.

PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK An evaluation form was prepared before the study tour and submitted to participants on the last day. For evaluation details see the summarized feedbacks by the Tajik delegation in Annex 3. The overall feedback from the participants is very positive. All participants are very grateful for ITC and SECO for organizing this interesting and useful mission.

MEDIA COVERAGE The study tour to Kyrgyzstan organized for Tajik T&C companies and universities was widely covered in the mass media. Press release of this event was prepared by NC on PR in Tajik, English and Russian and disseminated among media representatives. The press releases also are posted on the project website- http://www.itctj.org – and the ITC Tajikistan Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/itc.tajikistan/. The news was broadcasted on local radios and posted in various websites in Tajik, Russian, and English, as well as on social media (Facebook, Twitter) (see details in Annex 4).

VISIBILITY Photo-galleries the study tour are available on the ITC Tajikistan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/itc.tajikistan/

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ANNEX 1 – DETAILS OF THE TAJIK DELEGATION

STUDY TOUR TO KYRGYZSTAN FOR TAJIK T&C COMPANIES AND UNIVERSITIES, 25-29 MAY 2016, BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN

# Name of participant

and position Name of company/institution

1 Mr. Abdullo Muhammadiev

Deputy Director CJSC “Nafisa”

2 Ms. Shakhlo Abidjanova

Sales Manager CJSC “Olim Textile”

3 Mr. Sadriddin Kiyomiddinov

Sales Manager Vahdat LLC

4 Mr. Faizali Rajabov

Owner Maftuna LLC

5 Ms. Zulaikho Bobokalonova

Executive Director OJSC “Suman”

6 Mr. Nusrat Badalov

Marketing specialist Mehrovar LLC

7 Mr. Nasim Karimov General Director

OJSC Nassoji Khujand (Formerly “Textile city” LLC)

8 Mr. Abduroziq Oripov

Director

Ortex LLC

9 Mr. Mirzokodir Bakoev

General Director Spitamen Textile LLC

10 Mr. Abdulmumin Sultonov

Deputy Director

Lider LLC

11 Mr. Mumin Fozilov Owner, General Director

Nohid LLC

12 Mr. Tolib Mamadjonov Production Director

CJSC “RBT Spinning Tajikistan”

13 Dr. Kholnazar Ibragimov Dean of Faculty “Technology and Design”

Technological University of Tajikistan

14 Ms. Nazira Bobojanova Head of Department of “Design and Architecture”

Khujand Polytechnic Institute of Tajik Technical University

15 Mr. Saidmumin Kamolov

National Program Manager

ITC project office in Tajikistan

16 Ms. Nargiza Abdumajidova

National Program Associate

ITC project office in Tajikistan

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ANNEX 2 – STUDY TOUR PROGRAM

STUDY TOUR TO KYRGYZSTAN FOR TAJIK T&C COMPANIES AND UNIVERSITIES, 25-29 MAY 2016, BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN

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ANNEX 3 – SUMMARIZED FEEDBACK FROM THE TAJIK DELEGATION

STUDY TOUR TO KYRGYZSTAN FOR TAJIK T&C COMPANIES AND UNIVERSITIES, 25-29 MAY 2016, BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN

What are the three most important things you learned during participation the study tour? Nafisa:

I learned about the patent system of small garment companies in Kyrgyzstan

I got acquainted with the modern technology of knitting production, which was installed in “Salkin” company, “Textile Trans” LLC

I received information about the preparation experience of employees in the garment industry (designers, patter makers, technologists etc.) in the companies and universities of Kyrgyz Republic

Technological University of Tajikistan (TUT):

Textile and clothing companies of Kyrgyzstan work consistently and have their target market

Employees know their rights on tax regulation of the Kyrgyz Republic

Textile and clothing companies are united in associations and have preferential financing from special funds (such as “Rusfond” with lower credit interest rates).

Ortex:

Low tax rates, lack of disagreement with tax authorities

Addresses of the supplier factories and importance of receiving of first-hand products

Methods of motivation for employees and workers in the factories

Khujand Polytechnic Institute of Tajik Technical University (KPITTU)

Activities of Kyrgyz universities in the area of preparing specialists for textile and garment industry

There are various contests, fashion shows, etc. which are organized by Kyrgyz universities

Existing favorable conditions for universities to organize student internships at the companies

Spitamen Textiles:

It is necessary to find sales markets in other cities through partners, friends and etc. and step-by-step enter these markets

The age of equipment does not affect the product quality if employees are conscientious, but the equipment could affect the volume of production

For development of garment industry in Tajikistan the best option would be the patent system which has been implemented in Kyrgyzstan

Lider:

Patent system of taxation of the garment industry of Kyrgyzstan

Importance of garment industry association of Kyrgyzstan and their good partnerships with the line ministries

Well-organized system of procurement and sourcing of raw materials for garment industry in Bishkek

Mehrovar:

Good experience in garment industry

Availability of different study tour programs and internships for students in garment, knitting and socks production

Nohid:

Taxation system of garment industry in Kyrgyzstan is well organized and well established.

The garment company “Salkin” meets the international requirements/standards. The method of work and operation of this company was very useful for us.

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Nassoji Khujand:

Very well defined organization and management of production

Good marketing and sale of produced items

Well-defined taxes and taxation system and partnerships with the government

Suman:

Taxation based on patent system

The important role of associations in garment industry of Kyrgyzstan

There are good opportunities for sourcing and supply of raw materials from Kyrgyzstan for garment industry of Tajikistan.

Vahdat Textile:

Textile and especially garment industry in Kyrgyzstan is very developed

Taxation issue is more favorable for textile and garment industry Maftuna:

Full state support provided to the sector and availability of public private partnership (PPP)

Good knowledge of producers about the market demand and requirements

Production flexibility and market oriented work after implementation of market and demand study activities

RBT Spinning Tajikistan:

Favorable conditions of taxation in garment production in Kyrgyzstan

Reduced option of documentation for export of goods

Due to development of garment industry availability of accessories, fabrics, and equipment with spare parts in Kyrgyzstan.

Olim Textile:

I learnt that the light industry actively develops in Kyrgyzstan

I learnt that the Russian and European companies place large orders to factories in Kyrgyzstan

I also got acquainted with the patent system of taxation, which helps owners of the garment factories to develop and expanse their production

How do you intend to use this experience in your business? Nafisa:

After returning home, I will gather our specialists of JSC “Nafisa” and will inform about the work and experience of “Textile Trans” LLC and about the modernization of production equipment of modern fit socks and hosiery items using the Korean machinery “Soosan”.

Technological University of Tajikistan:

To identify some perspective enterprises with modern technology and quality production, advanced marketing for further encouraging students to be employed in such companies.

With establishing new SMEs for production of garments for children, socks, and hosiery etc., to further encourage students to be employed in such companies.

Ortex:

To contact the state authorities through the sectoral association in order to introduce the experience of Kyrgyzstan on taxation of garment industry

Direct connection to the manufacturers/suppliers in China Khujand Polytechnic Institute of Tajik Technical University (KPITTU)

To organize various seminars to introduce modern technologies and equipment

To create favorable conditions for student exchanges between universities and participation in contests.

Spitamen Textiles:

We aim to implement all what we learned during the study tour Lider:

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I plan to use the system and practices of procurement and sourcing of raw materials in my company.

I will use all information acquired during our visit to garment factories in Kyrgyzstan in our factory.

Mehrovar:

The textile and especially garment industry is very developed in Kyrgyzstan. I personally will inform my colleagues in the factory about my experience, about developments in the garment industry of Kyrgyzstan and how the garment business is promoted there.

Nohid:

After participation in the above study tour organized under the ITC project, we think that we have to establish a viable sectoral association.

Nassoji Khujand:

We aim to introduce the obtained knowledge and experience step by step

Suman:

To the extent possible, I would like to extend our activities and cooperation with our colleagues and partners from Kyrgyzstan.

Vahdat Textile:

I will share information about the textile and garment industry of Kyrgyzstan with my colleagues.

Maftuna:

Starting from production planning, upgrade the quality and design of produced garment to international standards and finding customers through participation in trade fairs.

RBT Spinning Tajikistan: I plan to introduce in production the experience of garment industry, mainly the following:

Management of technological processes

Preparation of specialists

Marketing

Preparation of proposals to public institutions.

Olim Textile:

As we are about to start the second and next cycles of production, I would like to introduce experience and knowledge acquired during this study tour in our company

Did you have any business contacts with your colleagues and counterparts (companies, public organizations, universities etc.) from Kyrgyzstan? (Please indicate name and type of business, as well as areas of possible cooperation)

Nafisa:

Initially we have discussed the mutual cooperation with “Textile Trans” LLC on preparation of our technicians on maintenance of “Soosan” machinery.

Technological University of Tajikistan:

Based on the previous communications with our colleagues from two universities of Kyrgyzstan we prepared two MOUs, signed by the rector of the Technological University of Tajikistan. During the meeting with the representatives of Kyrgyz State Technical University and Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture at the Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan with participation of Deputy Minster, and representatives of relevant associations, the presentation of Technological University of Tajikistan was made. During this meeting the MOUs were signed, according to which we will organize internships for our students in Kyrgyz universities and enterprises and similar internships for Kyrgyz students in TUT and Tajik textile and garment enterprises.

Ortex:

“Inter Asia Trade”- a Kyrgyz logistics company, which controls the fulfillment of orders and delivery of goods from China to Central Asian countries

“Salkin” company- production of children knitwear for selling in retail outlets

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Khujand Polytechnic Institute of Tajik Technical University (KPITTU)

We established business contacts with two universities: Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture, department of “Art design of products” and Kyrgyz Technical University after “I.Razzakov”, department of “Art design of products”.

Spitamen Textiles:

There are some opportunities to cooperate by establishing joint ventures: we have yarn and fabric, and our colleagues from Kyrgyzstan have the garment industry.

Lider:

I had interesting discussions with the representative of the Kyrgyz logistics company “Inter Asia Trade” and probably we will use their services in the future. Also, we can cooperate with the company “Nazik” on production of school uniforms in the future.

Mehrovar:

First of all, we can cooperate with the logistics company “Inter Asia Trade”

In the future, we may cooperate with the knitting company “VIVA Tex”.

Nohid:

In the future, we can cooperate in the field of knitwear production

Nassoji Khujand:

We did not sign any preliminary agreements with Kyrgyz companies, but there are some proposals and opportunities for cooperation with our colleagues from Kyrgyzstan.

Suman:

Yes, we had some. We are thinking about establishing cooperation with the garment company “Svetlanka”. Also, we purchased some spare parts and cutting equipment.

Vahdat Textile:

We established some contacts, and we aim to cooperate in the near future. RBT Spinning Tajikistan:

There are some opportunities of cooperation with the socks production companies of Kyrgyzstan.

Please respond to the statements below:

1 (Fully

disagree) 2 (Disagree) 3 (Agree)

4 (Fully agree)

My expectations from the trip were met

5 9

The fair visit will be useful in my business

6 8

Preparation and organization of the study tour were organized well

6 8

I will gladly take part in similar activities in the future

4 10

If you indicated “Fully disagree” or “Disagree” on one of the above mentioned points, please clarify/describe why?

Other notes and comments: Nafisa:

It is necessary to obtain the Government regulations of Kyrgyzstan to introduce the patent system to the garment industry of Kyrgyz Republic

After arrival it is important to prepare a proposal to the Ministry of Industry and New Technology of Tajikistan on supporting small garment enterprises in Tajikistan

Technological University of Tajikistan:

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We are very thankful to ITC for their important activities, such as the organization of study tour to Kyrgyzstan, which tie the specialists, and universities of our country with those of Kyrgyzstan, providing information and experience about textile and clothing companies in this country, tax regulation, access to finance, and overall activities of sector stakeholders in Kyrgyz Republic.

We wish in future the Swiss Government will continue to support the textile and clothing sector and will continue the project, so that our specialists could learn and gain more experience about modern technologies of developed countries in textile and clothing sector.

Ortex:

We wish the project to be continued, because it is necessary to conduct such activities (including study tours, exhibitions and fairs) for the benefit of producers. Without proper support Tajik T&C companies will not be able to participate in such events

Khujand Polytechnic Institute of Tajik Technical University (KPITTU)

It would be good if ITC could organize in the future master-classes on the organization of fashion shows and art design in CAD systems to attract foreign and Kyrgyz experts and instructors.

Spitamen Textiles:

We recommend our colleagues from Kyrgyzstan to visit us in Tajikistan with a study tour to share experience.

Lider:

We wish to participate more in such study tours related to the textile and garment industry Mehrovar:

I am very thankful to ITC project for supporting us, with the help of ITC we can learn and move forward.

Nohid:

A sectoral association should be established. Nassoji Khujand:

Organize similar study tours in the future. Vahdat Textile:

I would like to thank ITC for providing such an opportunity. In the future, we request to continue organizing such useful events, including fairs and study tours.

Maftuna:

It is necessary and timely to unite companies in an association or union, in order to have joint-access to the CIS market.

RBT Spinning Tajikistan:

It would be good to organize similar study tours to other CIS countries with developed textile and garment industry, i.e. Belarus.

Olim Textile:

This was very useful and productive study tour, because it had educational/research nature and we visited with pleasure the companies and got information from our Kyrgyz colleagues. I was very impressed by their success and got disappointed that we visited only a few companies in Kyrgyzstan. These four intensive days allowed us to be sure that we need the experience of Kyrgyzstan in textile and garment sector and we have to build and enhance our capacity in this sector in Tajikistan. I really was impressed by small companies, which successfully cope with large orders and their production are in great demand outside of Kyrgyzstan.

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Companies’ contribution

# Expenses Value in USD Sub-total in USD

1 Airfare Dushanbe-Bishkek-Dushanbe

180+160+250+246+160+140+210+188+160+242+280

2,382

2 Living expenses in Bishkek (meal)

120+50+300+126+50+100+100+150+150+120+150

1,616

3 Promotional materials (business cards, brochures, etc.)

30+30+250+27+30+60+30+50+100+100+50

957

4 Other expenses 40+50+150+110+50+130+50+100+

100+330+50 1,160

Total:

6,115

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ANNEX 3 – COPY OF MOUS SIGNED BETWEEN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF TAJIKISTAN AND KYRGYZ UNIVERSITIES

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ANNEX 4 – PR OF STUDY TOUR TO KYRGYZSTAN FOR TAJIK T&C COMPANIES AND UNIVERSITIES

A) PRESS RELEASE

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B) MEDIA COVERAGE

A study tour to Kyrgyzstan organized for Tajik T&C companies and universities was widely covered in the mass media. The Press release of this event was prepared in Tajik, English and Russian and disseminated among media representatives. The press releases also posted on the project website: www.itctj.org News Agencies: The news was covered by numerous Tajik and Kyrgyz news agencies, including the state information agency “Khovar”, which newscast is widely re-published by the government media in print, and the top Tajikistan news agency – “Asia Plus”. This list also includes Bishkek-based regional news agency “Central Asia News”, Tajik news agencies “TajikTA”, “Pressa”, and “Avesta” as well as Kyrgyz news agencies. Radios: “Khovar”, “Vatan”, “Sadoi Dushanbe”, “Tiroz”, “Payvand”, “Tojikiston” are among those radio stations which covered the event. On-line coverage: The news was covered by the following web-sites: Itctj.org – Tajik, English, Russian Avesta.tj – Russian Tajikta.tj - Russian Khovar.tj – Russian Ca-news.org – Russian Millat.tj - Tajik News.tj –English Novoteka.ru – Russian Kob.tj – Russian Pressa.tj – Russian Azattyk.org – Russian Easttime.ru – Russian Kyrtag.kg – Russian Ryb.ru – Russian Novostimigom.ru – Russian Mynewsonline24.ru – Russian Molbulak.ru – Russian Uaport.net – Russian Sputnik-tj.com – Tajik, Russian Tvoygorodpskov.ru – Russian Nm.tj – Russian Mediatj.wordpress.com – Russian Krpress.ru – Russian

Newsera.ru – Russian Talks.su – Russian Kirgizia-today.ru – Russian Riamoda.ru – Russian Hpip.info – Russian Aenkg.info – Russian Tazabek.kg – Russian Mineconom.gov.kg – Russian Myinforms.com – Russian Sogdiana.tj - Russian News24ru.com – Russian Overallnews.ru – Russian Gazeta.kg – Russian Pamir-spb.ru – Russian Tajfan.com – Russian Pamirian.ru – Russian Izde.ru – Russian Tjknews.org – Russian Newsos.ru – Russian Webground.su – Russian Navid.tj – Tajik Akipress.com - Russian

Social Media: The news was also circulated via the official Facebook page of ITC Tajikistan. Photo-galleries

were also posted on ITC Tajikistan Facebook page. Print media: “Millat” newspaper devoted a column to the event. Bishkek-based newspaper “Novie litsa” (New Faces) also devoted a separate page to the event.