In the framework of the Central Asia Rule of Law Programme, a webinar took place on 19 July 2022 to present and discuss the analysis of the legal framework of the Republic of Tajikistan in relation to procedures aiming to protect the rights of entrepreneurs.

Discussions focused on ways of improving the legal framework to enable businesses operating in the Republic of Tajikistan to seek access to justice and resolve unfair treatment and abuses (malpractice) by public authorities in a pre-trial context. Having reviewed compliance of the administrative appeal procedure in Tajikistan with international standards, the Council of Europe experts also highlighted a number of recommendations to improve existing legal framework governing administrative appeal and its procedures. Hands-on comparative experience was presented and discussed.

More than 20 representatives of the Tax Committee, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, State Committee on Investments and State Property Management, National Association of Small and Medium Business, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies of the Republic of Tajikistan participated and contributed to the discussions. The participants appreciated the guidance on improving the national legislation and requested more support in this regard.

The roundtable was organised within the framework of the Action “Promoting Transparency and Action against Economic Crime in Central Asia”, which is implemented as part of the “Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2023”, a joint initiative co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.