TAJIKISTAN, BELARUS, ARMENIA MAY BECOME EDB MEMBERS THIS YEAR – CEO

Interfax, Russia
April 22 2008

Tajikistan, Belarus and Armenia may become members of the Eurasian
Development Bank (EDB) established by Russia and Kazakhstan.

Tajikistan has already applied to join the bank, EDB CEO Igor Finogenov
told journalists. After all required procedures are completed,
Tajikistan will become a shareholder in the bank, which may happen
this fall, Finogenov said.

The EDB is working on certain projects in Tajikistan. For example,
the bank is involved in building a cotton processing plant and funds
the construction of the Sangtuda Hydropower Plant.

Kyrgyzstan might join the bank as well, after Tajikistan, Belarus
and Armenia become its shareholders, Finogenov said.