European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) President Sir Suma Chakrabarti concluded his first visit to Tajikistan in nine years Tuesday.

Chakrabarti met with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, in which they discussed the private sector's growing role in the country's economy. This year, Tajikistan has seen record investment from the EBRD.

In a later address to the Consultative Council session on the investment climate, Chakrabarti committed the bank to helping the republic. During the visit, the delegation from the bank met several ministry heads, including finance and energy, and visited the Nurek hydropower plant.

The bank's president also signed financing agreements with IMON International, a micro-financing firm. The bank hopes to support private and financial sectors in Tajikistan, as well as provide financial support to improve the infrastructure. So far, the EBRD has invested roughly $451 million in the country.