e, and bad bank loans; and the
essentially vibrant economy pushed ahead in 2003-04. Growing
economic ties with China are a dominant long-term factor, e.g.,
exports to China of parts and equipment for the assembly of goods
for export to developed countries.

Tajikistan
Tajikistan has one of the lowest per capita GDPs among
the 15 former Soviet republics. Only 5% to 6% of the land area is
arable. Cotton is the most important crop. Mineral resources, varied
but limited in amount, include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten.
Industry consists only of a large aluminum plant, hydropower
facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry
and food processing. The civil war (1992-97) severely damaged the
already weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in
industrial and agricultural production. Even though 60% of its
people continue to live in abject poverty, Tajikistan has
experienced steady economic growth since 1997. Continued
privatization of medium and large state-owned enterprises will
further increase productivity. Tajikistan's economic situation,
however, remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural
reforms, weak governance, widespread unemployment, and the external
debt burden. A debt restructuring agreement was reached with Russia
in December 2002, including an interest rate of 4%, a 3-year grace
period, and a US $49.8 million credit to the Central Bank of
Tajikistan.

Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The
economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for almost
half of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work
force. Topography and climatic conditions, however, limit cultivated
crops to only 4% of the land area. Industry traditionally featured
the processing of agricultural products and light consumer goods.
The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and bilateral
donors have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's out-of-date
economic infrastructure and to alleviate poverty. Growth in
1991-2002 featured a pickup in industrial production and a
substantial increase in output of minerals, led by gold. Recent
banking reforms have helped increase private sector growth and
investment. Continued donor assistance and solid macroeconomic
policies supported real GDP growth of nearly 6% in 2004.

Thailand
Thailand has a well developed infras