In cooperation with the World Bank and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the Pension Fund of Georgia hosted a delegation from the Republic of Tajikistan on a study visit from 13 to 16 October. The working meeting focused on the digitalisation of the pension system and the exchange of experience in pension reform.

The delegation included representatives of the Agency for Social Insurance and Pensions under the Government of Tajikistan, the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Social Protection Information and Analytical Centre of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan, as well as the World Bank. The delegation was headed by Khalimzod Abdurahmon Dosti, Director of the Agency for Social Insurance and Pensions of Tajikistan. World Bank representatives overseeing social protection projects in Georgia and Tajikistan also took part in the study visit.

As part of the working visit, participants held detailed discussions on the background to the establishment of Georgia’s funded pension system, the objectives of the reform, the mandate of the Pension Fund, the contribution model, and the key results achieved in the system’s development.

The meetings were opened by Giorgi Gurgenidze, a representative of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; Giorgi Chichinadze, Acting Director General of the Pension Fund of Georgia; Rolande Pryce, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus; and Khalimzod Abdurahmon Dosti, Director of the Agency for Social Insurance and Pensions of Tajikistan.

Rolande Pryce, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus, addressed the delegates as follows:

“Strong pension systems play a crucial role in ensuring financial security in old age, promoting social cohesion and strengthening citizens’ trust in public institutions. Georgia has established itself as a regional leader in pension reform and modern pension administration. Over the years, the World Bank has worked closely with Georgia through policy dialogue, technical analysis, and knowledge sharing to support the strengthening of the country’s social protection system and the development of a modern pension framework. Today, Georgia’s experience in pension administration, digital services, customer service, data management, and institutional development offers valuable lessons to countries planning to implement similar reforms.”

During the working meeting, Khalimzod Abdurahmon Dosti highlighted the importance of sharing experience and stated:

“To safeguard and ensure the growth of pension savings, the Agency for Social Insurance and Pensions under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan began investing pension savings last year. We are working to ensure that government agencies receive the data they need electronically and that services are accessible to citizens in a timely and convenient manner. Accordingly, digitalisation should not only improve the agency’s operational efficiency but also enhance the quality of services provided to the public.”

The three-day programme placed particular emphasis on the Pension Fund’s operational processes, participant service model, digital services, inter-agency data exchange mechanisms, technological architecture, and information and cybersecurity. The delegation members had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Pension Fund’s customer service processes and electronic platforms, as well as its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

As part of the visit, presentations were delivered on the Pension Fund’s investment framework, asset allocation strategy, risk management system and investment performance. The participants also visited the central branch of the Public Service Hall, where they gained first-hand insight into the delivery of pension services and the integrated model for providing public services.

The study visit provided a platform for the representatives of the two countries to exchange experience, knowledge and international best practices. The Pension Fund of Georgia will continue to actively strengthen international cooperation and share its experience with countries working to modernise their pension systems and advance digital transformation.