Tajik living standards have remained heavily dependent upon remittances from abroad. According to Tajikistan's National Bank, migrant workers sent home almost US $260 million in 2004, which is comparable with the national budget. The conference produced a compilation of information and best practices on different aspects of remittances. It brought together 80 national and international stakeholders as well as experts in several aspects of remittances with the goals of promoting dialogue, exchanging perspectives, and sharing key learning experiences.