Tajikistan may provide Electricity to India in future – Ambassador Saidov

Tajikistan calls for India’s participation in hydropower projects in Tajikistan which have a huge potential of growth said Mr. Saidbeg Saidov, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan. This was disclosed today at an Interactive Session organised by PHD Chamber with business leaders interested in exploring business opportunities between both the countries.

Tajikistan has seventh largest reservoir of fresh water in the world and is already providing electricity to Afghanistan and would be able to provide power to India too, added Mr. Saidov. Currently 95 small power stations are in operation and 21 more power stations under construction. And according to the investment projects construction of 20 small power stations is planned.

The other potential areas trade are silk cotton, fruits, dry fruits, silver, precious stones like ruby and coal, processing foods, iron, uranium and tourism. About 4 lakh tonnes of good cotton is available for trade as of now. At present trade is mainly happening in pharmaceuticals, rice, tea, coffee and textiles. As it’s a double landlocked country about 60 % of agricultural produce is getting wasted at present with a huge potential for processing industry. Business (Export-Import) between India and Tajikistan was 60 million USD in 2008-9 and the Ambassador hoped that this trade would increase to 1 billion USD soon.

H E Mr. Saidov invited the Indian business community to come forward and form Joint Ventures, which Government of Tajikistan will fully support.

Dr. L K Malhotra, Past President of PHD Chamber and Chairman and Managing Director, CHL Ltd added that both Tajikistan and India shared a common similar culture. “If direct land routes open up between both the countries trade will be greatly facilitated for landlocked Tajikistan”, added Mr. Malhotra.

Mr. Krishan Kalra, Secretary General, PHD Chamber emphasised the need for Indian businesses to avail the business opportunity presented by Tajikistan.

Anjula Singh Solanky
Dy. Secretary-Media Relations
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry