Iran Companies Poised for Bigger Role in Tajik Energy Projects
EghtesadOnline: Tajikistan’s minister of energy and water resources has appreciated the presence of Iranian companies in power and water projects in his country, and invited Iranian private firms to participate in tenders for the construction of medium and small hydroelectric power plants and power transmission lines.
Usmonali Usmonzoda made the call on the sidelineS of the opening of the 13th Iran-Tajikistan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Tehran on Monday, the Energy Ministry news portal Paven reported.
The Tajik minister said one of the most successful projects that Iranians carried out in the Central Asian republic in recent years was the construction of Sangtuda 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant with a capacity of 220 megawatts.
He noted that a series of financial issues related to the power plant would be discussed during the two-day meeting to find new venues to boost bilateral economic cooperation, Financial Tribune reported.
Welcoming Iranian companies’ role in multiple projects in Tajikistan, Usmonzoda said Iran is also involved in constructing a hydroelectric power plant for the Rogun Dam.
He conferred with his Iranian counterpart Reza Ardakanian on Monday and the two sides renewed calls for expanding ties in different sectors.
Referring to the ascending trend in two-way relations, Ardakanian reemphasized the need for building closer economic ties. “Tajikistan should take more practical steps for boosting economic ties with Iran.”
The visiting Tajiks will attend the 10th meeting of the board of governors of the Regional Center for Urban Water Management on Thursday.
Presence in 40 Countries
Iran’s water and power industry is present in 40 international markets exporting goods and services under engineering, procurement and construction contracts.
Several companies have undertaken projects in Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Oman and India.
Earlier in June, Ardakanian announced that Iran was ready to provide Tajikistan new energy transit routes. Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov expressed Dushanbe’s intention to use Chabahar’s facilities to address its transit and economic issues. Tajikistan’s transit and economic problems are said to be largely due to the lack of access to the open seas.
Chabahar, situated along the Sea of Oman in Sistan-Baluchestan Province, is considered a trade gateway, especially with India, Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries.
Chabahar Port, along with the three southern ports of Khoramshahr, Imam Khomeini and Shahid Rajaee, are known to be Iran's strategic ports.
It handled a total of $800 million worth of commodities in the last fiscal year (March 2018-19) to register a 50% growth compared with the year before.
Iran has energy exchange contracts with all neighbors with which it has borders and has shown interest in selling electricity to Russia via Azerbaijan or Armenia and Georgia.
In talks with the Tajik minister, Ardakanian hailed the country’s potential for power generation. “Tajikistan has 15% of the world’s hydroelectric power capacity. When put to use, this capacity will play a key role in the (economic) development of the region.”
Tehran is willing to provide Dushanbe with energy transit facilities and build infrastructure for its economic development, he added.
The two neighbors have enjoyed cordial ties and also share cultural and religious affinities.