Shri Murli Deora called on Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, this morning. The President of Tajikistan thanked India for the assistance extended to Tajikistan and hoped that the economic cooperation would expand. President Rahmon also reiterated his invitation extended to Indian Prime Minister. Sh. Murli Deora and President Rahmon discussed the state of bilateral relations and future prospects particularly in tourism and greater private sector involvement in various sectors of Tajikistan.Shri Murli Deora, and Mr. Mukhidinov Pulot Mukhidinovich,1st Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry of Republic of Tajikistan launched the modernization project of Varzob-I hydro power station at 1100hrs on 29.8.2008. The ceremony was attended by senior members of the Indian delegation that has accompanied the Minister for the SCO Summit, the Ambassador of India in Dushanbe, representatives from the public sector companies from India which are undertaking the modernization viz. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and senior officials of Barqi Tojik.
The MOU for the modernization of Varzob-I was signed between Ministry of Energy and Industry of Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dushanbe in August last year and the Government of India has provided a grant of US$17 million for the implementation of this project. This modernization will allow increase in the hydropower plant capacity from the current 2×3.67 MW to 9.4MW and its operating life would be extended by another 50 years. Varzbo-I hydropower plant supplies electricity and drinking water to the city of Dushanbe and its modernization is the largest such project India has commenced in Central Asia.
The commencement of the work on the modernization was yet another landmark in the developing economic relations between Republic of India and Republic of Tajikistan.
Today yet another landmark was achieved by the Singapore based Indian company, Marvis Ltd, which works in Oil and Gas sector in Tajikistan. They did the first perforation in one of the gas fields and found gas. They are hoping to start commercial production.Shri Deora, Secretary (P&NG) and CMD of OVL who were in Dushanbe for the SCO summit extended their felicitations to M/S Marvis.