Iran keen to boost trade with Tajikistan: Energy minister

The Iranian administration is doing its utmost to promote trade and economic relations with Tajikistan, minister of energy said.

The Iranian administration will throw its weight behind five competent Iranian companies which are involved in the construction of Rogun hydroelectric power plant in Tajikistan, Ali Akbar Mehrabian said.

According to Tasnim news agency, he made the remarks during a visit to the Rogun hydroelectric power plant and dam in Tajikistan, a giant project some of whose sections are being developed by the Iranian contractors.

Increasing the trade exchanges with the regional countries has been defined as a main goal of the Iranian administration, he added.

With a storage capacity of 14 billion cubic meters of water, the dam has six power plant units each of which generates 600 megawatts of electricity, Mehrabian added.

Backing the Iranian companies and strengthening the cooperation and activities of these firms in Tajikistan and other neighboring states have been pursued by the Iranian administration, the energy minister added.

Pointing to the 16th Iran-Tajikistan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission that was held in Dushanbe on December 26-29, Mehrabian said Tajikistan is one of the important countries in the Central Asia.

The main topics discussed in the Commission included the launch of electrical connection between Iran and Tajikistan, as well as construction of ‘Sangtuda 2’ hydroelectric power plant and dam, ‘Istiqlol’ tunnel project, and ‘Rogun’ power plant.

ME