Remarks by Joji Tokeshi, OIC, ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Minister Najmuddinov, Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning, and thank you for coming today.

I am happy to be here to sign agreements with Mr. Najmuddinov and Mr. Yorov. The hero of today's occasion is the $122 million grant that was approved by ADB's Board of Directors on 13 August 2010 for the Regional Power Transmission Project. This is the largest single grant that Tajikistan has ever received from ADB. Our energy team has been working very hard together with the Government to prepare this important project and win such a big amount. Let me express my appreciation to Minister Najmuddinov, our good friends Mr. Muhiddinov, Mr. Yorov, Mr. Usmonov and other government officials concerned for their good and full cooperation.

The project will increase energy security and efficiency and improve the operational effectiveness of Barki Tojik, as well as contributing to increased regional trade in power, which is a key goal under our Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program. In particular, the Project will include the construction of two new 220-kilovolt transmission lines totaling 140 kilometers, as well as the rehabilitation of substations. Along with the physical work, the project will support a series of reforms to restructure Barki Tojik, and to make operational improvements across the power sector.

ADB is privileged to partner with the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in rehabilitating and developing the energy sector in the country. We have been extensively supporting policy reforms and providing investments in the energy sector from the very beginning of our operations in Tajikistan, from 1998. Total amount of approved assistance under ADB projects to the energy sector of Tajikistan comes at more than $250 million. This includes the ongoing Regional Power Transmission Interconnection Project, completed Power Rehabilitation Project, Emergency Baipaza Landslide Stabilization Project, the Project signed today, and a number of smaller grants and technical assistance projects. Energy sector remains the priority of our operations in the country, and ADB will continue its assistance in this sector.

We look forward to successfully implementing the whole energy portfolio with the Ministry of Energy and Industry, and Barki Tojik. And I hope to celebrate signing of another heroes in the near future. Thank you.