Russian electricity giant interested in ''Casa 1000''

A major investor and a leading exporter and importer of electricity, Russian giant INTER RAO UES has shown interest in the power project - ''Casa 1000'', which will provide cheap electricity to Pakistan and Afghanistan, reducing their power deficit. Ambassador of Republic of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Dr Zubaydullo Zubaydov disclosed this at a press talk on Saturday.
He said Russian government the next door neighbour of Tajikistan has shown interest in undertaking the World Bank funded Casa 1000 project. He said the homework on the project has nearly been completed and it would be finished in three years. "There is strong possibility that construction work on the project will kick off from April 2011," he said. He said a Canadian company completed the feasibility study of the project and international bidders would soon be called to participate in the tendering process.
Prior to visit of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to Pakistan, he had a meeting with the Chairman of INTER RAO UES, Kovalchuk. In the meeting both had discussion on the Casa 1000 project, which unites four countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and Tajikistan). The company has been engaged in Sangtuda HPP-1 hydropower project in Tajikistan.
The ambassador told media that Tajikistan has potential to produce 4000 MW electricity during August-October, as enough water would be available. Dr Zubaydullo said President Asif Ali Zardari will visit Tajikistan in September 2011 in the framework of the quadripartite meetings of the heads of state -Tajikistan, Pakistan, Russia and Afghanistan. "We have planned that the stone laying ceremony of the building of Pakistani High Commission will be held in Dushanbe during President Zardari''s visit," he said.
He said initiation of direct flight operations of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation was under discussion and will be materialised soon. Earlier, a private airliner suspended its weekly flight operations, as the route was financially not viable for the company. Replying to a question regarding Tajik President meeting with the Director General Inter Services Intelligence, General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, he said the meeting was very significant. He said both sides agreed to enhance intelligence sharing to counter international terrorism and curb drug trafficking. "Intelligence sharing among regional countries is pivotal to counter terrorism," he added.
The ambassador termed the recent visit of Tajik President as a significant step towards promoting economic, trade and other relations. "The agreements on agriculture, health and sports were signed between the two countries and also a joint declaration on comprehensive co-operation was signed," he added. He appreciated the warm welcome he received in Pakistan.