DUSHANBE (TCA) — During her introductory visit to Tajikistan on August 11-12, Lilia Burunciuc, the new World Bank Director for Central Asia, met with the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and visited the Nurek Hydropower Plant.
Ms. Burunciuc also attended a donor conference on the Nurek Hydropower Plant rehabilitation on August 12, which was organized by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan and brought together development partners engaged in development of the energy sector in Tajikistan.
The Nurek Hydropower Plant is currently being supported by the World Bank through two studies on dam rehabilitation and safety.
The full upgrade of the Nurek HPP, Tajikistan’s largest hydropower facility, will require more than US $600 million. The Tajik government is conducting negotiations with international financial institutions to attract investment in the project.
Access to affordable, clean, and sustainable energy and building the export potential of Tajikistan are a key economic opportunities in Tajikistan.
“The World Bank is a long-standing partner of Tajikistan. Our goal is to make a real impact on improving people’s lives in Tajikistan. I look forward to continue to work with the government on private sector development and job creation, strengthening the energy sector, improving regional connectivity, and investing in people,” the World Bank’s press service quoted Lilia Burunciuc as saying.
In her current role as World Bank Country Director for Central Asia, which includes Tajikistan, Ms. Burunciuc will continue working on the Bank’s investments in public services, such as education, health, municipal services, and social protection and focus on creating better living conditions for people in urban and rural regions.
The World Bank’s active portfolio in Tajikistan includes 23 projects (including regional projects and trust funds) with a net commitment of $357 million.
