DUSHANBE, February 6, Asia-Plus — Energy crisis was focus of a meeting of Tajikistan’s economic team hosted by the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) on February 5.
The meeting that brought together Economic Development and Trade Minister Ghulomjon Bobozoda, Finance Minister Safarali NAjmuddinov, NBT Chairman Sharif Rahimzoda, the head of the State Committee for Investments and Management of State-owned Property Farrukh Hamaraliyev, State Adviser to the President for Economic Matters Matlubkhon Davlatov as well as representatives from Dushanbe offices of international financial institutions and special representatives from the World Bank considered issues related to power shortages caused by unusually cold weather, according to the NBT.
The NBT source noted that during the meeting it had been noted that electricity shortages have inflicted serious damage to industrial enterprises, agrarian sector and the population.
Speaking at the meeting, Matlubkhon Davlatov noted that the energy crisis could seriously damage a progress of implementation of economic reforms in the country. According to him, the country suffered an estimated 850 million somonis in economic damage from electricity shortages.
Presidential adviser added that unusually cold weather has inflicted particularly severe damage to the agrarian sector. 700 hectares under potatoes have been destroyed completely by frost and serious damage has been caused to orchards and vineyards.
Members of the economic team of Tajikistan also acquainted representatives from international financial institutions with an official appeal of the Tajik government for urgent assistance in mitigating disaster effects. The meeting participants reached an agreement that the Tajik government would provide a list of essential goods and submit it to international organizations and donor countries within the next few days.
