DUSHANBE, October 19, Asia-Plus – Industries Minister Zayd Saidov told a news conference in Dushanbe on October 18 that disruptions in the supply of natural gas to enterprises seriously affects Tajikistan’s industrial sector.
He stressed that the debt of Tojikgaz, the Tajik state gas concern, to Uzbekistan has resulted in a reduction of gas supplies to industrial enterprises and therefore some have suspended operations and others have ceased operation. As a result Tajikistan’s public purse has received dozens million somonis less than were due. ”The failure of enterprises may cause a leakage of skilled personnel,” the minister stressed, expressing hope that in the future the republic will develop and operate local gas fields with the support of Russia’s Gazprom and that the enterprises will be provided with local fuel.
Saidov added that at present ministry specialists are studying the issue of shifting some enterprises from natural gas to coal and electricity.
”Recently, a Czech company received permission to build a cement plant in the Khatlon province,” said the minister, “The enterprise is expected to work on coal.”
The minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the Zervashan gold-mining company (ZGC) operating in the northern district of Panjakent. Nonetheless, Saidov noted that
modernization of the company enabled it to produce 120 kilograms of gold last year, more than the originally planned 90 kilograms.
ZGC is a joint venture with Nelson Resources Ltd (44%) and the Tajikistan government (51%) and the IFC (5%).
The minister noted that Tajikistan will have produced 3 tons of gold this year and plans to increase gold production to 4 tons in 2007.
Saidov said that there have not been any serious successes in the production of precious stones in the republic. ”Many investors are interested in participating in the production of precious stones in Tajikistan, but when the ministry investigated their activities it questioned their transparency,” said the minister. “However, there are reliable companies which are ready to work in this sphere. In the future, we plan to process precious stones in the republic.” He said a joint venture with the Russian holding company Almaz for production of jewelry was launched in Dushanbe, which is employing 250 people.
