DUSHANBE, March 25, 2011, Asia-Plus — In a message released on March 25, Mr. Joji Tokeshi, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Tajikistan, made explanation on ADB’s position regarding its participation in the Central Asia-South Asia Regional Energy and Trade (CASA-1000) Project.
We will recall that Mr. Tokeshi met with Tajik Finance Minister Safarali Najmiddinov on March 16.
According to the message, on the participation of the Asian Development Bank in the Central Asia-South Asia Energy and Trade (CASA-1000) Project, Mr. Tokeshi noted that the Asian Development Bank is waiting for the results of the feasibility study and environmental assessment supported by the World Bank. “At present there is no commitment for financing.”
He also remarked that any project funded by ADB aims to have the biggest regional development impact.
We will recall that the objective of the CASA-1000 project is to promote electricity exports from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The project outcome will be measured by the amount of electricity (in kilo Watt hours) exported through the transmission system to be constructed under the project. The CASA 1000 Project would comprise: a) around 750 km High Voltage Direct Current (DC) transmission system between Tajikistan and Pakistan via Afghanistan; b) a DC to Alternate Current (AC) converter station in Kabul to supply Kabul area; c) an AC transmission link between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to supply Kyrgyz electricity to South Asia via Tajikistan; and d) the concomitant institutional and legal framework to enable such electricity trade.
