DUSHANBE, November 26, 2015, Asia-Plus – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) lends Khujand International Airport 3.9 million U.S. dollars for modernization of runway and control equipment
According to the EBRD Dushanbe Resident Office, the EBRD is increasing the amount of its loan to the Khujand International Airport in Tajikistan to US$ 3.9 million. The original loan, agreed in 2013, was for US$ 3 million.
A modernization program is underway at the international airport in Khujand, the country’s second-largest city. The refurbishment will increase air traffic safety, especially under challenging weather conditions.
The airport will receive an emergency upgrade of the runway and also acquire and install new high-intensity lights. Distance-measuring equipment and radio navigation equipment will also be bought and installed.
Ekaterina Miroshnik, EBRD Director for Infrastructure in Russia and Central Asia, said: “Khujand is an ancient city which used to be at the heart of global trade. For centuries, Khujand was a major staging point on the northern Silk Road. Today, we are proud to help the city improve its connections with the world by upgrading its international airport which is serving the north of Tajikistan.”
Most of the airport’s 700,000 annual passengers are migrant workers and businesspeople who bring remittances and business activity to the area.
Since the beginning of its operations in Tajikistan, the EBRD has invested about US$ 610 million in the country.
