DUSHANBE , July 28, Asia-Plus - Two working groups are currently working on projects aimed at extending Tajik and Kyrgyz power supply routes into Iran , Afghanistan and Pakistan , Tajik Energy Minister, Abdullo Yorov, told journalists in Dushanbe .

 According to him, the working consisted of specialists from the mentioned countries.  The working group are worming on materializing the projects aimed at determining the main power supply routes and places for the construction of power-transmission lines and sub-stations on the territory of Afghanistan .  

“One of these groups comprising specialists from Tajikistan , Kyrgyzstan , Pakistan and Afghanistan is working on the project for laying 1000-kilometer power-transmission line for supplying electricity to Pakistan ,” the minister said, noting that 430 kilometers of the line would be routed via Afghanistan .  

The second group comprising experts from Tajikistan , Afghanistan and Iran , is currently studying the project aimed at constructing 1100-kilometer power transmission line Sangtuda-Mashhad for materializing electricity from Tajikistan to Iran , according to the minister.  

“However, we have to implement, first of all, projects aimed at the construction of new hydropower facilities in Tajikistan ,” Mr. Abdullo Yorov said.   

He noted that at present Tajikistan was seeking investors for the construction of the Dashtijum hydroelectric power station on the Panj River .  According to him, many countries and international financial institutions have shown interest in participating in this project.  “It is an ambitious project.  We need US$10 million for carrying out the feasibility study for implementing this project, and estimated budget for the construction of this power plant is some US$4 billion,” the minister said.