DUSHANBE, August 10, Asia-Plus -- China’s construction corporation, China Road, is interested in the project for improving the highway from Dushanbe via Kulob, Khorog and Kulma to Karakarum Highway, Asia-Plus has learned from Alouddin Anoyatshoyev, the head of the department for construction and management of roads of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC).  

According to him, a delegation comprising representatives from China Road and Tajik MoTC led by Tajik Transport and Communications Minister Abdurahim Ashourov is currently in Gorno Badakhshan to discuss some technical issues. 

“Chinese specialists are currently familiarizing themselves with the project in order to conduct feasibility study,” said Anoyatshoyev, “The issues whether China Road agrees to implement the project and a total project cost will be known one of these days.”    

We will recall that the Chinese company has won tenders for rehabilitation of roads and construction of tunnels in Tajikistan and Beijing last year offered Tajikistan grants and loans to fund the project.  China Road, in particular, is implementing the project to rehabilitate road communications between Dushanbe, Khujand and the Uzbek border town of Chanak.  The project also includes construction of tunnel under the Shahriston pass.  A total project cost is estimated at some $296 million, including $281.2 million provided by the Chinese government in a form of a long-term loan.  The loan carries a 20-year period and an interest rate of 2 percent per annum.  The remaining some $14 million are provided by the government of Tajikistan.