DUSHANBE, July 22, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- More than 16 percent of Tajik industrial enterprises were not in operation in the first half-year of 2009, Deputy Minister of Energy and Industries, Mahmadsharif Haqdodov, remake data press conference in Dushanbe on July 21.

“In January-June 2009, there were 130 enterprises, or more than 16 percent of the overall number (800), that were not in operation,” said the deputy minister, “Moreover, the majority of others operated only 40-50 percent of their capacities over the report period.”

He attributed this situation to severe electricity shortages in the first quarter of the year as well as difficulties with realization of manufactured products, lack of modern technologies and equipment, and unavailability of low-interest long-term loans.

The fall in the international price of primary aluminum, which is the main item of Tajikistan’s exports, and in demand for it has seriously hurt the country’s industrial sector, Haqdodov said.  “Tajik Aluminum Company (Talco) decreased aluminum production by 18.3 percent in the year to June 30, 2009,” he said.