The construction of a metallurgical plant in the Hisor district, some 26 kilometers to the west of Dushanbe, is reportedly nearing completion.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Industries (MoEI) press center, limited liability company, Tajik-Chinese Integrated Iron-and-Steel Works, which is constructing the plant has built 90 percent of rolling-mill shop and 70 percent of the melt department.  They have also delivered 75 percent of the equipment for the plant.

The plant that will produce reinforcing steels, iron sheets, beams and angel bars as well as channel girders, wires and iron pipes will produce up to 150,000 of output and create 500 new jobs at the initial stage.  Gradually, the plant’s annual capacity will be raised to 400,000 tons and the total number of workers will be brought to 2,000.

A part of the plant is expected to be introduced into operation during this year, the source added.