DUSHANBE, October 17, Asia-Plus The Ministry of Communications has proposed eight projects to enhance the communications sector, Said Zuvaydov, Minister of Communications, told a news conference in Dushanbe yesterday. 

He said China Development Bank (CDB) has already endorsed these projects. 

According to Tajik Telecom, the total estimated budget for the projects is US $65 million. ”Negotiations with CDB on providing preferential loans with grace periods on principal payments to Tajikistan are under way,” the source said, adding that these loans will be repayable over 15 to 16 years. 

One of these projects is to introduce a high-speed information system in Central Asia. The project includes the creation of a fiber-optic transmission line with use of technology of spectral management (DVDM) as well as linking Dushanbe to all regions of the country and to China, Afghanistan and neighboring countries in Central Asia. According to the source, the project will allow direct connections betweem Tajikistan and neighboring countries with providing a transit point for Central Asian countries to Southeast Asia. 

The second project stipulates the creation of a basic state IT data network. The network will assist evaluation of Tajikistan’s lag in access to Internet and in developing international communications in the country. 

Another project aims to facilitate telephone communications in rural areas through use of wire and wireless networks to medium and small-sized cities. This project is expected to bring the total number of users of telecommunications services in Tajikistan to 700,000. 

Still another project presupposes the creation of national network of video-conference communications that will ease the work of ministries and organizations and save much money.