OSCE, Tajik Ministry of Energy and Industry hold conference on hydro energy in Central Asia

DUSHANBE, 22 April 2008 - Hydroelectricity issues in Central Asia and projects in the field are being discussed at a regional workshop that opened in Dushanbe today.

The two-day event, organized by the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe and the Tajik Ministry of Energy and Industry, brings together representatives from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, experts from the OSCE and the International Hydro power Association.

"The workshop was designed to help develop co-operation and exchange views to enable new projects in Central Asia," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of OSCE Centre in Dushanbe. "The OSCE can serve as a platform for stakeholders to further assist Central Asian countries in effectively managing water resources and hydro energy issues."

Asadullo Gulomov, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, added: "Co-ordinated water savings in reservoirs and the construction of hydroelectric stations will solve the issue of water supply in Central Asia for the long term. This would guarantee the increase of agricultural products and help strengthen food security in Central Asia."

The OSCE Centre will support a regional conference on water related issues to be held in Dushanbe in June.