Astana, (TDI): Tajik President Emomali Rahmon invited German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to collaborate on the completion of the Rogun Hydropower Project (HPP) during the summit of Central Asian countries and Germany, held in Astana.
The two leaders discussed a broad spectrum of future cooperation in energy, industry, and trade, while focusing on expanding German business interests in Tajikistan.
President Rahmon emphasized the role of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the German Development Bank (KfW) in Tajikistan’s economic development, acknowledging their contributions to the country’s national strategies, particularly in energy and infrastructure.
A significant focus of the discussion was on hydropower, with Rahmon urging German companies to participate in the completion of the Rogun HPP.
The Rogun project, critical to Tajikistan’s long-term energy plans, is expected to cost $6.4 billion.
When fully operational, it will not only meet domestic energy needs but also export around 70% of its electricity to other Central Asian nations, boosting the region’s energy security.
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The Tajik president also mentioned previous German support in the construction of the Sebzor and Tajikistan power plants in the Badakhshan region, as well as the modernization of the Nurek Hydropower Plant, Tajikistan’s largest power producer.
He expressed confidence that Germany’s involvement could extend to the Rogun project, which is pivotal for Tajikistan’s future energy export ambitions.
Green Energy
In addition to hydropower, both leaders discussed cooperation in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy.
Rahmon highlighted Tajikistan’s potential for sustainable energy production, which aligns with Germany’s expertise in green technology.
The German chancellor affirmed Germany’s interest in expanding green energy projects in Tajikistan, reinforcing the European country’s commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.
Rahmon and Scholz also exchanged views on mining, particularly the extraction and processing of rare earth metals, which are essential for high-tech industries.
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Both leaders agreed to explore collaboration in this sector, recognizing the potential for Tajikistan to export raw materials and processed goods to Germany.
Agriculture was another key area of discussion, with both sides examining the possibilities of expanding Tajikistan’s agricultural exports to Germany.
Rahmon highlighted Tajikistan’s agricultural potential, including its ability to produce and export high-quality produce, which could find a market in Germany.
