CHANDIGARH: Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan in India Saidbeg Saidov called on Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and evinced keen interest in setting up joint ventures in agro-processing, agriculture besides power from non-conventional sources of energy and hydro power generation. 

Taking part in the deliberations on Tuesday, the visiting envoy of Republic of Tajikistan apprised Badal about his country’s tremendous potentional of 32000 MW hydro-power produced from 20 different power stations. 

He said that the Republic of Tajikistan had a proven technology in the field of hydro power which it was ready to share with Punjab for setting up such hydel power plants either in joint collaboration or on the basis of transfer technology.  He also said that there were bright prospects for export of agriculture commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, vegetables and fruits etc. from Punjab to Tajikistan.  

Badal informed the Tajikistan envoy that Punjab had a diversified agricultural economy as it was the major producer of food grains contributing more than 60% in the national food pool besides producing quality vegetables, fruits and flowers.  He hoped that our economy could be immensely benefited through Tajikistan rich experience and expertise in the field of hydro-power generation and agro-processing.   The Chief Minister looked forward for forging an alliance with the major Tajikistan industrial units to add value addition to agriculture produce to ensure better returns to our farmers. 

The Chief Minister assured Saidov of full support and cooperation for setting up joint ventures in the state, as Punjab was fast emerging as an investment destination and our industrial policy has a special dispensation for mega and super mega projects. 

The Chief Minister agreed to Saidov’s proposal to visit Tajikistan in near future to forge better bi-lateral ties for the promotion of trade and commerce activities between Tajikistan and Punjab. 

On the request of Saidov, the Chief Minister asked his Principal Secretary to tie up with the state agriculture department and PAU Ludhiana to send a deputation of progressive farmers to Tajikistan so that they could help the farming community over there to take up agriculture operations in case of wheat and cotton on the most scientific and modern lines to enhance the production of these crops both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Tajikistan Ambassador was accompanied by Ex-MLA from Kumkalan Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal.