Central Asia Power Sector Forum
7.20.2006
During June 12-14, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) sponsored a Central Asia Power Sector Forum entitled “Electricity Beyond Borders” in Istanbul, Turkey. This follows on the heels of the Central Asia Infrastructure Integration Initiative launched in October 2005 in an effort to economically integrate Central Asia through energy trade. Afghan Minister of Water and Energy Ismael Khan gave an overview presentation on the electric power sector in Afghanistan. He was followed by Deputy Minister of Water and Energy Dr. M. Jalil Shams’ comments on the North East Power System and the Sherberghan Power Plant. USTDA awarded an $800,000 grant to the Ministry of Energy of Tajikistan to fund early investment analysis on developing Central Asia’s electric power transmission and generation capacity to export power. Specifically, the project will evaluate options for Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to export their excess electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan. For further information on USTDA programs in Afghanistan please visit their website.
