DUSHANBE, October 31, Asia-Plus - Some US$70 million are needed to finish the construction of a glass-foundry in the Shahrinav district (central Tajikistan), Deputy Industries Minister, Turakhon Amirkhonov, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

According to him, the construction of the glass-foundry in Shahrinav started in the Nineties of last century already.  “One of local companies started the construction, taking a loan from one of Tajik banks,” said Amirkhonov, “However, for lack of funds the construction has been suspended.”  The company had carried out some 70 percent of a total volume of the construction works, according to the Tajik official.   

Amirkhonov added that a Chinese company interested in participation in finishing the construction of this facility had conducted appropriate negotiations with Tajik government.  

Besides, there is another investment project aimed at constructing a plant on producing window glass and glass tare on the basis of the ore refinery Proletarski in the Jabborrasulov district in Sughd and launching joint venture there, according to Amirkhonov.  

According to the Ministry of Industry, the Bobojonghafurov ore refinery produces enriched quarts sand used as the main raw materials in the glass-production industry.  When completed, the plant will annually produce up to 1,500 tons of glass products and be able to provide consumers in the country with construction glass and glass tare.  The project will also allow Tajikistan to export glass products to Central Asia’s countries.  An estimated budget for the implementation of this project is more than US$100 million.