DUSHANBE, July 11, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- 50.461 million somonis (equivalent to $14.628 million) are planned to be invested in development of various deposits in Tajikistan this year, which is seven times more than over the last four years, Ms. Markhabo Abdulloyeva, the deputy head of the Main Geology Directorate, said.  

She noted that over the period from 2003 to 2007, only 7.606 million somonis ($2.224 million) had been invested in exploration and development of the natural resources.      

According to her, a sharp increase in the volume of external investments is evidence of a special interest of foreign companies in participation in development of natural resources in Tajikistan.  

“For example, Chinese investments in Tajik geology are increasing,” Abdulloyeva said. 

 She further added that the national budget for 2008 earmarks 2.18 million somonis (equivalent to $635.568) for development of geology and a total amount of domestic investments in this sector is 583,100 somonis ($170,000).