DUSHANBE, May 14, 2011, Asia-Plus -- A ceremony of signing of feasibility study and implementation of projects for construction of small hydropower plants in Tajikistan under support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) was held in Dushanbe on May 13.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Industries (MoEI), the document was inked by Mr. Gul Sheral, Minister of Energy and Industries of Tajikistan, and Mr. Ro Sang Min (phonetically spelled), Korean Ambassador to Tajikistan.

In the course of the talks, the two reportedly discussed bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and South Korea on construction of small hydropower plants in Tajikistan, removal of electricity shortages in remote areas of Tajikistan and use of renewable energy sources here.

Besides, specialists reported on implementation of the energy projects in Tajikistan.

The sides noted that opening of KOICA representative office in Tajikistan would promote settlement of problems facing Tajikistan’s energy sector.  

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) was established on April 1, 1991, by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  KOICA engages in international development cooperation by providing material and physical aid to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.  Developing countries in Asia are South Korea’s principal aid recipients.  Among KOICA’s several program areas, the ones most important in Terra Viva Grants are:  Rural Development (including agriculture and fisheries); Environment; and Climate Change.