India, Tajikistan discuss JV in mineral sector

New Delhi, Aug 3: Tajikistan Minister for Economy and Trade H H Soliev called on Mines Minister Sis Ram Ola here today to discuss bilateral cooperation in the mineral sector.

The visiting delegation led by Mr Soliev was informed that India has rich bauxite reserves and would like to set up smelters for alumina production outside India in countries which are surplus in power.

The visiting leader said that Tajikistan has a huge hydel power potential as it abounds in water resources and pointed out that 55 per cent of central Asian water reserves were located there. A number of hydel power projects had been set up and more were coming up.

Responding to Mr Soliev's statement welcoming joint ventures with India in mining and processing of minerals, Mr Ola said India would favourably consider proposals from Tajikistan for setting up joint ventures.

He said India has achieved a fair degree of excellence in mineral exploration and would be happy to share it with Tajikistan in training or in other mode.

Mines Secretary A K D Jadhav also attended the meeting.

UNI