Afghanistan and Uzbekistan Sign $243 Mln Power Infrastructure Agreements
Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have formalised contracts worth about $243 mln for four large-scale electricity infrastructure projects, Ariana News reports. The agreements were signed in Kabul on August 17 in the presence of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov.
The contracts were concluded between Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) and Uzbek energy partners. Once completed within 18 months, the projects will enable Afghanistan to import between 800 and 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Uzbekistan.
Projects Agreed
The four initiatives include:
- The 500 kV Surkhan–Dasht-e-Alwan Transmission Line with a capacity of 1,000 MW
- Expansion of the Arghandi Substation with 800 MVA capacity
- The 220 kV Kabul–Sheikh Mesri Transmission Line with 800 MW capacity
- Construction of the Sheikh Mesri Substation in Nangarhar with 126 MVA capacity
Statements from Officials
At the ceremony, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamahmudov underlined the strategic value of the collaboration:
«The agreement we signed today is the result of direct support from the leaders of both countries. In Uzbekistan, our leadership strongly supports Afghanistan and its people, and we are fully prepared to cooperate to help Afghanistan become a stable and developed nation. We all understand that this is a major project that will play a key role in the growth of Afghanistan’s industry, particularly in the regions it will pass through. As I discussed with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Uzbekistan will utilize all available resources to ensure this project is completed on time and with high quality.»
Abdul Bari Omar, CEO of DABS, stressed the importance of the deal for Afghanistan’s economy:
«The transmission of nearly 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Uzbekistan will play a major and vital role in the growth of industry, agriculture, and in creating employment opportunities for our youth.»
Kursiv also reports that Uzbek and Afghan entrepreneurs signed 45 agreements worth a total of $20 mln.
