UK ready to support large green energy projects in Tajikistan - Cameron

DUSHANBE. April 23 (Interfax) - UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has said he had a productive meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, at which green energy was discussed.

After visiting the Nurek hydropower plant, Cameron was cited by Tajikistan's Khovar news agency as saying that Rahmon and he had discussed further joint steps to develop trade ties, cooperation in producing green energy, the transition to a green economy, and the implementation of projects aimed at advancing the digital economy.

The United Kingdom intends to support major hydropower projects such as green energy production, he said.

The UK would like the number of such projects to increase, especially projects like CASA-1000, because it helps Central Asia supply electricity to South Asia, Cameron said.

This is key not only to boosting proceeds from exports and the creation of jobs in Tajikistan, but also to reducing dependence on coal-powered facilities in South Asia, thus cutting greenhouse gas emissions, he said.

The parties have an opportunity to expand their political, economic, commercial, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, Cameron said. There is also potential to set up an investment fund to support small businesses, climate investing and people who learn English, he said.