TAPI pipeline to benefit Afghanistan: US

Growing economies of Pakistan, India to get clean fuel.

ASHGABAT: The proposed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) gas pipeline is a good example of how Turkmenistan’s resources could benefit other countries in the region, especially Afghanistan, said Deputy Assistant Secretary of South and Central Asian Affairs at the US State Department, Susan Elliott.

She was speaking at an international exhibition titled ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan-2010’.

According to the website of Azerbaijan’s news agency Trend, Elliott said: “While many challenges remain, important steps are being taken, and we are encouraged by this progress. It is important to remember that pipelines are long-term projects with long-term horizons, and that the immense effort involved will produce long-term benefits for Turkmenistan and the region.”

Elliott said this project, if realised, would provide revenue and jobs for Afghanistan at a critical time in its economic development. Tapi would also provide clean fuel to the growing economies of Pakistan and India.

“Tapi’s route may serve as a stabilising corridor, linking neighbours together in economic growth and prosperity. The road ahead is long for this project, but the benefits could be tremendous and are certainly worthy of the diligence demonstrated by the four countries so far,” she added.

“The US, Turkmenistan and the world community share a common interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan. Initiatives like this contribute to Afghanistan’s development.”

Recently, Ashgabat agreed on a draft of the inter-governmental agreement to implement the Tapi gas pipeline project. The document will be signed at the Ashgabat summit of the participant countries in December.

According to a previously prepared feasibility, the pipeline capacity can reach more than 30 billion cubic metres of gas a year and the project will cost $3.3 billion. It was reported that potential buyers India and Pakistan are ready to buy much more gas. Therefore, the prices can be reconsidered.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2010.