Kazakh Premier Proposes Discussion of Asian Energy Strategy

TASHKENT. Nov 2 (Interfax) – Karim Masimov, the prime minister of Kazakhstan, has called on Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries to join the discussion of an Asian Energy Strategy developed by the Kazakh government.

“Before the end of the year we should direct the working groups to hold a special session to discuss the project of this strategy,” Masimov told a session of the Council of the SCO Heads of States in Tashkent.

Masimov touched upon the problem of the transport corridor West China – Western Europe, a project that will make it possible to reestablish the Silk Route. “Kazakhstan is ready to complete its section by 2012,” Masimov said.

Masimov called on other SCO countries to do their share in the creation of a world transit system.

Masimov urged the SCO to consider the issue as soon as possible. “Some countries have excess labor resources, other countries have a deficit. We should spread labor resources efficiently,” Masimov said.

Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev supported the idea of stepping up work on the conclusion of a draft agreement on SCO road transportation. “It is necessary to ask transport ministries to accelerate work on the modernization of roads, particularly in the E- 40 transport corridor,” Mirziyoyev said.

(c) 2007 Daily News Bulletin; Moscow – English. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.