Brussels, 15/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 10 June, the European Investment Bank (EIB) lent €7 million to the Republic of Tajikistan, to finance renovation and upgrading of the low and medium-voltage distribution network. This first EIB loan to Tajikistan will finance the installation of electricity meters, with ancillary equipment to enable demand-side management and grid energy balance control and reduce distribution network losses and increase energy efficiency. The project is being co-funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which is also putting up €7 million, and is also supported by a €7 million grant from Investment Facility for Central Asia. (O.L./transl.rt)