Dushanbe, Nov 14: Seeking to establish qualitatively new and mutually beneficial relations in wide areas, India today decided to extend a new package of economic assistance including a line of credit of USD 25 million to Tajikistan and make a beginning to tap the vast hydro-electric potential of this Central Asian Republic. It was also decided to encourage joint ventures and investment in Tajikistan, a joint declaration, issued after wide-ranging discussions between visiting Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Tajik President Enomali Rakhmanov, said.

Noting the progress being made by the Shanghai Corproation Organisation (SCO) as a regional body, the Tajik side said India's membership would add to the strength of this body. The Tajik side referred to India's geographical proximity and historical links with Central Asia and its active participation on regional and global matters of cooperation.

Bureau Report