DUSHANBE , January 20, Asia-Plus -- The exchange rate of local currency somoni to the U.S. dollar will have not exceeded 3.24:1, Deputy Finance Minister, Qurbonali Azimov, said speaking to journalist on January 20.  

According to him, 101 million Somonis are supposed to have been allocated this year for the construction of social facilities and facilities of the statewide importance.  “Of this amount, 55 million Somonis will tot toward to investment projects with participation of other countries and international financial institutions (Anzob and Shar-Shar tunnels, Sangtuda-1 hydropower plant a and so forth),” Azimov said.  The remaining 45 million Somonis are supposed to be assimilated on the construction of social facilities, according to him.  

“This year’s budget stipulates expenditure of 336 million Somonis on the education sector, which is 24 percent more than last year,” the deputy finance minister said, adding that the funds will go to paying wages of teachers and students’ allowances (scholarships) as well as providing educational facilities with equipment.