DUSHANBE, September 6, Asia-Plus - Tajik government has endorsed a draft budget for 2007 and prognosis of socioeconomic development of Tajikistan for 2008-2009.

A government meeting presided over by President Emomali Rahmonov was held on September 6.  More than 45 issues were on the session’s agenda, according to presidential press service.  The main purpose of the meeting was to review Tajikistan’s economic activity from January to August of the current year.

            A source said a draft budget for 2007 and prognosis of socioeconomic development of Tajikistan for 2008-2009 figured prominently in the discussion.    

Telling the meeting, Minister of Economy and Trade, Hakim Soliyev, noted that compared to the current year gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise by 1.225 billion Somonis and amount to 9.55 billion (equivalent to some US$2.8 billion).  “Next year, 120,000 new jobs are supposed to be created in the country,” the minister noted.  

Finance Minister Safarali Najmuddinov presented main parameters of the national budget drafted for 2007.   According to him, compared to the budget for this year the national budget for 2007 will increase by 1.93 billion Somonis and amount to 2.961 Somonis (more than US$876 million).   

The meeting approved both documents, taking into account proposals and instructions of the president concerning measures to curb inflation rates, supporting entrepreneurship, developing antimonopoly activity, and launching new large and small industrial enterprises.  

The session also endorsed the plan of actions to implement the national employment concept designed for 2006-2012.   This plan is aimed at placing in jobs as many as possible women through development of home carpet production and other handcrafts, as well as launch of enterprises on processing precious stones and metals.  

The government endorsed and submitted for consideration to parliament a number of bills, including the draft law “On Natural Monopolies.”

The meeting also approved a series of cooperation agreements concluded with foreign countries and international organizations.