DUSHANBE, March 4, 2009, Asia-Plus – The Tajik Parliament’s lower house has approved legislation that would allow foreign banks to operate in the country, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reported on March 3.

Member of parliament Ismoil Talbakov told RFE/RL’s Tajik Service that this would force local banks to compete for clients and bring down high rates of debt.

The new legislation awaits the president''s signature.