DUSHANBE, April 27, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Minister of Economic Development and Trade Farrukh Hamraliyev told reporters on April 27 that poverty level in the country is decreasing from year to year.

“According to the findings of annual sociological surveys, the poverty line in the country has decreased from 72 percent in 2003 to 45 percent,” said the minister, “The number of poor people has decreased by 2.5 million people in recent years.”

He also noted that the middle class was becoming stronger in the country.  “Person who has TV set, fridge and mobile phone cannot be considered as poor person,” Hamraliyev noted.

On the prices in domestic market, the minister said, “Tajikistan’s economy is in the transition period and all prices have been liberalized and the government cannot interfere and dictate its conditions.”

He  noted that their ministry was charged to draft the trade law.  The new law will reportedly  provide for use of economic tools to influence consumer market.  “It means that if the private sector unfoundedly raises prices of any product, the government will have the right to use economic tools to prevent measures to gain excess profit,” said the minister, “Prices will remain uncontrollable, but the government will have the right to use economic tools to protect market against unfoundedly high prices.”