DUSHANBE, November 1, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Indicators of the national budget for 2013 reportedly reflect the economic and social development of the country.  Social spending is expected to account for more than 50 percent.

A government session, presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, took place on October 31 and discussion of a draft law on the national budget for 2013 was a major topic of the meeting, the president’s official website reported.

Tajikistan’s national budget for 2013 is projected to stand at 12.1 billion somoni, which is 2 billion somoni more than the country’s budget for this year.

The national budget indicators reflect the economic and social development of the country, the source said.  In 2013, social spending is expected to amount to 6.4 billion somoni.  These funds will be spent on the education and health sectors as well as social protection of the population.

The government expects the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to stand at 42.1 billion somoni and the year-end inflation for 2013 is forecasted at 9.0 percent. 

Speaking at the meeting, the head of state pointed to the necessity of development of private entrepreneurship in the country and seeking ways of increasing government’s support for private entrepreneurs. 

The meeting also heard report by the minister of health about measures taken to improve providing medical and sanitary services for the population.  Over the past decade, public financing of the health sector has reportedly increased 25 times.