DUSHANBE , July 3, Asia-Plus -- President Emomali Rahmonov presided over government’s meeting on June 30. 

According to information from presidential press service, the session endorsed programs for socioeconomic development of Gorno Badakhshan and Sughd for the period till 2015.  For these purposes, it is supposed to drum up US$430.9 million in investments in the Sughd province and US$731.3 million in Gorno Badakhshan. 

Besides, the session approved a program for combating pests designed for 2006-2010 as well as heard reports on the implementation of the environmental protection program and the land legislation.  

“A program easing visa requirements for citizens of 68 countries was launched today [July 1].  As it had been reported earlier, government’s resolution of March 31, 2006 allows citizens of those countries to obtain 45-day visas within three days,” the source said.  

Besides, by government’s resolution 20 presidential grants are endorsed for development of small and medium-sized businesses, drawing women into vocational training and the creation of new jobs.  Ten of these grants amount to 10,000 Somonis each and ten others amount to 5,000 Somonis each.  

“By president’s proposal the Mount of Lenin (7,134 meters above sea level) was renamed the Mount of Tajikistan’s Independence and the Mount of Revolution (6,940 meters) was renamed the Mount of Abuali ibn Sino and no-name mount (6,910 meters) in the Rushan district of Porno Badakhshan was named after Abuabdullo Rudaki,” the Asia-Plus interlocutor said.  

“The government also passed resolutions on taking additional measures to carry out census in 2010 and on setting up the national energy commission,” presidential press service said.