DUSHANBE , September 7, Asia-Plus -- The Tajik government has endorsed a draft budget for 2007 and a projection of socioeconomic development for Tajikistan for 2008-2009.

 At a government meeting presided over by President Emomali Rahmonov on September 6 more than 45 issues were discussed, according to the 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 the draft budget and socio-economic projections figured prominently in the discussion. 

Minister of Economy and Trade Hakim Soliyev told the meeting 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 approximately US $2.8 billion). ”Next year, 120,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the country,” the minister noted. 

Finance Minister Safarali Najmuddinov presented main points 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 billion Somonis (more than US $876 million). 

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

The session also endorsed a plan to implement the national employment concept designed for

2006-2012. This plan aims to employ as many women as possible through the development of home carpet and handcrafts development, as well as to launch enterprises for 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.