DUSHANBE, January 15, 2009 Asia-Plus - President Emomali Rahmon has introduced a number of staff changes at an ongoing government session reviewing the country’s economic results in 2008.

According to presidential press service, Chairman of the Tax Committee Hakim Soliyev was retired for age reasons.    

During the meeting, it was noted that although tax collection target for 2008 had been fulfilled as a whole, the target on four types of taxes had not been fulfilled that had resulted in the country’s budget  having received 43 million somoni less.  The head of state noted that the Tax Committee had failed to fulfill many president’s instructions, the press service said.

Besides, the president also sacked heads of Barqi Tojik power holding (Sharifkhon Samiyev) state natural-gas distributor, Tojikgaz (Fathiddin Muhsiddinov), and Dushanbe cement plant, Tojikcement (Mahmadrahim Karimov) for serious shortcomings in their work.

Speaking at the meeting, President Emomali Rahmon expressed concern about large energy losses that amounted to 2.9 billion somoni last year.   

Head of the investment customs projects management unit Anvarsho Muzaffarov was also dismissed.