DUSHANBE, September 30, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Government has endorsed the draft budget for 2010.

The government session, presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, was held on September 29.  Some 50 issues were considered at the session and the draft law on the national budget for 2010 was one of major topics of the session, according to presidential press service.

The draft budget for 2010 is projected to stand at 6.537 billion and under the draft law, gross domestic product (GDP), will be 24.5 billion somoni.

Speaking at the meeting, President Rahmon noted that product growth should reach no less than 5 percent and inflation should stand at no more than 7 percent next year.

Compared to this year social spending will be increased by 659 million somoni, or 27 percent, despite the global financial crisis.

The revenue part of the budget is projected to increase by 748.5 million somoni compared to this year.  The draft national budget for 2010 gives priority to financing of construction of strategic facility, including transport infrastructure and hydropower facilities.

The government endorsed the draft budget and submitted it for consideration to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament).

The session also considered and approved the concept of the national TV and radio-broadcasting program fro 2010-205.