DUSHANBE, August 2, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- A July 30 government session, presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, considered more than 40 issues, according to residential press service.

Minister of Finance Safarali Najmiddinov, in particular, reported on activities of joint-tock companies in the country.  To-date, more than 1,400 joint stock companies have been registered in Tajikistan and a total cost of their shares is now 5.4 billion somoni, the minister said.

The president expressed dissatisfaction with activities of bodies in charge of creation of the equity market in the country and low pace of shift to international financial reporting standards and ordered to take adequate measures to remove existing shortcomings.

The session also endorsed the national public health strategy.  Rahmon ordered the minister of health to take measures to ensure an opportune purchase and storage of vaccines against infectious diseases.

The government endorsed bills on protection of rare plant species and restriction on the use of tobacco products.  The session also approved draft laws on changes and agenda to a number of laws in force.