DUSHANBE, November 30, 2013, Asia-Plus – Recently reelected President Emomali Rahmon held the first meeting of the shaped government on November 30.

According to the Tajik president’s official website, the reshaped government members include prime minister, first deputy prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, 14 ministers and three state committee heads – totaling 22 persons.

60 percent of cabinet members were reportedly replaced.  Current average age of cabinet members is 52 years, while average age of members of the previous cabinet was 56 years and seven months.

Three members of the new cabinet have scientific degrees of doctors of sciences and seven members of the new cabinet have scientific decrees of candidate of sciences (in the previous cabinet, there were 7 candidate of sciences and one doctor of sciences).  Besides, 2 of 22 members of the reshaped cabinet are women (in the previous cabinet, there was only one woman).

Speaking at the meeting, President Rahmon pointed to the necessity of beginning to work out the national development strategy for the period up to 2030.

The government and other relevant structures were ordered to work out the rural development program within the shortest possible period of time.