DUSHANBE, February 10, 2015, Asia-Plus – Ways to improve Tajikistan’s economic competitiveness were discussed at a meeting of the National Development Council.

Presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, the meeting took place in Dushanbe on February 10.

The Development Coordination Council (DCC) reportedly noted at the meeting that Tajikistan should aim to improve its economic diversification and competitiveness over the next 15 years and the development partners will continue their support.

According to the DCC Secretariat, the National Development Council meeting marked the end of implementation of the National Development Strategy 2015 and the Tajikistan Living Standards Improvement Strategy (LSIS) 2013-2015.

Members of the DCC, consisting of 30 multilateral, bilateral and UN based organizations, commended the Government’s efforts towards achieving country’s strategic priorities, namely improving energy supply and transport connectivity, ensuring food security, improving public administration, developing the private sector and developing human resources, the Secretariat said.

The meeting participants also discussed the remaining challenges related to welfare improvement and poverty reduction, particularly in the rural areas.

Looking forward, the development partners reaffirmed their commitment to support Tajikistan to achieve its development goals and priorities to be reflected in the next National Development Strategy (2016-2030).  The new strategy will reflect the theme of improving Tajikistan’s economic efficiency, diversification and competitiveness. Joint development of the strategy will result in more effective development assistance through closer collaboration between international development partner organizations and Government of Tajikistan in the coming years.