President of the Republic of Tajikistan

Annual address of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan

23.04.2014 12:53, Dushanbe city

Distinguished members of Majlisi milli and deputies of Majlisi namoyandagon!
Dear compatriots!

Another message of the President of Tajikistan to the supreme legislative body of the country is being represented in the period of preparation for the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the first Constitution of independent Tajikistan. The Constitution is the basic document that identifies future development of our independent and democratic state.

The Basic Law of Tajikistan presented to the international community as an independent state, having a perfect political and legal system in which a person, his rights and freedoms are the supreme value and everyone has an equal opportunity to provide a decent life.

Constitution providing the necessary legal framework to address the threats of the state independence, prevent the collapse of the Independence Tajik state, preclude destruction of our people, has become a solid foundation for achieving national unity and the important historical moment has played a major role in establishing the foundations of the modern state of the Tajik people.

In other words, the Basic Law has expressed wishes of the people of our country in the construction of modern statehood of Tajiks, creation of a democratic, legal and secular state.

The Constitution being the primary and most important element of an independent state, it is the basic document on the basis of which the international community, major international organizations and other nations recognize its independence.

Our Constitution reflects the basic principles of democracy, which are recognized by the international community and provide equality before the law.

Due to the strict observance of constitutional norms, today we have the opportunity to realize our objectives for the construction of a democratic, legal and secular state.

At the same time, we are well aware that the recent events and developments on the world stage and the current geopolitical situation in the world, and given our national interests, we are facing challenges, for the solution of which we should have a clear strategy, strong will and political position.

Since our not so long history of statehood shows that the protection of national independence and its achievements, protection of national security and public interests, strengthening national reconciliation, preserving the stability of society, and ensuring economic development and improvement of the living standard of the people in the conditions of tough opposition in the international arena, is the most important task of every citizen – patriot of his country.

We intend to make every effort to address the issues relating to economic prosperity, development of real sectors of economy, diversification of production, expand export potential of the country, to improve the Investment Climate and support entrepreneurship, increase the efficiency of the labor market, facilitate social protection, and improve good governance and strengthen human potential.

Despite ongoing negative impact of the global crisis, as well as other existing obstacles in achievement of sustainable development, the Government should ensure implementation of measures to achieve sustainable development in the framework of the adopted strategic documents.

The Government of Tajikistan and the Executive Office of the President are instructed to ensure implementation of all necessary measures to control the efficient and duly implementation of adopted programs.

In the course of an implementation of programs it is necessary to pay due attention to the efficient use of existing capacity, the need to attract investment in economy, human development, as well as other existing factors.

Dear compatriots,
Distinguished Members of Parliament,

Continued development of economy is provided through the program documents, primarily the National Development Strategy for the period 2015 and Living Standard Improvement Strategy of Tajikistan for the years 2013 -2015, as well as other regional programs, an implementation of which remains in the spotlight of the Tajik Government.

I would like to once again emphasize that the basis of guiding document is to ensure welfare of our people. To achieve this strategic objective, head of ministries, agencies, regions, cities, districts and all public officials are obliged to take necessary steps and approach with the great responsibility to provide high quality and identify timely solutions.

Over the past 7 years, the gross domestic product grew by 1,5 times, capita income increased by 1,7 times, gross domestic product increased twice with regard to a number of population, however, with the rapid development of the world economy, these figures cannot satisfy us.

We therefore have to give an increased attention to the foundations of continued and long-term development of the country. In particular, given the fact that less than two years has left for the deadline set forth for the implementation of the National Development Strategy, it is necessary that along with analysis of the outcomes we have obtained, to identify sources of further economic development of the country and begin drafting the National Development Strategy until 2030.

Implementation of strategic objectives of the country will allow up to 2020, in other words, in the next seven years to double the capacity of the economy and the country's gross national product per capita must increase by at least 1,5 times.

The gradual improvement in quality of life of the people and reduction in this period up to 20% of poverty level are one of the main objectives of our economic policy. In this regard, the establishment of a modern and sustainable structure for social protection of population has been defined as one of the main tasks for the Government of the country.

In the last 7 years budget has kept its social component, at the same time, spending on science and education, health and other social sectors each year on average increased by 35 percent and totaled 23 billion Somoni.

In the next seven years for this purpose, by another words, more than 70 billion Somoni will be allocated from all sources of funding to solve social problems.

It should be noted that the achievement of this goal would be impossible without further development of the real sector of the economy and its competitive opportunities, and without improving the structure of the national economy on the basis of the country's natural resources.

For the time being, the Government of Tajikistan in order to address issues related to achieving energy independence, breaking communication deadlock and providing food security using all available means, takes necessary steps in this direction.  

Thirty five billion somoni will be allocated over the next seven years until 2020 through budget and by attracting direct foreign investments to achieve these strategic objectives.

At the same time, appropriate action will be taken to improve organizational and operational structure of the economy, as well as to provide its further strengthening.

Effective implementation of economic reform in the past few years contributed to an increase in production of industrial and agricultural products, volume of investment and services , as well as the amount of money income and consumption of the people, and, in general terms, it insured sustainable development of national economy.

Despite negative trends in world economy and its consequences on national economy, in 2013 increase of Gross Domestic Product was kept at the level of 7,4 percent, money income of population was increased by 16,5 percent as well as salary of each citizen increased up to 20 percent.

The steadfast increase in incomes of population today is much increased that expenditure part of families. For example, in 2001, 84 percent of families accounted for the acquisition costs of foodstuffs and the rest 16 percent was spent on non-food goods and services. Now, these figures indicate almost the same level, which means that public's ability to purchase household goods, services and payment holidays or cash accumulation is improved.

Population in the last 10 years, spent more than 15 billion Somoni only for the purchase of refrigerators and TV sets, cars, furniture and air conditioners.

For example, in 2013 the population only for purchase of vehicles in total spent 1,4 billion Somoni, while for services of mobile communication services it was spent more than 1,7 billion Somoni.

This includes only expenditures of communication service. Total amount spent for purchasing of mobile phones itself, which reached today more than 10 million pieces, accounts for hundreds millions Somoni.

Bank money savings in the past five years have increased by 3,2 times and in 2013 amounted about 4 billion Somoni.

Macroeconomic stability allowed poverty rate reduction in 2013 from 38,3 per cent to 35,6 per cent. It is predicted that by 2015 this figure will reach 30 percent.

Total number of new and remanufactured jobs in the past five years amounted more than 870,000, including, 185,000 jobs have been created only in 2013, which helped to improve situation in labor market and raise the living standards of the people. 

In 2014, another 250,000 jobs will be created in all sectors of the national economy. For this purpose, it is planned to construct and put into operation 150 new industrial enterprises.

It should be noted that there are favorable conditions in our country for the establishment of industrial enterprises for the processing of minerals and their processing into finished products. It is necessary to mention that this opportunity should be used extensively and effectively. In this regard, preparation and implementation of the Program for research and exploration of rare metals for 2015-2025 will contribute to development of this industry and efficient use of natural resources of our country, in particular, for development of non-ferrous metals, as one of the most promising sectors of the economy.

In recent years, we witness increased attention to the use of natural resources of our country. Currently there are several large investment projects realized in this industry through attracting foreign investments, which create thousands of new jobs, increase budget revenues and reinforce export capacity of the country. Taking this into account, particular attention is paid to development of non-ferrous metallurgy, as the perspective one.

World practice shows that the state can participate more actively in the creation of national and joint-venture companies operating in the mining and processing of minerals and obtain a large profit from the use of natural resources.

It is necessary to study the experience of other countries, which lead the national companies that are licensed to use the minerals on global financial markets.

In this regard, the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management are instructed to prepare and submit proposals to facilitate entering of national companies on global financial markets.

The Government of the country continuously takes measures to create favorable conditions for doing business. The introduction of a simplified procedure for registration of public business entities gives favorable conditions to start business.

At the same time, I would like to emphasize that taking into account the need to protect the economic interests of the country and full taxation of joint ventures there is a need to improve the regulatory and legal acts in the field of mining.

In this regard, the Government of Tajikistan is requested to take appropriate measures to amend the legislation of the country in this field.

In the face of strong market competition we need by building of competitive and efficient domestic industry to pay attention to technical and technological re-equipment of industrial enterprises, creation of favorable conditions for entrepreneurship and establishment of a full cycle of processing of domestic raw materials.

Therefore , the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies needs to work together with other ministries and departments to prepare as soon as possible a policy document on the implementation of a common policy in the industry, to determine the main directions of development of the sector and to take measures for its implementation.

Under this policy concept we have to build favorable conditions for the development of relevant sectors of industry, as light industry, food industry, mining, coal industry, machinery and etc.

For example, each year for the purchase of building materials, including cement from abroad we spend 5 billion Somoni, while our country has all necessary conditions, as raw materials and labor for production of cement and other construction materials inside the country.

We at present are planning to build several cement producing factories with the capacity of more than 6 million tons a year in various cities and regions of the country, whereby we not only provide domestic market, but also be able to start its exports.

Development of this sector will create additional thousands jobs, and most importantly, reduce the cost of construction, including, housing. Creation of new enterprises for the production of cement and other building materials, thermal and power generators, as well as an increase in the number of enterprises operating on coal, cause a need to increase the production of coal.

There are number of enterprises proceeding bricks, sand and gravel are built during the independency in the country. Therefore, the Government is entrusted to take the necessary measures to increase production of cement and coal in the coming years in order to meet domestic demand, as well as begin their exports to other countries.

Starting exploration and mining of iron ore, construction and commissioning of enterprises on its processing and production of different products could meet the needs of all sectors of the economy, including construction. In its turn, it will lay a solid ground for the development of the steel industry in the country.

At the same time, with the aim of ensuring internal market with sufficient volume of construction materials, including iron, it is necessary to take measures to increase production and proceeding of iron ore and to ensure the development of ferrous metallurgy.

Dear Friends!

Tajikistan is a country that is bestowed with tremendous hydropower resources and for the efficient use of existing capacity it is therefore necessary to take measures aimed at the reconstruction and rehabilitation, as well as construction of new hydro-generating facilities in energy sector. It is known, that the future of Tajikistan directly depends on hydro-energy sector development.

Our country strongly supports the initiatives of important international organizations, including the United Nations, and other developed countries with regard to developing of environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources, which are the basis of the "green economy."

We pay utmost attention to further provide the country with electricity and heating through existing and introduction of new facilities, including construction of new power transmission lines, efficient use of electricity, reduction of losses, use of renewable energy technologies, as well as the efficient water resources management in the region.

Future economic development of our country depends on construction of new power generation capacity. You are well aware of steps the Government has undertaken, as well as its plans in this direction.

Despite many years of complexities and expense of additional funds and time, back in 2007 we appealed to the World Bank for an independent international assessment of environmental and social impacts of construction of Rogun Hydro Power Station. Currently evaluation work on the project is conducting and in accordance with the plan, we expect they will be completed this summer.

The Rogun Hydropower Station for us is a life-changing object and conduct of work on its rehabilitation and construction are carried out in accordance with the agreed plan and time-frame.

With the purpose of development of energy sector, a huge amount of works has been done so far. Today construction of a new heat electro-power station Dushanbe-2 is under way. The first part of this project was launched last year.

This year Sangtuda-2 HHHlodklddkldk,dfkldkdfloydropower Station with the capacity of 200 MW and a second phase of the Heat electro-power station Dushanbe-2 with total capacity of 100 megawatts will start functioning this year.

In this regard, the Government is instructed to take the necessary steps in order to increase the capacity of the Heat electric power station Dushanbe-2 to 400 megawatts in the next three years.

Within the state program in 2013 310 small hydroelectric power stations with capacity of 29 thousand kilowatts we built in the country, and now 10 more small hydroelectric power stations with the capacity of 14 thousand kilowatts are under the process of construction.

In order to develop this sector, with the use of all available funding sources and existing opportunities, including through deepening of the mutually beneficial cooperation with public and private sectors effective measures should be further taken.

In the past eight years more than eight billion somoni have been spent for the energy sector reform. We are planning to allocate more than twenty-two billion somoni from the state budget and other sources of financing in the next seven years for the sustainable functioning of energy infrastructure, energy sector development and energy independence.

For the time being, 11 national and foreign companies, including well-known and authoritative global companies such as Gazprom (Russia), Total (France), CNPC (China) are engaged in exploration and production of oil and gas in the country with the total investment of worth nearly 1 billion TJS which serves as a basis for future self-supply of the country with its own oil and gas.

Construction, reform and recovery of small and huge hydropower plants such as Roghun, Norak, Kayrakum, Sarband, Heat electro-power station Dushanbe-2 as well as construction of domestic power transmission lines and CASA-1000 for the export of surplus electricity in the summer will enable us to achieve energy independence, to meet the need of population in electricity all the year round, to give a powerful impetus to the economic development of the country, to increase export potential and through all these steps to resolve pressing social issues, including to improve the living standards of the people of the country.

Distinguished deputies!

Another important area that could give a boost to socio-economic development is the implementation of projects of the construction of communication infrastructure, which undoubtedly have domestic and regional importance.

In 2014, we have spent over 1,1 billion TJS from all sources of funding for transport and communications and over 8 billion TJS will be spent in the coming 7 years.  

Implementation of these projects, including the railway line Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan, international automobile roads Dushanbe-Kulob-Khorug-Kulma, Dushanbe-Tursunzoda, Aini-Panjakent, Vose’-Khovaling and particularly, railroad Vahdat-Yovon-Kurgonteppa, construction of which has already begun, will facilitate an improvement of the investment climate in the country, joining the international transport networks, in development of the internal market and increasing of international services.

In addition to this, creation and development of transport and logistics centers as an integral part of the regional transport infrastructure could improve the transit capacity of the country and help in increasing the country's contribution to the international and regional transport services, which is also a source of new jobs, additional income into the country's budget and development of the national economy.

Another important area of advancing communication facilities of the country is in the area of aviation services.

In this regard, it is important to increase and modernize aircraft parks of national companies, modernize the international airports in the country, provide them with modern machinery and equipment and bring the quality of services to the international level.

Along with this, increase of investment, development of entrepreneurship and private sector should be a priority for the country's development.

The private sector and entrepreneurship, in turn, may contribute to the development of the middle class and to ensure the sustainable development of the country.

Analysis of the business sector in recent years shows that the interest in manufacturing is less than those in the spheres of trade and services. Despite the fact that the Government has taken several measures to create appropriate conditions for the development of the manufacturing sector but the pace of development is still not comply.

Under the new tax code more than 240 indulgences and privileges are provided for small and medium enterprises. Just during the last year, the total amount of presented privileges consisted 3,6 billion TJS, and this year it will reach 4 billion TJS.

This amount remained in the subjects of agriculture or in other words is in hands of entrepreneurs and helps in the development of their activities.

Tax privileges will further continue to persist. Starting from 1 January 2015 income tax will decrease. On 1 January 2015 tax on transportation will be reduces and on 1 January 2017 will be completely canceled.

Moreover, I order to allocate from the budget within the next 7 years one billion TJS to the National Entrepreneurship Support Fund created by the Government.

It is important to strictly keep control over the activities and expenditure of the Fund. These funds are primarily aimed at the development of productive entrepreneurship in remote mountainous areas.

At the same time, it should be noted that the issue of tax administration still has serious shortcomings.

In this regard, in order to ensure sustainable development of the country the Government has to take bold and effective steps forward to address the issues related to the promotion of manufacturing business and increase the export potential of the country. Implementation of these measures should be a priority, state encouragement measures should be determined and this work should be monitored in order to implement it on an annual basis.

I in this connection propose to announce the years 2014-2020 as a decade of support of manufacturing entrepreneurship and industrial development in the field of cultivation of domestic products.

Taking into account the contemporary world trends it is necessary to continue reforms in entrepreneurship and private sector, to ensure the realization of the documents and to take effective measures to improve the investment climate and private sector in order to have our own place among other leading countries in the sphere of reforms.

We have to undertake effective measures in order to improve the investment climate, attract investment, support private sector and strengthen the guarantees and obligations of investors, and also taking into account the principles of international law and international mechanisms to guarantee investments and investment contracts.

To this end, in order to attract investments and develop the manufacturing entrepreneurship it is necessary to prioritize the implementation of investment projects with the use of modern technologies, as well as to export-oriented investments, particularly those environmentally-friendly.

The use of the free economic zones is considered to be one of the ways to ensure the sustainable development. The functioning of the free economic zones in the past two years has shown that attention to them grows more and more. Only in 2013 the volume of production in these areas has reached 41 million TJS, which increased by 2.4 times in comparison with 2012. The number of jobs has been increased by 80 percent. We this year intend to construct in these zones the enterprises on oil producing, construction materials, particularly cement factories and etc.

In this connection, Government needs to undertake all necessary steps to attract investors to these free economic zones and provide the necessary infrastructure conditions.

Consumer market and services have a great impact on the process of providing the population with jobs and also to budget increasing. Today the services consist 50 percent of the Gross Domestic Product of the country.

In the capital – Dushanbe city this number consists 75 percent.

It should be emphasized that today the imported products, in particular - food and some industrial items still play a major role in providing consumer market which directly affects the price increase.

Because of various trends affecting sustainable development of the country's foreign trade, today the volume of imports is higher than exports. The process of diversification of exports is flowing slowly and the share of export-oriented products in trade turnover is negligible. For example, only 3 percent of produced aluminum and 10 percent of cotton are processed domestically, while the rest put up for sale as crude products.

At the same time, external influence on major exports - cotton, aluminum and food products is high.

In these circumstances, the ministries of Industry and New Technologies and Agriculture must pay particular attention to the issue of organization of the final cotton products, processing of food products such as fruit and herbs, processed minerals and precious stones and other export-oriented products, and to take effective measures for duly implementation of the adopted programs.

Furthermore, in order to fulfill adopted programs in the fields of development of light industry and cotton processing, as well as to ensure the support of manufacturing entrepreneurship, incensement of export capacity, strengthening the state budget by increasing additional cost and the most important – to create new jobs and improve the living standard and the welfare of the people, I propose to replace the tax from sales of cotton to export duty from sales of cotton and also to put export duties to cocoon which is considered a raw product.

These measures will increase the interest in cotton and cocoon processing business inside the country, will improve the supply of products to domestic markets, will increase exports of finished products abroad and will create thousands of new jobs.

Along with this, it is necessary to simplify the amount and to shorten the terms of documentation on exports and imports, as well as to take steps to eliminate multiple and repeated inspections by various agencies.

Taking into account our country's accession to the World Trade Organization and the need to ensure the competitiveness of the national economy, as well as to improve the investment climate and access to world markets, we need to bring the economy in line with the requirements of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

In this regard, the Government has to streamline administrative procedures for export, import and transit of goods and take effective measures to ensure the realization of requirements of the National Infrastructure Development Strategy and the Action Plan for the reform of technological innovation of the Republic of Tajikistan.

In general, we need to take the necessary measures and appropriate programs to transform the country from agrarian to agrarian-industrial.

Distinguished deputies!

Effective financial policy requires to ensure sustainable management of public finances, take measures to increase budget revenues, improve the system of taxation, transparency and targeted budget spending and preserve the stability of budget financing.

If in 2001 budget expenditures consisted 314 million TJS, so in 2014 this amount reached 14.1 billion TJS, it means it has grown up by more than 45 times.

The experience of recent years shows that during the implementation of the adopted national and local programs, uneven budget expenditures lead to problems in addressing the social issues set by the Government.

In order to ensure reasonable expenses of the state budget, the ministries and agencies within the goals and priorities of the programs adopted are instructed to develop an integral system of allocation.

Along with this, the Chamber of Accounts and the Agency for State Financial Control and Fight against Corruption should strongly control the process of transparent and reasonable expenditure of public finances of all subjects as well as to monitor an income and expenditure of public funds.

Development of a system of accounting and establishment of a system of registration for purchasing and selling goods and services are among the most important tasks of the Government.

These tasks will provide an opportunity to keep an accurate count of gross domestic product, to create a modern taxation procedure, to develop a culture of tax payment, to reduce the rate of bank debts and to strengthen the fight against corruption.

In the area of financial and debt policies, we will continue to work on maintaining inflation within the forecasted level, to strengthen solvency and confidence in the banking system as well as to create a system of the security of payments.

Dear friends!

In order to implement the policy of the development of regions the Government of Tajikistan pays an utmost attention to all-round region’s development and exerts massive efforts to improve the socio-economic situation in all the cities and regions of the country.

Rise of living standards in cities and districts of the country is one of the main priorities. During the years of independence, the Government has spent 42.5 billion TJS for this aim. In the next seven years we plan to allocate more than 110 billion TJS for the development of the regions of the country.

By today only in 33 cities and districts of the country development programs are adopted. In this regard, in order to implement the policy of the development of the regions, governments of the regions, cities and districts are instructed to prepare and adopt in the nearest future medium and long-term socio-economic development programs.

We will further continue the work to sustain the capabilities of local governments and their coordination with the central authorities, and we will give the priority attention to the issue of improving the infrastructure of cities and villages, creation of education and health centers, construction of roads and water supply, issues of culture and sports as well as to opening of production plants.

In this connection the responsibility of heads of regions, cities and regions in order to attract investment, develop productive entrepreneurship and create new jobs increases accordingly.

As part of the reform, a special priority will be given to the sphere of agriculture, which is considered as one of the key sectors of the economy, since it has a direct connection to food security.

Infrastructure development and rise of living standards in rural areas will remain as prior objectives in agricultural reforming during the next few years.

Currently 46 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture and agricultural production in 2013 has consisted 17 billion TJS, which is 21 percent of GDP.

During the next seven years, we plan to allocate more than 3 billion for the development of this sector.

The implementation of all scheduled activities of the Government of the country in this field gives the opportunity for better compliance of the population’s demand for main food commodities at the expense of domestic production, and by this to achieve one of our strategic goals – ensuring food security of the country.

To this end, the Government of the country has to work out additional activities to support the agricultural sector, branches of its manufactures as well as to stimulate the farmers for the rational use of land and water resources. Likewise, the necessary activities should be undertaken to attract the domestic and foreign investments for the development and irrigation of new lands. 

The Ministry of agriculture and the Academy of agricultural sciences have to pay the paramount attention for ensuring projects implementation which are designed for the development of the sector, increasing of agricultural production using the mechanism of state financial support for the improvement of material and technical basis of agricultural households, their provision with the agricultural technical equipment as well as wide implementation of scientific achievements and innovative methods to ensure the development of the sector.

Within the scope of the implementation of the Presidential decree “About the additional actions on the development of gardening and wine-growing sector in the Republic of Tajikistan for years 2010-2014” almost 50 thousand hectares of gardens and vineyards and over 100 thousand of new jobs were created so far.

Taking into consideration that there are a lot of favorable opportunities to create gardens and vineyards throughout the country, the Government of the country by the end of this year has to work out and adopt a new project on garden and vineyard development for the next 10 years.

The raising of level and quality of all arts of services in tourism sector is another trend of future economic and social development of the country.

The development of tourism sector will favor the creation of new working places and production growth, since it is a good opportunity for every enterprise to start a business.

According to analyses the implementation of the reform gives the opportunity that the direct contribution of tourism sector to national GDP will reach 5% and its indirect contribution to the development of other sectors of the economy will reach 15 % by year 2020.

Tajikistan has a lot of opportunities in this field. Due to the different historical and cultural monuments and memorials, unique curative places, high mountains for alpinism and other riches with which the nature endowed us.

Distinguished members of Majlisi milli and deputies of Majlisi namoyandagon!

For the purpose of realization of strategic goals of the country in social policy there have been adopted and successfully implemented a number of special programs.

This year the financing of social sector has made 54,2% of general expenses of state budget or 7,7 billion somoni and we have intention to finance the social sector which is the most important sector of state policy in the amount of more than 70 billion somoni in next seven years.

One of the priority directions of the social policy of the country is the pension payment. For this purpose the Government of the country within the financial opportunities of state budget has been annually working out special measures.

As a result, an average pension in the country rose by 6,4 times in the last seven years.

The policy which the Tajik Government has undertaken in social sector will further be continued, its activities aimed at providing state support to orphans, invalids, homeless and poor families, pensioners and labor veterans, and to improve their access to different state services by the defining of additional state support through the allocation of social insurance aid.

The sector of education and science will remain in the future as one of the key directions in the social policy and the Government will use all its capabilities to develop this sector by the annually increasing of its financing. 

Taking into the consideration the current world situation, I am declaring, that the school and the education have been also the most important components of national security, as in the modern conflicting world only that young generation which is armed with modern knowledge, can ensure the peaceful development of the economy of the country   in the future.

Considering this fact, the education has been identified as a sphere which defines the future life of the country, we have planned to allocate 27 billion somoni in next seven years to solve educational problems of young generation and in general to ensure the development of the educational sphere and to improve the social ensuring of the whole sector.

It is proved that in the present, the development of the economy of each state depends on the educational level in higher education institutions.

Taking this into account, the Government of Tajikistan will pay full attention to the development of institutions of higher professional education and will use all its possibilities to implement the international standards of education.

The recognition of diplomas of higher professional education of the country in European countries is one of the important achievements of this sphere, which is mainly realized on the initiative of the Government.

In future the institutions of higher professional education need to introduce an active use of ICT in the learning process, to study international experience in this field, to fit the projects and programs to the requirement of domestic and external labor and education markets, as well as to provide the transition to world educational standards till year 2020.

This year for the first time the students will be enrolled to the higher educational institutions of the country by passing a common entrance examination in the National testing center. We have initiated this work based on the requests of parents and with the aim to raise the level of education, as well as to prevent acts of corruption during the examinations.

In this regard, the Ministry of Education and Science should annually rank universities and present this information to the society, so the applicants could choose the right specialization and university.

The Government of Tajikistan has announced the development of science, along with the development of education and culture a priority in national development strategy and is taking all possible measures towards strengthening the technical equipment of the Academy of Sciences and ensuring the fruitful activity of research institutes.

Over the course of the last 15 years we have spent 362 million somoni to the development of science and we expect to spend more than 600 million somoni in next 7 years.

Using the capabilities created by the state and the government, academic institutions should actively work in the field of scientific discoveries, the introduction of innovative methods and modern technologies of research for future development of our national economy.

An important task of social science specialists, taking into account the possibilities of an independent state, is to research the glorious history of the nation, the problems of philosophy and a richness of literature and culture of Tajiks, to store carefully and to strengthen the status of the state language, to support the communicational language, to create the scientific Tajik language, to respect historical values​​, to present on the appropriate level the achievements of ancestors to the world.

The only requirement of the state to scientists and researchers - is the creation of modern science. In other words, science should serve the people and contribute to the development of the state.

Dear members of Majlisi milli and deputies of Majlisi namoyandagon!

To tackle the problem of unemployment, especially to educate specialists in accordance with the requirements of current internal and external labor markets, it is necessary in future to outline training personnel at all levels of higher professional education relying on researches of the needs of the labor market and prospects of development of the national economy.

In this regard, the Ministries of Industry and New Technologies, Labor, Migration and Employment, Economic Development and Trade, and the Committee on Women and Family Affairs are obliged to take decisive and necessary steps to develop a unified program of professional education for unemployed people, particularly migrants and adults, as well as to organize a work and handcrafts for housewives and thus to reduce unemployment.

It is therefore necessary to cover more than 1 million of our citizens with training courses and improve their professional skills within the next 7 years.

In order to implement government policy in the sphere of creating new jobs, local authorities in regions, cities and districts, all ministries and government agencies, as well as organizations and institutions are obliged to comprehensively assist private sector in establishing new manufacture facilities, irrigation and land reclamation as well as agricultural development.

In November 2013, according to the Order of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, healthcare and social protection sectors, being priority areas of social policy of the Government, were merged into one ministry.

In this connection, the Ministry of Healthcare and Social Protection should implement the relevant government policy and operate within the scope of the government strategies and programs. The Ministry should also take persistent measures aimed at facilitating easy access of poor and indigent people, particularly those who are aged and disabled, as well as orphans and homeless children, to the medical and social care.

In the last 15 years the Government has allotted 4.3 billions of Somoni from all sources of financing, and in order to provide further development of the sphere, it is expected to allocate 14 billion Somoni within the next 7 years.

Moreover being aimed at ensuring productivity of work of medical institutions and improving medical service to the people, local authorities in regions, cities and districts should take effective measures in order to increasing budgetary appropriations for medical institutions, purchasing stat-of-the-art medical equipment, constructing of medical facilities and health–care institutions and centers as well as renovating and reconstructing existing healthcare institutions, and education of those specialists who have high technical skills and capacity to use modern technologies and technical equipment.

Nobody has analyzed yet, how many modern medical equipments have become worthlessness because of incompetent, improper treatment and unprofessional use within the last 10 years.

In the social policy, the cultural sphere is one of the important directions, since concurrently with development of other social areas it is hard to imagine sustainable development of the society without steadfast development of the cultural sphere.

Nowadays, globalization trend of the culture is considered as one of the global problems in the XXI century. Tajikistan as a member of the international community cannot stay aside of the rapid process of globalization as well as its challenges, its positive and negative manifestations.

Therefore, we at present time should create a new development programme of the cultural sphere, and its form and content should have deep impact on formation of moral constitution of a person, and develop way of thinking, natural aptitude, morality, aesthetic feelings and creative skills as well as great culture-generating traditions of our people.

Implementation of this important mission as well as enrooting national sense, patriotism and love of Homeland in minds of the rising generation and youngsters, and appealing and steering people in the improvements, beautification and creativity are responsibilities of intellectuals and clerisy.

Since, intellectuals are custodians of national honor and dignity, as well as guiding lights of promising future of the nation.  

The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan pays great attention to empower women and youth in the state personnel policy, as well as activation of their role in the life of society, and renewing the age of managerial personnel of government authorities.

The quantity of women in the Government is 2 times more, and 11 women represent the country in the supreme authorities.

Out of 18,300 civil servants who work in central and local governments and local communities, 4,315 persons or 24% are consisted of women.

Currently only 1100 women are high-level personnel in the governmental institutions and 500 persons out of them hold managerial positions at ministries and agencies.

Currently almost 106 thousand out of 193 thousand or 55,3% women work in education sphere, and 60 thousand out of 88 thousand or 66,5% of healthcare workers are women.

In the recent years significance of women in entrepreneurship has increased, and they now constitute more than 30% of entrepreneurs in the country.

There is also an increasing amount of the youth in the government service, so up to 35 years old young man constitute 7,600 or 41,4% of civil servants, and more than 1200 of them hold leading positions.

Simultaneously with involving women and young men into the public administration, it is necessary to pay persistent attention to their professional development and managerial capacities, and bring and lead them to love Homeland, to be honest and devotedly serve their Homeland.

It is worth mentioning that family being a social and legal phenomenon, forms pivot of society and, the Constitution stipulates its protection, and the Government takes necessary measures in order to care mother and child.

Therefore, with the view of protecting legal rights and interests of a child, it is necessary to amend the Family Code in the part dedicated to the fostering, at the same time improve regulations related to the family affairs.

In my several statements I had pointed out time and again that it would be both helpful and would mark a great benefaction to bring full orphans up into the family environment. Just imagine if every full orphan out of more than 3 500 would be covered by family environment! How many families would find children, would enjoy welfare and live in happiness!

Dear friends!

Observing and implementing Constitution and laws, i.e. rule of law, is one of the important ways to form and develop a constitutional and democratic state.

It demands from government authorities, citizens and their associations a high level of political culture and legal education.

Nowadays, based on constitutional propositions, contemporary thoughts on the national parliamentarism have developed and improved, and the Parliament of the country purposefully continue lawmaking process aimed at protection of legal rights and interests of the people and regulating important relations in the social life.

Indeed, implementation of law depends on its quality. High quality of law ensures its effectiveness and realization of the main objectives to be achieved by its adoption.

I in this regard would like to note that the primary objectives of legislative body of the country is, first of all, to work out and adopt laws based on democratic and universal values, which meet modern requirements and ensure protection of human rights and liberties.

Therefore, entities responsible for initiation of laws are obliged while elaborating and submitting draft legislation, to focus on necessity, importance and prospects for regulating social relations, economic and financial essentials as well as on procedure of its implementation.

In this connection, it should be noted that the current state of legislation requires legal monitoring.

At the same time all state authorities and their administrative officials must convert observance of human rights and liberties which are recognized as supreme values of our society, into their priority duty, and strengthen their work on reception of citizens, impartial and comprehensive consideration of their inquiries and complaints.

Observance and implementation of law requires not only high responsibility but also needs persistent state control.

Therefore, prosecution authorities must strengthen accurate control over and even execution of laws, and further, in order to ensure rule of law and its unconditional execution by all legal entities as well as every citizen, take all measures provided for by law.

Today, opportunities provided by modern technologies, particularly by internet, play a key role in development of science and culture as well as progress of social life.

However we currently witness how information and communication including internet to be widely used by separate persons and criminal groups in order to disseminate extremist and radical ideas particularly amongst youth and non-adults.

In this regard, all government authorities are obliged to take additional measures aimed countering crimes and offences in society, particularly amongst non-adults and youth, bearing in mind modern realities, including prevention of negative effect of cultural globalization and, in this process, ensure information security.

Although Government has already conducted a huge amount of work in this direction, but the state of law and order observance in the country including amongst youth and non-adults still remains a matter of great concern.

I therefore consider it important for the General Prosecutor`s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to study comprehensively legal, economic and social aspects of committed crimes and other offences by non-adults, and within the six months work out and submit to the Government a draft Law “On the Basics of Notification System, and Preventing Offences and Crimes amongst Non-Adults”.

Law enforcement authorities and security agencies have to pay particular attention to working with their personnel and take effective measures for recruiting honest, skilled and devoted to their Homeland officers, as well as to preventing corruption and all manifestations of illegal actions in the mentioned organs and authorities.

In the process of preventing crimes and countering criminal elements, it is important to expand cooperation and collaboration between law enforcement agencies, particularly police, and the people.

Aimed at strengthening such cooperation, as far back as June 2012, the Presidential Order “On Increasing the Role of District Police Officers in Maintaining Public Order and Expanding their Cooperation with the Population” was issued.

However, taking into account the current situation, it is necessary to streamline the main directions of such cooperation within the separate state programme.

Therefore, the Interior Ministry is obliged, aimed at improving public order maintenance, to elaborate and submit to the Government a draft Programme on Cooperation between Internal Affairs Bodies and the Population.

Counternarcotics activities are also amongst the priority tasks of the law enforcement agencies, and there is a particular work that had been done in the recent years.

Today Tajikistan is ranked sixth in the world by the volume of seized drugs.

The main objective of the Drug Control Agency and other law enforcement agencies is to further strengthen counter narcotics activities and facilitate an implementation of requirements of the National Counter-Narcotics Strategy 2013-2020 as well as other relevant documents and programmes.

Preventing and countering corruption as well as implementation of the Strategy on Countering Corruption in the Republic of Tajikistan 2013-2020 will remain in the future as one of the most important directions of the legal policy of the country.

Countering terrorism, extremism, human trafficking and other organized transnational crimes must remain as priority direction of the law enforcement authorities in the future.

The Government will also take further necessary steps for the modernization of material and technical basis of the armed forces, capacity building and military training of personnel, improvement of living and service conditions as well as addressing social hardships the military servicemen and law enforcement officers are facing.

Currently we have the Academy of the Interior Ministry, several military educational facilities and other institutions of higher education functioning in the country aimed at education of highly qualified personnel. Using the existed capacities, the Government, senior leadership of the law enforcement and military authorities should take under tight control the process of educating and training their personnel those devoted to the Homeland and the people, and eligible and educated and laterally thinking.

We will start this year construction of a new educational building for the Academy of the Interior Ministry and the next year will proceed to constructing a building of High School for the State Committee of National Security.

We have already done a significant work in order to form a judicial system in the country as well as to increase the status of judicial power in the society and to upgrade the judiciary to the international level. Judicial power will be further improved, and judicial and legal reforms will be continued and necessary law base through working out and adopting necessary laws and documents will be established, in order to achieve these goals.

Aimed at developing the judicial system, capacity building of judges, role and status of courts in real protection of human rights and liberties, legal interests of organizations and institutions regardless of their organizational and legal forms, the relevant authorities is working out now a new programme of judicial and legal reforms for the next three years. It is necessary to submit the named programme to the President of the country before the end of the year.

Also aimed at developing judiciary system and its compliance with the international standards, the Government should work out and adopt before the end of the year the Judicial System Development Strategy for the years 2015-2020”.

Distinguished members of Majlisi Milli and deputies of Majlisi Namoyandagon!

Challenges and increasing changes in the international arena which precisely caused by unprecedented and tense clash of interests of super powers and important players of the international politics, complicate an identification of directions, to take into account many different details and factors of these complicated and contradicting processes, in order to identify the genuine direction and necessary content of the foreign policy of the country, and to comply it with the highest values and interests of the nation and the government, and conforming with the main processes of contemporary development of international relations.

It goes without saying that this practice requires from us a deep analysis, careful and attentive attitude to every factor and detail, and harmonization of content and substance of every our effort to the interests of the country. It is not easy to do it in the current situation, particularly the realistic, proactive and balanced foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan should be implemented now in light of geopolitical situation and its natural and demographical potential as well as economic and social development of the country.

As always, major objectives of the foreign policy of Tajikistan in the long run, in order to protect the highest interests of the country, should consist of creating favorable conditions for the sustainable economic and social growth, ensuring national security, reinforcing the basis of a statehood, protecting rights and liberties, dignities and interests of our citizens, and strengthening position of the country on the international scene.

Building a confidence and security belt along whole border of the country through strengthening and expanding friendly and neighborly relations with all neighboring countries is and will be the most important task of Tajikistan in the years to come.

We will remain loyal to all ancient traditions, customs and friendly coexistence of Central Asian people. With this purpose in mind, conducting friendly policy, principles of kind neighborhood, not interference into the internal affairs of each other, using diplomatic and political methods for solving disputable issues, such as border, hydro energy shall fully prevail in our cooperation with bordering countries.

We believe that development of constructive cooperation with each other, bilaterally and multilaterally is important means to solve socio-political, security and ecological issues, and is crucial in the struggle with global modern threats and challenges. And it is also useful for the vital interests of countries of the region.

Tajikistan in its relationship with neighboring Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan will always adhere to the principles of friendship, mutual respect and trust, good will and beneficial and constructive collaboration. 

Tajikistan acknowledges importance of developing historical friendship ties between the people of Central Asia and therefore supports further deepening of fruitful relations, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, free movement of people and transport, and unimpeded movement of investment and services.  In order to strengthen the processes of integration Tajikistan stand ready for revoke of visa regulations in the region.

One thing is certain that people of Central Asia in unity and in togetherness can solve any problem and overcome any threats and challenges of the modern world while united.

Early restoration of sustainable political peace in the territory of neighboring Afghanistan meets vital and national interests of Tajikistan.

Establishing long awaited peace and bringing peaceful life to the exhausted country - Afghanistan is also strongly linked with provision of security in the region.

With the beginning of withdrawal of ISAF troops Afghanistan will enter into new phase.

During this period it is important to keep attention of the international community and friends of Afghanistan to the needs and problems of the country and countries of the region should also play their part in this endeavor.

In the current situation rehabilitation of infrastructure of Afghanistan through building roads and railroads, transmission lines and gas pipe lines, Iran and Afghanistan will further develop and assist our countries in entering into a new level of relationship.

Expansion and development of long term and peaceful relations of Tajikistan with CIS member states and our main strategic partner-the Russian Federation is also important. In fact level and content of the diversified collaboration of Tajikistan and Russia is not only indicator of existing geopolitical interests and economic pragmatism but also solid foundation for spiritual, cultural and human ties between two countries.

Although we believe that level and content of our relation, degree of trust and reliance between two countries is very high, further development diversified cooperation with this country, strengthening and deepening of economic and cultural ties, intensification of military and political and technical collaboration with this friendly country is the main goals of Tajikistan and remain as it is.

In this connection, if protection of fruitful and traditional relations is the main priority of foreign policy of Tajikistan then compliance with high national interests at the end is significant and decisive.

Tajikistan to the east has big partner and neighbor and development and strengthening of mutually beneficial relations with the People’s Republic of China is considered as the main fulcrum of the foreign policy of Tajikistan in Asia.

We are satisfied with existing constructive, fruitful and beneficial level of cooperation with China, in particular in economic field.

Development of this type of collaboration in 23 years of our independence in all sectors will be mutually beneficial for both sides, as well as bring peace and prosperity into the region. We intend to continue this process of purposeful strategic policy.

In the Eurasia region our solid and diversified relations with Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Turkey and other friendly countries are developing. With regard to other sectors of cooperation such as building communicational and transportation infrastructures, hydropower facilities, those projects will be implemented and we will stay committed for their future development.

Tajikistan is the supporter of and very keen to see development of diversified relationship  with the United States of America and EU countries which have play significant role and authority in contemporary world politics and economy.

Therefore, there is necessity to improve and implement existing and planned programs on beneficial cooperation with the USA and EU countries which is also considered as priority tasks of the foreign policy of Tajikistan.

In the process of fight against terrorism, extremism, illegal traffic of narcotics and transnational organized crime, we will actively and fruitfully cooperate with these countries.

Tajikistan nowadays has good and beneficial bilateral and multilateral relations with advanced Arab countries, like Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, State of Qatar and other Muslims countries which derive from common historical, cultural and religious backgrounds. Cooperation with abovementioned countries in other sectors, in particular in the fight against new threats and challenges currently developing.

In the current complicated situation and sensitive human history the process of further strengthening of new order in the international relations based on transparent and accepted principles where UN plays coordinating role, is very important matter.

We believe those big international and regional organizations, like OSCE, SCO, CSTO, OIC, ECO, and others should play more constructive and active role in strengthening  provision of security and peace, implementing big economic and infrastructure programs, support the process of development in interaction of people and countries.

We also expect such attitude and cooperation from International financial institutions, since during the years of independence Tajikistan has been actively collaborating with World Bank, IFC, ADB, EBRD, IBD, and other financial institutions and we hope to continue our good cooperation with them.

This year Tajikistan has become the President of influential Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Therefore, we have plenty of important tasks to complete. Organizing number of important international events, in particular meeting of the council of Head of states of the organization is scheduled to take place.

Development of mutually beneficial political, economy, cultural, humanitarian and security ties between member states in the framework of SCO is the main task in working program of Tajik side in the capacity of President of SCO.

We do believe that new international order should be free of wars, disputes, pressures, and demonstration of force, terrorism, political and religious extremism, transnational organized crime and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Moreover, it should be based on equal, intensive and mutually beneficial relationships of all countries of international community.

Only in such circumstances and through joint efforts we can stand against modern global threats, in particular climate change, ecological and techno genic catastrophe. That’s why it is in interest of Tajikistan to have more cooperation with international community and international organizations in the fight against modern global threats.

Ministries and other departments should reconsider their relations and responsibilities on the issue of preparation and execution of international treaties. Each and every treaty should be real, feasible and in pursuance of national interests as well as help to improve various socio economic sectors of the country.

Considering the necessity for improvement of the activity in this direction, in particular to match activities of responsible institutions of foreign policy, Ministry of foreign affairs and other relevant organs are ordered to prepare a new law “On international treaties of the Republic of Tajikistan” and law “On diplomatic service” and present for consideration to the Government. In the nearest period of time preparation of new concept of foreign policy of Tajikistan that is also requirements of these days.

Another direction, which requires thorough improvement, is cooperation with compatriots who live and work abroad and establish new and good image of the country overseas. I have raised this issue a couple of years ago.

Today, the situation has changed. Presence of diplomatic missions and numerous organizations of our compatriots abroad gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about our country, people, promote cultural and spiritual achievements of Tajiks as well as will help to develop a network with business, scientific circles and mass media of the receiving state.

It is obvious that modern diplomacy of Tajikistan based on accumulated experience to complete current and future important tasks should henceforth continue its purposeful efforts. Because, our national and community interests urges us to do so.

Distinguished members of Majlisi Milli and representatives of Majlisi namoyandagon!
Dear compatriots,

Tasks that are put in today’s address of the President on solving key issues, achievements of strategic goals and national priorities in perspective has been directed at socio-economic development of our country, creation of economic opportunities and of course to improve life of the people.

 At this complicated historical phase and sensitive regional and global situation strengthening of national unity and keeping stable political and ideological atmosphere in the society is of particular importance.

I believe by using constructive strength of the society and desire of people we fully implement our plans to target the main strategic goals such as, securing energy independence, exit from communication deadlock, and food security protection. Further advancement of the country will be based on solid existing foundation and in the coming years a level and the quality of life of the people compare to these days will certainly be improved.

I can assure you that on the way to achieve our goals and plans our hardworking, persistent, patriotic, self determined and proud people will be our companions and assist us in every way possible.

We should be proud to have such a noble people and we ought to direct all our knowledge and experience, in particular resources and opportunities to provide well deserved life for each every citizen of Tajikistan.

I appeal to all members of Majlisi Oli, members of the Government, all governmental employees, intellectuals, enlightened women and girls, patriotic youth, businessman, and each and every proud man of our nation and would like to reiterate that its our duty and obligation for the sake of prosperity of our ancestors land, advancement of our independent country, to raise prestige of the country in international arena and protection the interest of nation and country- to serve our beloved homeland-independent Tajikistan.

For the purpose of implementing our plans and intentions, in particular tasks that have been put in today’s address I ask dear God, first and foremost, to immortalize our biggest achievement- national unity, peace and prosperity of beloved Homeland, to increase love and devotion of the sons of this proud nation as well as always protect our beautiful country.

I wish to all noble and the glorious people of Tajikistan and to you dear participants good health, every success and lots of joy in your life.

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