President of the Republic of Tajikistan

The annual message to the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan

20.04.2012 12:00, Dushanbe city

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

The message of the President of the country to the Majlisi Oli is being presented in year of commemoration of two great and determining dates for the Tajik state, that are the twentieth anniversary of the 16th Session of the Supreme Council and the 15-years of National Unity Day.

It should be reminded, that the historic 16th session of the Supreme Council has laid a ground for establishing constitutional system and the building democratic, constitutional, and secular Tajikistan and has built on basis for mutual-understanding, national reconciliation and a lasting peace of the Tajik nation.

As a result of extensive efforts, aspirations and continuous exploits, back twenty years ago a true wisdom of the Tajik people has proved that national unity and the mutual understanding among the people are the major factors of a progress and the welfare of state and nation.

By virtue of these important historic occasions we re-established the pillars of a state system and restored paralyzed branches of the government in the country, and reinforced the basis of Tajikistan’s national independence.

The most important, national unity, durable peace, social and political stability and the friendly environment for constructiveness are established at our beloved homeland.

Owing to unwavering support and devoted endeavors of the people throughout the country, the Government has succeeded within the national and sectoral programs and strategies since 2000 till present days to consistently undertake necessary measures aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges and ensure the gradual improvement of the living standard of the people.

At the current quite sensitive terms of the modern world, the core objectives of the state are first of all secure of steadfast economic growth, gradual improvement of scales of living through an exercising the reforms in state governing system, ensure of a transparency of its bodies, providing friendly environment for entrepreneurship development, facilitating attraction of investment and adoption of advanced innovation and state-of-the-art technology and on this basis create more new jobs.

Along with this, it has to be mentioned, that the GDP has been increased 2,3 times since 2000 and the annual average growth accounted for more than 7%, resulting in a GDP per capita growth by 5,3 times.

From 2000 to 2011 we have achieved a growth in a volume of agricultural production by 2,5 times, industrial production 2 times, the size of retail trade turnover by 3,5 times and the foreign trade 3 times. Compared to 2010 production of agricultural goods in 2011 has increased by 8%, industrial production 6%, retail trade turnover by 9% and the foreign trade by 15,5%.

Moreover, the scales of an income of the people have been increasing, and constituted 16,2 billion somoni in 2011 against 1 billion somoni in 2000. Thus it means population’s incomes are scaled up more than 16 times.

Poverty rate in the country has been reduced from 81% in 1991 to 42% in 2011.

In addition to that, we over these years could manage annual indicators of inflation rate and maintain a steadiness of a national currency at the fixed rate.

It has to be noted, that although Tajikistan’s contemporary economy completely reflects peculiarities of transition economy, however it as an open economy to a certain extent is subjected to direct effect and a pressure by the external factors and the terms of the world market.

In this regard, the Government has to take effective steps forward to further maintain sustainable scale of economic development and prevent the affects of negative elements of the world economy, promote smooth fiscal policy, create favorable conditions for the development of small and medium businesses and other economic entities and the due fulfillment of social obligations of the state.

Despite severe effects of external factors, we continue carrying out reforms in public finance management. It facilitates pursuance of tax and budget policies at relatively sustained level.

Notwithstanding a public budget for 2011 was approved with one percent deficit of GDP, a real balance of the state budget is executed with 0,7% of surplus of GDP against budget expenditure.

An aggregate volume of the national budget’s income in 2012 is estimated at 10 200 000 000 (ten billion and two hundred million) somoni which is 22% more than the indicator in 2011.

Public budget is primarily aimed at resolving the issues of economic development of the country and the improvement of the living standard of the people. Particularly, creation of new jobs, strengthening social component of the state budget, wage raise, guaranteeing pension and other social payments are the most important priorities of the public policy. In the aftermath of such policy, a size of an average wage in the country has over the last ten years been increased almost 32 times.

Due to a growth of the volume of public budget, we have been continuously increasing social sector financing, including such fields as science, education, health, culture and social protection and are committed to give due importance and priority to these areas in future.

We last year have allocated additional amount worth 330 million somoni to social sectors. Financing of these sectors in total has constituted 4,3 billion somoni which makes up 52,4% of an aggregate volume of public budget expenses.

An amount of 5,1 billion somoni or 50% of a total budget will be allotted to social sectors this year, which 3,4 billion somoni of that amount includes salary, pension and other monetary support and remunerations to the population.

We, during last year’s annual address to the Parliament of the country undertook commitment to double a wage of social sector workers during next three years.

Last year, under the first phase of an implementation of this commitment, we have raised a wage rate of education and science sectors’ workers by 30%, of academicians from 100% up to 3,3 times, of cultural, sports and social and health sectors by 40% and all kinds of scholarships by 40%. Salary of public servants, law-enforcement bodies’ officers and the military officers has also been increased.

Given the economic growth of the country and expansion of financial capabilities, the second phase of our commitment with regard to raising wage scales will be started on September 1, 2012 and will affect the increase of the salaries of workers of comprehensive secondary schools and preschool institutions, home for senior or disabled citizens (nursing homes) by 60%, cultural sector workers by 50%, health and social protection sectors, sports and other educational institutions by 40%, scientific sector (scientists) and higher educational establishments by 30%.

Alongside with this, students’ and other kinds of scholarships will be raised by 50%, as well as the minimum wage shall be increased 2,5 times. Its size now will be lifted up from 80 somoni to 200 somoni.

Moreover, minimum wage and limit size of the pension according to age will be increased by 30%, and as a result, the size of service pension which was less than 150 somoni, will be equaled to 150 somoni.

In other words, from 1 September 2012, the increase of rate will affect more than 380 thousand people, i.e. retired employees, and the pension of this amount of people will be equaled to 150 somoni.

Additional amount worth over 350 million somoni will be allotted this year for financial provision of these commitments.

Thereby, we in a span of two years have succeeded to increase social sectors’ workers salary more than two times, including wages of comprehensive secondary school and preschool institutions’ workers and raise the wage of social sector employees, including cultural, health and social protection sectors up to 2 times, though these commitments had to be executed in a three years, that is by 2014.

In 2001 the wage of the teachers was 7 somoni, doctors 5 somoni, workers of the cultural and social sectors 8 to 10 somoni and scientific workers 27 somoni. In the result of the carrying out reforms in the economic and financial areas, we have made significant achievements and that enabled us to raise the wage of social sector workers in 2002 – 2004 by 90%, in 2005 – 2007 2,5 times, in 2008 – 2010 two times, despite global financial crisis and economic turmoil in 2009 we increased it by 30% and in 2011 almost two times.

However, it still doesn’t meet the current requirements and in this respect, depending on economic advancement of the country we will further continue this process in the years to come.

In this connection, the Government of the country, including the ministries of finance, labor and social protection of the population and local executive bodies of state authority are instructed to conduct well-grounded analyzes with regard to the fulfillment of these commitments aimed at increasing the rates of the wage and pension, together with the relevant departments and agencies, and heads of budget-funded organizations and institutions to undertake concrete measures for securing funds at the expenses of a public budget, special assets of the budget-funded organizations and institutions, social insurance budget and pension budget. They are obliged for this purpose to envisage necessary amount of funds in the public budget of 2013.

Furthermore, I instruct the local executive bodies of state authority to allocate free assets and ensure surplus of local revenue budget, first of all, for facilitating the increase of the wage rate.

The Ministry of Finance, Tax Committee and the Customs Service need to take necessary measures for securing timely, due and surplus performance of the national budget and public duties.

With the aim of improvement of the state structure and of reduction of expenditures of bodies of state administration, the Government is committed to establish a working group for the reduction of 15% of staff of state administration bodies’ employees, and is instructed by July 2012 to comprehensively analyze and study structure and personnel arrangements of each ministries, departments, agencies and local executive bodies of public authority with regard to preventing a duplication of functional duties. Funds saved as a result of these changes will be allotted to the encouragement of staff and material – technical capacity building of the mentioned bodies.

Alongside with this, with the view to providing the transparency of budget means, spending and rational use of material and financial resources, it is proposed to establish electronic data exchange among the state bodies.

For the rational and purposeful use of budget means during the public purchases and the prevention of corruption factors, it is necessary to adopt (introduce) electronic system of the purchase of goods and services with an application of newest information technology.

We have earlier established a Chamber of Accounts for the purpose of reinforcing the monitoring of public financial resources and the execution of related state programs.

Therefore, newly-formed Chamber of Accounts, the State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption Agency, the Ministry of Finance and other concerned ministries and departments, local executive bodies of state authority in the regions, cities and districts, heads of all budget-funded organizations and institutions and state enterprises are obliged to take effective and drastic measures for qualitative realization of national programs, strict observation of state discipline, better exercising financial and economic activity and accountancy in compliance with international norms and standards,  as well as for the enrollment of young progressive, devoted and qualified experts.

In addition to that, the National Bank jointly with relevant authorities should take necessary measures with the view to safe monetary system of the country, including prevention of external negative effects of the world economy to the national currency and secure its stability.

It is extremely important in this direction to support all manufacturing sectors through providing long-term financing, seek different financial sources and expansion of ways and principles of investing key projects.

This agenda needs a solution of a banking system first of all, it needs an increase of a credit of the people in reserving their money in local banks and overall safety of the people’s savings.

It is worth mentioning, there are series of effective steps have been undertaken towards facilitating sustainable development of banking system through the enlargement of savings and much more involvement of clients.

With regard to this matter, program arrangements, adoption of a number of laws and legal-normative instruments, particularly the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On the insurance of individuals’ savings” which presents state guarantee of the natural persons’ savings, are directly aimed at achieving these goals.

That’s why, over the last ten years, a balance on a total volume of deposits in credit organizations of the country has scaled up more than 45 times, number of banking services’ customers raised over 25 times and the volume of loans increased 21 times.

Along with this, with the view to supporting and promoting development of remote rural and mountainous districts, we since 2005 so far are carrying out special micro-credit program aimed at small and medium business development. An aggregate volume of loans provided under this program over this period makes up 2,3 billion somoni. It means that a scale of micro-crediting in the country during the last ten years is increased more than 100 times.

However these indicators are still not enough to enhancement of sustainable growth of the country.

Therefore, National Bank, State Savings Bank “Amonatbonk”, joint stock banks and micro-finance organizations have to expand loans to entrepreneurship, particularly in remote and mountainous areas and to women entrepreneurs and in med-term period to annually increase manufacturing sectors financing by 20%.

Alongside with this, in order to improve the access of the people to bank services and secure much more attraction of credit facilities, it is necessary to considerably extend a scope of operations of bank networks and to create favorable conditions for all kinds of services. In this respect, due attention should be given to improve a quality of services based on modern technologies and necessary steps have to be taken for the regulation of cash and non-cash turnover.

Authorities concerned have to take necessary measures for the improvement of a safety of savings and the strengthening of its legal framework.

In this connection, I encourage all glorious and noble people of Tajikistan, entrepreneurs and the residents of the country to save their free assets in domestic banks and be strongly assured, that state guarantees their savings.

This step would allow the people to gain certain dividends of their deposits in banks, to improve their own lives, and at the current stage, through this source to make their valuable contribution to economic development and progress of our native land.

Dear friends!

Economic growth of the country and guarantee of the life of dignity is inseparably linked with efficient and timely implementation of the national priorities of the country, continued progress under National Development Strategy, fulfillment of mid-term strategies and local and sectoral programs.

Therefore, the government and concerned bodies of the country must take concrete measures aimed at facilitating due implementation of the present Mid-Term Strategy.

Concerned authorities have to be also engaged with involving development partners and the civil society for the purpose of drafting next Medium-Term Strategy for 2013 – 2015 and the advancement of national priorities.

The current state of economic development of the country which is focused on a long-term progress, requires the most active cooperation of the state bodies with development partners and the civil society.

Elaboration of Public Private Partnership mechanism, attraction of domestic and foreign investments, active involvement of the private sector to economic growth and transforming private sector to reliable partner will lay down a solid ground for sustainable development.

Entrepreneurship development and comprehensive support of the business is one of the most important commitments of the Tajik Government, since small and medium business, in particular manufacturing entrepreneurship is one of the key elements of shifting living quality of the nation and is a reliable ground for sustainable and continued growth of the national economy and solution of socio-economic problems.

With this purpose in mind, the government of the country is placing a particular emphasis on support and development of business and over the recent years has initiated and realized a series of reforms which are aimed at the simplification of a process of entrepreneurship registration and reduction of enumeration of permitting documents.

In the aftermath of permitting system reforms, number of permission for private business has been reduced from 650 to 86. Reforms in this area should be continued in future.

In this regard, the government has to be committed in one year to cut by half (50%) the number of permitting licenses and establish electronic system of a regulation of 30% of licensing activity.

Entrepreneurs and local companies make significant contribution to the achieving constructive goals of the government in establishing manufacturing enterprises based on newest equipments and cutting-edge technologies, creating new jobs, as well as in building and renovation of social and cultural facilities. This process will be unwaveringly supported and promoted in the future.

It has to be mentioned, that only in 2011 entrepreneurs have built almost 1000 socio-economic objects. 100 industrial enterprises have been put in commission and over 12 thousand new jobs were created last year.

Taking the advantage of this opportunity, I extend my deepest appreciation to all devoted and noble entrepreneurs of the country, who contribute to promoting constructive endeavors, encouraging socio-economic growth and advancement of noble deeds and beneficence.

From its own part, the government is continuously taking steps forward towards support of entrepreneurship development while seeking enhanced resources and opportunities. 3,2 billion somoni is provided for 2011 as tax privileges and customs duties of entrepreneurs and manufacturing enterprises, which would most of all bolster production capacity development.

In addition to that, an amount worth 680 million somoni of easy or preferential loans have been allocated during the last years from the national budget through banks for the support of the business in agricultural sector.      

Along with this, I’d like to remind, that domestic market should be conducive for business promotion and encourage direct investment and facilitate free engagement of both producers and consumers, thus prevent the emerge of any artificial and bureaucratic barriers and eliminate administrative monitoring and inspection leverages.

All state authorities are in this connection obliged to take urgent measures in developing a delivery of public services to entrepreneurs and population via adopting electronic system based on state-of-the-art information technology.

Since this commitment will extend the access and the efficiency of state services, and the most importantly, it will promote an elimination of corrupt practices and factors.

Moreover, Statistics Agency has to take necessary measures to reduce numbers of statistic reports and set electronic method of submission of reports.

Economic competitiveness depends on how fast our manufacturing companies transform to the international standards.

To this end, concerned ministries and agencies are instructed to exercise practical steps towards structural reforms aimed at further development of the national standardization system and certification and complete transition to internationally accepted technical regulation system within short period of time.

Namely, the number of products which are subject to certification should be reduced two – three times from that are 7100. Works on introducing “one-stop shop” principle for import and export operations should also be boosted.

In the same line of thought, ministries, departments, and local executive bodies of state authority are instructed to take drastic measures to further support and promote entrepreneurship, particularly those engaged in manufacturing spheres and completely remove administrative obstacles and artificial barriers.

The above-mentioned institutions are obliged given prescribed privileges to comprehensively assist those businessmen and companies who intend to establish small and medium manufacturing enterprises and build socio-economic facilities.

I’d like to highlight, that constructive commitments of entrepreneurs and individuals which are aimed at building necessary facilities and for the purpose of elimination of consequences of natural disasters and addressing of social challenges hand over to respective state authority without compensation, should be exempted from taxation.

In this regard, the government of the country is instructed to take necessary and urgent measures to resolving this matter.

With the view of further promotion of entrepreneurship development and the improvement of a legislation of this sector, the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management during the year has to elaborate and submit a draft Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On protection and the state support of the business” in a new edition.

For the purpose of the fulfillment of instructions and orders declared at the last annual message in the line of encouragement of entrepreneurs to manufacturing sector development and expansion of an import of modern technologies, a three-year moratorium has been declared according to the Presidential Decree on any inspections of business structures’ activity in the manufacturing sector.

Analyzes and assessments testify that acting legislation of the country “On inspection of economic entities’ activity” does not duly meet modern requirements and a huge number of inspecting bodies and groundless inspections which we observe so far, still remain a matter of concern of entrepreneurs.

In this regard, all inspecting bodies are instructed to refrain from any kinds of groundless inspections, including from inspections of the activities of business entities.

With the aim of complying legislation with contemporary terms of a regulation of business entities, including cutting down the number of inspecting bodies and inspections, the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management jointly with other relevant authorities this year has to work out a draft Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On inspection of business entities’ activity” in its new edition and present it to the Government of the country.

With the aim of an implementing tax reforms on simplification of taxation system and downsizing number of taxes, the increase of revenue part of the public budget through encouraging tax-payers and their due taxation, I consigned to responsible bodies, during last year’s annual address, to elaborate a draft Tax Code of the country in a new edition in 2012.

In this regard, for the purpose of support of manufacturers and increasing domestic goods production, a list of taxes in the draft Tax Code should be reduced by 50%, including retails sale tax should be completely abolished, and an import of any modern technologies and equipments has to be exempted from all kinds of taxes and customs duties.

Along with this, with the aim of improving tax administration, saving time and reducing the expenses of entrepreneurs through simplification of tax payment procedure, the number of tax declarations and declarations of individual duties have to be downsized to 40%, tax accounts shall be reduced to 60%, as well as customs regulating documents to 30%.

The government of the country has to improve a draft Tax Code taking into account today’s instructions and remarks and proposals made by business community, ordinary people, organizations and public associations and speed up its consideration and adoption in accordance with the established regulations.

Being aimed at achieving these goals in performing state budget and financing social sectors, I appeal to business people of the country and urge entrepreneurs to abide by a culture of tax payments, in good faith timely fulfill their obligations in front of the state budget.

Distinguished audience!

More than 100 joint investment projects worth 13 billion somoni will be implemented during 2012 – 2014, under commitments made towards achievement of the key goals of the national development and the necessity of addressing social challenges in the country.

As much attraction of investments to different areas plays a key role in reinforcing economic advancement in terms of ever-increasing global risks and challenges which affect economic sectors of the country.

There is a mass of opportunities for the establishment of mutually beneficial cooperation in the promising areas of the country, including in hydro-energy, mining, light and food industries, agriculture, use of mineral deposits and tourism and their effective use and management would considerably effect the increase of domestic and foreign direct investments and adoption of modern technologies.

Therefore, the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management and other concerned ministries and agencies has to establish broad-based direct cooperation with investors and take impactful measures towards timely and qualitative realization of priority projects which are funded by public finances and international organizations.

With the aim of reinvigorating diversification of economy and the improvement of investment climate of the country, secure of a legal framework for domestic and foreign investors’ guarantees and privileges, and an introduction of a mechanism of advancing general investment policy, the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management jointly with other ministries and departments, is instructed to elaborate a Concept of state policy for encouragement and protection of investment and submit it to the Government for consideration by the end of this year.

In addition to that, the government is obliged to deal with improving investment climate through providing guarantees of property rights, recognition of conventions and other international instruments which are aimed at protection of investors, as well as an introduction of the best practices of taxation system and competitive privileges.

Distinguished audience!

In line with achievement of the goals of the national development strategy associated with ensuring energy security, food security and a break of communication deadlock of the country, promotion of real sector development is considered as one of the major guidelines of engagements of each departments, agencies and public bodies.
In this respect, government is first of all consigned to step-by-step exercise initiated reforms and the intended priorities in the mid-term future.

The primary tasks of the economic policy of the state include within next three years stimulate development of real sectors of economy, particularly industry, energy, transport and communication, agriculture, as well as based on entrepreneurial commitments and the potential of private sector to enlarge revenue part of the budget and ensure improved social protection of the people.

In addition to other development facilitate measures, a conduct of series of economic and structural institutional reforms are also envisaged for achieving energy security which is one of the strategic goals of the country.

In this context, fuel-energy complex competitiveness capacity building strongly depends on promotion of energy saving policy, on effective energy recourses management, as well as on reduction of the energy loss.    

Based on that concept, concrete measures are being taken by the Government under adopted programs with the view to meeting power demand in the country.

More than 7.5 billion somoni has been allocated and thousand kilometers of power transmission lines and hundreds of small and medium hydropower plants at the total capacity of above 1000 megawatt have been constructed and put in commission over the past five years.

Nearly 70 small and medium-sized new power plants are expected to be constructed in the mid run and we intend to achieve complete power self-sufficiency in the country.

In this respect, the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management is obliged along with other respective ministries and agencies to take all measures to attract local and foreign investments to energy sector of the country.

Construction works on Sangtuda-2 hydropower plant are expected to be finished this year and it will start operating in full. Rehabilitating works on Rogun hydropower plant will be conducted according to the schedule.

In this connection, the Government of the country is obliged to ensure timely implementation of the development plans and programs related to energy sector development.

Efficient measures should be taken on ensuring energy-saving, reduction of energy loss and further development of alternative energy sources.

Moreover, respective agencies and institutions are to ensure fuel supply for the population and industrial enterprises with both foreign and domestic investments and engage and conduct wildcatting and exploration works in the new promising oil and gas deposits.

As of today, there are 11 local and foreign companies engaged in oil and gas wildcatting, exploring and processing as well as 12 different companies are working on a coal production in the country.

It is notable that at the current circumstances, fuel and energy demands of the country today could be met by increasing coal production and its utilization as an energy source for the industry as the country is rich in coal deposits.

Therefore, with the view to increasing coal production and its wide industrial use, the Government is obliged to ensure development and adoption of a respective state program as soon as possible.

The industrial and manufacturing companies are imposed a priority goal of increasing added value through improving the quality of processing raw materials, producing finished goods, and seeking strong position within local and foreign markets.

At the same time, setting up new production facilities and job creation are among critical directions of industrial development of the country.

According to intended plans, 324 small and medium industrial facilities will be established in the country in the coming two years, including in 2012 and 2013 that will create 18 thousands new jobs.

With the view to boosting industrial development in the country, the Government is instructed to develop and adopt by the end of this year a long-term industrial sector development program.

Along with that, the Ministry of Energy and Industry is obliged along with respective ministries and agencies to implement specific structural reforms aimed at increasing production of competitive and import-substituting goods and export capacity building of the country.

Therefore, in order to remove administrative and artificial barriers and difficulties, respective institutions and agencies are to contribute to increase in processing domestic raw materials including non-ferrous metals and precious and decorative stones, agricultural products, production and export of safe drinking water, import of cutting-edge manufacturing technology and strengthening production facilities.

The Ministry of Transport, Customs Service, State Unitary Enterprise “Rohi ohani Tajikiston” (Tajik Railways Authority) and “Tajik Air” have to accelerate a process of the reconstruction of highways and railroads, including a length of “Vahdat-Yovon” railway and take serious measures for improving the level and a quality of services at the airports, railway stations and customs stations and facilitate the establishment of logistic agencies.

In addition, SUE “Rohi ohani Tojikiston” is instructed to take drastic measures for the elimination of artificial bureaucratic barriers in export or import of goods of entrepreneurs and traders.  

Dear friends!

Given the situation in Tajikistan, agriculture is of key importance in ensuring food security, as well as a major source of raw material supply for industrial facilities. It forms a significant part of the country’s export potential and which is most important – it is of fundamental importance for creation of new jobs.

It is notable, that our country has tremendous opportunities for agricultural production and agricultural processing.

With this view in mind and in case of effective and reasonable use of the potential of the area, we could be fully self-sufficient in terms of wheat and grain, fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products and other foodstuffs.

To this end, 17 state programs have been adopted by the Government as well as land reform, reorganization of farms and development of varied agricultural areas are under the due perusal of the relevant bodies.

In addition, 9 investment projects at the amount of more than 1 billion somoni have been implemented so far to ensure agricultural development throughout the country. 2 billion and 340 million somoni has been allocated by the state budget and other sources over the past 5 years including those issued as preferential credits. There are 16 investment projects being implemented currently at the amount of 1.2 billion somoni.

To ensure food security of the country, there is a need for taking concrete measures on rational utilization of land and water resources, increasing land fertility, increasing cropping in irrigated lands twice and three times as well as introducing modern organizational and legal forms of farming.

Land reclamation and development of new lands is of utmost importance on which agricultural productivity and food security depends.

Therefore, above 850 million somoni has been allocated by the public budget and thus, facilitated land reclamation on 83 thousands hectares and development and irrigation of 7 thousand hectares of new lands.

Ensuring domestic market with local food supplies is of vital importance and livestock and poultry farming development should be determined as one of the major directions of engagements concerned authorities.

Concrete measures are to be taken to ensure self-sufficiency in livestock and poultry products in the next 5 years.

To this end, respective agencies and bodies are instructed within short time to present to the Government relevant draft legal normative acts for the exemption from taxes and customs duties of an import of thoroughbred livestock from abroad.

Moreover, increase in agricultural production should be followed by domestic agricultural processing as well.

It should be noted, that more than 400 new establishments have been set up in the food industry over the past ten years and they are mainly engaged in agricultural processing.

However, it is not sufficient yet, as major part of agricultural products is exported as raw stuff or lost and is not processed.

Therefore, ministries, agencies and local authorities and business community are to take efficient measures on ensuring full and effective utilization of production facilities in agricultural processing as well as set up new facilities and equipping them with modern technologies.

Distinguished audience!

Our epoch is a complicated era of human history. It’s an epoch of fundamental changes in social organizations. This is a time of unprecedented progress of science and technology, information and creative power of humanity. It is a period of wide opportunities for cultural and spiritual development, broad-based relationship and encompassing cooperation among nations, countries and world civilizations.

At the same time, it is known that our epoch is a time of an emergence of destructive powers, advocacy and promotion of ideas of radicalism, an escalation of threats posed by extremism, terrorism and organized transnational crime, moral descent in society and other undesirable phenomena.

The pace of their escalation is so high that we clearly see an increasing serious threat to fundamental human values – morals, culture, personal and social responsibility.

At these circumstances, our great historical responsibility and civil mission is to keep our young national state safe, and protect its independence and our society from such negative consequences.


The long and uneasy history of the humanity proves that morals and culture are major components of human nature and gradual development and strengthening of national and universal values, strong development of science, education, technologies and adoption of contemporary findings are of utmost development and progress pillar of constructive life of humanity.

Experience and the heritage of our ancestors is undoubtedly an outstanding illustration of this great and historic mission and their heroism is considered as a significant contribution to everlasting process of building humanism and enrichment of human society in terms of culture.

Our civilized ancestors used always to stress that human being is a moral creature. Formation and improvement of human is a step-by-step and conscious process of its moral and cultural development related to improvement of the humanistic nature of the social system.

The life requires us today to realize the original substance of social trends and changes, and be able to overcome complicated and crucial challenges and lighten up our path towards a future. Such recognition is a key factor of ensuring desirable level of self-identity and healthy social environment.

Without such self-knowledge and self-consciousness it will be difficult to preserve national singularity, self-identity and the origin taking into account the up and down trends of a globalization.

Therefore, it is necessary to nurture required level of social responsibility deep in the brains and the mindset of the people so that everyone could feel individual responsibility on protecting national and cultural values for the Homeland and its destiny and be always prepared to perform its civil duties.

At this sensitive trial period of history, we have to strengthen our strong and unshakable will both in national and social and personal scales.

The will has to be based on recognition of the point that we are the sons of the single Motherland and its interests stand much higher than those other political, parties, groups, sectoral and personal.  

First of all, everyone has to clearly understand and explicitly recognize what our goals are and which way and means we have chosen.

We have specified our current and long-term national goals and tasks within the Constitution of the country, laws and strategic socio-economic development programs.

We are mainly aimed at achieving life of dignity and favorable living standards for every member of society. Ensuring desirable development and up-to-date level of political, economic and social institutions’ engagements is of critical importance and necessary in order to achieve the supreme goals we have identified.  

Therefore, with the view to successfully implement the aforementioned crucial tasks, there is a need to mobilize constructive power of the state agencies and institutions, various social establishments and active people, because the globalization process obsolete means and ways do not give desirable results any more.

Thus, since the very first years of independence, the Government has always been and is giving an utmost attention to the development of education and science as fundamentals for development of all other areas of social life.

It was during this period that key national programs and concepts have been adopted and they been helpful in building a background for the implementation of reforms in education and science and thus improving working environment of scientists and scholars and shifting the level of education at all grades.

However, yet we are not satisfied with the progress in education system as there are still great many challenges in this socially vital area.

Recent studies show that the process of education and training in secondary schools needs serious improvements.

Primary and secondary professional education is considered as a key and priority stages all-over the world as it brings up various specialists subject to market requirements.

Unfortunately, this system still does not properly work in our country.

Therefore, subject to domestic and global market requirements there is a need to training working experts for our country and extending the network of primary vocational schools.

Therefore, the Ministry of Education is obliged to comprehensively study the state of affairs in primary vocational schools and submit its proposals to the Government.

An application of information and communication technologies and their over-all introduction in our society is another need caused by the globalization.

Therefore, comprehensive exercise of information and communication technology in various aspects of social life and setting up an electronic government based on IT is another most important agenda of the day.

The countries that have achieved progress in introducing information and communication technologies and established an electronic government, they first of all have focused on training respective qualified personnel, development of an information infrastructure, gradually improving government employees’ knowledge and implementing electronic administration methods.

With this in mind and for the purpose of upgrading the technical culture of various social segment and comprehensively introduce information and communication technologies into the national economy, the Government has recently adopted the “Concept of Electronic Government Development”.

It gives an opportunity timely and with the due quality to provide extended government services through electronic way. It would also promote elimination of such undesirable elements as bureaucracy and corruption. At the same time, it will strengthen society’s feed-back to the government agencies which is considered as a major pillar of the civil society.

Therefore, the Ministry of Finance, the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management and the Communication Service are obliged to attract necessary amount of finances from the state budget and other sources for step-by-step implementation of the “Concept of Electronic Government Development”.

The Ministry of Education with the aim of promoting a timely fulfillment of the concept needs to ensure a training of necessary and qualified specialists at all levels of education.  

Dear friends!

Culture is an important remedy in the process of upbringing and improving morals, particularly among young people and it can play a key role in the formation of moral and cultural values of the people.

That is why the Government pays priority attention to this socially crucial area.

A series of helpful measures have been taken in this direction over the past years which are critical for extending the activity of cultural institutions across the country and introducing our culture and arts to the world.

It has to be highlighted, that today the cultural circles of the Tajik nation, both in producing scenes and in releasing films are awarded with international prizes and are introducing our national culture and art on the world arena.

Particularly, recognition of our national and traditional Navruz celebration as an international day has once again introduced our people as an ancient and civilized nation with an old culture, rich traditions and ancient civilization which is a matter of pride for every self-cognizant people.

It should be mentioned that along with the rapid development of the modern world, the role of books as the sources of knowledge and civilization and the moral and cultural evolvements is consistently growing.

Over the recent years, an implementation of important state programs allowed to increase the volume of the funds of libraries in the country and improve the capacities of libraries in meeting the demands of the population in terms of providing access to the innovations of modern information era.

Taking into account this fact, we can state that book-loving tradition and the nurturing high culture which we have inherited from our civilized ancestors, are still alive and instructive among the people.

Just for the revival of historic civilization and introduction to the contemporary scientific and cultural processes and developments, we have recently inaugurated a National Library which can play a remarkable role in collecting, storing, preserving of unique manuscripts and editions, and at large in library sector development and the advancement of the cultural knowledge of the people.

The Government’s social policy, as in previous years, is aimed at ensuring social justice, reducing poverty rate and providing equal development opportunities.

Despite the negative affect by the global financial crisis is still sensible on the Government’s social policy, we attempt to gradually improve living standards based on sustainable economic development in the country.

We have also achieved significant progress in creating new jobs and providing favorable environment for vocational education. In this regard, more than 500 thousands new jobs have been created over the last five years, thus unemployment rate was reduced to some extent as new establishments have been set up.

Vocational trainings have become traditional to provide jobs across the country. However, much works to be done in this socially vital sector.

Since, the issue is crucial and the Government is consistently focused on addressing this subject.

In this regard, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population and the Ministry of Education are obliged to take measures on enrolling up to 100 thousand jobless people every year, especially labor migrants in vocational trainings and issuing professional certification process and, to this end establish adult vocational business training centers across the country.

At the same time, all state agencies and most of all respective ministries and institutions as well as local authorities are instructed with the support of local business community to take measures on the establishment of new manufacturing facilities, creating new jobs, increasing industrial production output, improving products’ and services’ quality and developing new lands.

The implementation of all necessary measures on improving services in public health institutions will further remain in the spotlight of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Therefore, the Ministry of Public Health and other state agencies as well as local authorities are obliged with attracting investors and businesses to undertake necessary measures on training highly qualified specialists, improving public health services, promoting healthy life-style, especially among young people, conducting rehabilitating and repair works at existing medical facilities and establishing new and modern medical facilities with continuously providing them with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Distinguished audience!

The Government of Tajikistan has always been paying special attention to youth policy since it gained the national independence.

Key institutions at governmental level that are in charge of dealing with youth as well as educational facilities have been established so far that play remarkable role in social and political life of our country.

Legal normative acts and the National Concept on Youth Policy in the Republic of Tajikistan have provided legal framework for practical implementation of the state youth policy. The policy is precisely aimed at ensuring legal, economic, organizational and social environment for the young people.

However, delinquency rate among young people, in particular violations by underage people is a matter of concern. Poor level in upbringing within family, school and society is a key factor that is behind the offences which are committed by young people.

It is not for nothing when people say “The child is loved, his (her) behavior is precious”. It is a call of tough times to strengthen the responsibility of teachers, parents, and especially governmental employees and other officials for discipline problems and delinquency of their children.

With this view in mind, we have adopted the “Law on the Responsibility of Parents in Upbringing and Educating Children”. However, unfortunately, we are not satisfied with the state of an implementation of the law.

In the current state of globalization, with involving society, especially parents, we have to bring up a generation which would meet the requirements of the modern world in terms of morals, behavior, knowledge, skills, self-consciousness and the world outlook.

Therefore, the Government is to study the mechanisms of coordinating the work of governmental agencies and ways to implement the aforementioned law and submit concrete proposals on the solution of this subject within two months.

To this end, the law enforcement agencies and local authorities are obliged to conduct tight control over the implementation of the law as well as reinforce explanatory works among the people.

The role and contribution of the youth is considerable in policy and socio-economic development.

Formation of political culture urges us to make objective evaluation of the developments which happen in our country and various regions across the world as well as be able to protect our position and the interests of our homeland.

In this regard, the Ministry of Education and Committee for Youth, Sport and Tourism should develop government programs on further increasing political and legal culture of the youth and its education in line with the spirit of patriotism and submit the programs to the Government.

I would like to reiterate that enrollment of the young people to sport and promotion of healthy life-style mostly depends on necessary and proper infrastructure.

To this end, the Government is exploring the possibilities of building sport and recreation facilities across the country in districts and towns up to 2015 and has developed the Sport Facilities Construction Program.

Based on the program, thousands of sport facilities have been already constructed and renovated across the country over the last several years and at present, more than 100 sport facilities, 4070 sports grounds and over 1000 gyms are put into operation.

More than thousand various sport facilities, including sport grounds and gyms have been constructed and put in commission last year.

The State Committee for Youth, Sport and Tourism and local authorities are obliged to take concrete measures on timely implementation of the Program on Development of Physical Education and Sport for 2011-2015.

If to summarize all the aforesaid on social sphere, we see at first hand the illustration of the fact that the mission of the state and the Government is to ensure sustainable economic development and thus to improve living standards, educate physically healthy and cultural generation, protect peace, stability and national reconciliation.

At the same time, we have always to keep in mind, that in the conditions of an intensification of globalization processes and the deterioration of political situation worldwide, sustainability will come to those nations that can protect their self-identity and along with learning cutting-edge achievements of science and technologies can maintain a safety of their state independence and national self-identity.

With full responsibility we can state, that Tajikistan is ready to proudly meet these supreme goals, as over the past 20 years of independence we could lay staunch and an invariable ground for the Tajik statehood and determined its approaches and stances on the international arena.

Distinguished fellow-citizens!

Actually two decades have passed since we started building a new, democratic and law-based state where respect for and observance of law and protection of human rights and freedoms are priorities. Legal awareness of the people over this period of time is gradually improving.

The law first of all has to be focused on protecting human rights and freedoms, strengthening the role of individual in society and contributing to mobilization of its moral and material power, promote free and peaceful life of the people, as well as lay ground for production of goods, establishment of business-friendly environment and effective operations of state agencies, enterprises, institutions and other organizations.

Since the Constitution of the country was adopted and judicial branch has been recognized as an independent branch of state power, the state has always been paying attention to strengthening its fundamentals.

In this circumstance, step-by-step implementation of legal and judicial reforms and thus structural and operational improvement and the reinforcement of judicial institutions and their technical and material grounds as well as social and legal improvement of judges would be important.

In its turn, the judicial authority has to be focused on protecting human rights and freedoms and ensure justice through adopting fair and legal acts aimed at ensuring proper exercising of provisions set forth in the Constitution and acting legislation.

Despite state has extended a scope of courts’ mandate and brought necessary conditions for judiciary independence, however the level of judges’ professionalism and their attitude to executing their own functions during the implementation of these measures needs to be seriously improved.

Therefore, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the High Economic Court, the Council of Justice, the Ministry of Justice and other respective state agencies have to ensure timely implementation of the Program on Legal and Judicial Reforms for 2011-2013 and take efficient measures on proper human resources management and its professional development, promotion of experienced lawyers to judicial positions, timely performance of judicial acts and prevention of violation among judges as well as overcoming other issues related to organization of judicial activity.

Studies and analyses show that the number of population’s addresses to the state authorities, including appeals addressed to the President of the country is increasing year by year.

In this regard, I wish to particularly emphasize the need for fundamental changes in the attitude of the heads of ministries and agencies, institutions, governors of regions, heads of districts and municipalities and every governmental employee towards this subject and take additional measures aimed at improving the forms of receiving people and tackling their problems. The work in this direction should be done in a manner that no address and complaints by people including those published in mass media leave without adequate response.

We always refer to the fact that comprehensive progress in the society strongly depends on stability and public order.

Counter-terrorism, fighting extremism, illegal drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings, tackling corruption and in general combating transnational organized crime all are priority directions of the legal policy and law enforcement agencies of the country.

Today, drug trafficking is one of the most challenging and topical issues which disturbs all of us.

Law-enforcement bodies of the country are uncompromisingly fighting against this negative phenomenon. Despite we do have positive and remarkable results achieved in this direction, however we still are not satisfied with the current state of affairs in this domain. This engagement needs overall support and the cooperation of all segments of community, since narcotics damages the genefond of the nation, disrupts the behavior of the people, particularly behavior of the young generation and moreover, as we always say, it is known as one of the major feeding sources of terrorism and creature of threats and challenges to security of state and safety of the nation.

An import of synthetic narcotic from the abroad and its use by our young people in entertaining centers is observed recently.

7120 drug addicts are registered in the country, which heroin-addicts consist of 81% with 238 women among those registered.

With the view to strengthening the activity in this field, I think the Government of the country has to develop the National Counter Narcotics Strategy for 2013-2020.

Social justice and moral education of the people, particularly young generation in observance and respect of law, recording each committed crime, instituting criminal proceedings against a person committed crime, and securing a principle of unavoidability of punishment play a pivotal role in a prevention of crime.

Real state of crime in society and great many complaints and appeals of citizens indicate that the works in these areas are not satisfying. Unfortunately there are facts of nondisclosure of crimes and even for showing better results of job, law-enforcement bodies still conceal facts of crimes.

The cases of committing crimes by officers and officials of law-enforcement agencies, including their complicity in illegal drug trafficking, perpetration of corruption practices, exercising inadmissible and improper methods during inquiry and investigation of crimes are the matters of deep and serious concern.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption Agency 167 officers of law-enforcement bodies and judiciaries have been held criminally liable in 2011 for committing crimes.

Therefore, heads of law-enforcement bodies and military authorities, including Ministry of Defense, Chief Directorate of Border-Guard Troops, National Guard, as well as Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defense, Drug Control Agency and other concerned departments are obliged to take continuous measures aimed at advancing professional training of military servicemen, conducting instructive and educational works with staff, strict abidance by military charters and regulations and the secure of the rule of law.

Moreover, law-enforcement authorities should initiate serious and effective measures towards training highly-qualified personnel and excluding any accidental officers from their staff.

Corruption is one of the major menaces and challenges of society which adversely affects development of various fields of the state and community.

Legal and administrative framework is established in Tajikistan for combating this negative and phenomenon. However, it is not exercised satisfactorily yet.

Therefore, relevant state bodies, including State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption Agency needs in interaction with the civil society to reinvigorate fight against corrupt cases and practices.

With this view in mind, first of all, for the purpose of strict adherence to law and a mitigation of a tense of corruption in public institutions and among their officials, it is necessary to take additional drastic measures and create uncompromising anti-corruption atmosphere among the people. Alongside with it, it is quite important to revitalize the activity of the National Anti-Corruption Council which has been founded last year.

Taking into account existing challenges and problems in this domain, the State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption Agency has to elaborate and present Strategy on Counteraction to Corruption for 2013-2020.

With reference to this subject, with the view to reinforcing the operations of internal affairs institutions, improving its organizational structure, securing compliance of activities with the modern requirements and the accordance to the norms of international law, improving the interactions of these bodies with society, I regard it necessary to draft and submit “Police Reform Program” and the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “About Police”.

Distinguished members of Majlisi milli and the deputies Majlisi namoyandagov!

Twenty years ago, Republic of Tajikistan as the sovereign nation was recognized as the member of the United Nations. This recognition though in accordance with the regulations and traditions of international organizations was logic and an ordinary occasion, however for the civilized Tajik people, a nation who was deprived of its own state for long centuries in the past, it was the most important and valuable event, since historic truth has triumphed after centuries and along with many other nations around the globe has proved a dignity of the Tajik people for its statehood and the ownership of destiny.

It is natural, that this occasion has bolstered the recognition of our newly-established state by other members of the international community and has brought a solid ground for its introduction world-wide as the free and independent state.

However, because of emerge of internal discord right after the declaration of independence, escalation of clashes and eventually spark of the flame of imposed civil war have lead the formation and the pursuance of our foreign policy to a greater challenges. Our long-expected national independence enabled us to identify a path of the nation and gain our merit image and reputation in this intricate and challenging world, to introduce our ancient land to international community in its modern shape, to achieve reconciliation, peace and national unity, to strengthen peace and through this path to promote development, progress and constructiveness.

We at the same time have succeeded to form the bases of foreign policy of independent country, identify its lasting principles and valued traditions and declare the principle “cooperation with all well-wishers” as our motto.

Logic follow-up and pursuance of policy which we have entitled as “open doors” facilitated the revival of old links and forgotten relations and retrieve of partners and new allies in the international arena and has brought many new opportunities for the renewed development of the country.

But at all circumstances and situations, the essence of our political engagements have been consisting of protection and advance of supreme national interests, including independence, freedom, territorial integrity and political stability, national unity and the sustainable development of the country.

Globalization process which is prevailing in international relationships, requires all of us creative searches and identification of effective and concrete means and ways for advancement of these national interests.

History proves and all of us witness that the current situation in the world compared to the situation in the past has undergone great changes since the independence of country.

Changes from obvious appearance of bipolar world to clashes and turmoil of the modern world, from generally quiet and unchanged processes of last century to rapid-evolving and sometimes unpredictable changes of the contemporary world, replacement of power centers on the world arena, their competition for sources of raw material and natural resources – all these varying and complicated processes bring difficulties in drawing foreign policy strategy towards development and identification of tactical methods of its implementation for such country as Tajikistan.

A human duty of every one of us urges us to make great endeavors in this direction and seek the best ways and remedies of sustainable growth of the country and mobilize facilities of the foreign policy towards achieving this goal.

Within the context of this agenda, if we take into consideration a process of regionalization and from geographical point of view take a look on unification of a group of some countries in certain region which today is one of the distinguished features of a globalization, it first of all reminds a post-soviet space.

And this is logic, since, we over two decades have been coexisting with the countries of this region and are still connected with each other by invisible threads.    

Close relations in the fields of defense, policy and security, shared humanitarian space, broad-based cooperation and economic interactions today are the major factors of our common life.

Free movement of people, with the exception of individual countries, a prospect of free movement of goods and services and labor force require from all of us to steadily take into account these factors in our foreign service, particularly in foreign economic sector.

Therefore, we will strengthen our membership in organizations and associations acting in the space of CIS and will further make all efforts possible for the purpose of intensification of our relationship both with these organizations and their member states.

Of course, enhancement and strengthening of our multidimensional ties with our reliable and strategic partner – Russian Federation will be in the spotlight of those relations.

Another region to which we belong and maintain close cooperation with is Central Asia. This region is the closest to us from many aspects. Great many affinities, commonalities, including shared history, similar living style, historic traditions and diverse social and human factors bring the peoples of all our countries closer.

If we take a deep look at the analyzes of the economic background of the region, we see at first hand that existing potential and opportunities in the region in case of a joint exercising would be sufficient for not only meeting domestic demands of those countries, but for rapid growth of their export capacity. In other words, these factors will make the region self-sufficient.  

Benign intentions, political will, continued aspirations and coordination are needed to achieve this goal.

We, from our own part strongly support such regional cooperation, shared use of opportunities and solution of any challenges through constructive and helpful negotiations.

Everyone knows well that we have declared three agendas as strategic goals of the country: energy independence, food security and seeking way out of Tajikistan’s communication deadlock.  

If you take a thorough look, are any of these intentions and commitments against regional interests? Doesn’t achieve of these goals considerably expand our joint opportunities?

Is it bad, if Tajikistan generates large quantity of discounted and environmentally friendly energy and meets overall electricity demand of the region?

Would not it be good if transit and communication facilities of Tajikistan are used for the interests of all countries in the region?

And on the contrary, is there any damage to anybody if we use the opportunities and facilities of our neighbors? No, we don’t think so. We think there is no damage caused to anyone.

All our goals and desires serve not only the interests of our country, but also meet the interests of neighbors, all our regional partners and they are completely in line and are harmonized with regional plans and commitments.

We are not going to act in our interests and damage others, but sincerely stand for mutually beneficial regional cooperation and partnership.

The same position has to do with water and power issues that are topical these days. According to the UN, there are 300 water-related conflicts and disputes in the world. From this point of view, our country which accumulates about 60% of the water resources of Central Asia and is an upstream of a river has caused no obstacles to any country.

Despite the fact that under the international law, states have right to enjoy natural resources which are placed on their territory, we never think over damaging anyone’s interests and we are for acting in concert based on consultations and discussions.

Our current policy is an illustration of the above-mentioned intention. Despite we do believe that all these issues are artificially made and are politically motivated and brought up to the level of antagonism, however we are ready to jointly discuss and find solutions for the challenges in an atmosphere of constructiveness and friendship.

At the time when various parts of the world come together and establish regional and international organizations in order to ease mutual life, it is unfair to break off relations, block and dismantle roads, create obstacles in our region. But we still hope that the traditional wisdom of our powerful and great ancestors that used to coexist in a friendly and brotherly manner will prevail.

Tajikistan in its relations with other countries and regions is guided by these principles and objectives. You are aware of Tajikistan’s membership in numerous regional and international organizations in South-East and South-West Central Asia.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is of particular importance among those organizations. Moreover you all know projects which are under the implementation within cooperation with the SCO.

Both in this direction and on security and political issues we will further enhance our cooperation with the SCO member states, and first of all with the People’s Republic of China.

With regard to other organizations and institutions which we have mentioned earlier, we will always be maintaining interactions and talks with their member states upon constructive goals, which ultimately promote the improvement of living standard of the people.

Building new highways and railroads, setting oil and gas pipelines, establishing new power transmission lines are the outcomes of aspirations and findings which I have recalled earlier. The core objective of an implementation of these constructive commitments is nothing but creating peaceful, improved and deserved life for our people.

The agenda of bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral meetings and forums which you all have witnessed on the days of International Day of Nawruz have been consisted of these subjects. We are determined to further make extensive efforts to deepening our relationship and strengthening cooperation with these regional organizations and their respective member states.

As far as the neighboring region is concerned, we cannot avoid the Afghan issue, since we always refer to the fact, that it is impossible to imagine Central Asian security without safety and stability in Afghanistan. We of course are pleased of positive changes of pace of developments in this friendly and brotherly nation.

However it should be noted, that these positive evolvements are not strengthened yet, and still much efforts and commitments to be done in this direction.


On this basis, we will continue our constructive cooperation with international coalition and with the Western countries as parts of that coalition which has always been productive. Our multidimensional relationship with the United States of America in this track will remain the important element.

However, already declared withdrawal of the coalition forces in 2014 increases our responsibilities which as the buffer country with 1400 km. of shared border are located in the front-line of modern threats and challenges.

Although member states of coalition declared they will further maintain their cooperation in building security in Afghanistan, it is obvious however that after an exit of troops, we will likely face with new reality.

Therefore, comprehensive political and economic cooperation of our country, including security cooperation with organizations which we are the member-state and with brotherly Afghanistan will be enhanced and developed.

The scope of our good-will cooperation with the Muslim countries and the Arab world which is on desirable level, needs to be expanded to even greater scales and allow better and effectively management of financial infusions and investments of these countries.

We as always will give a particular emphasis to our encompassing and multidimensional relations with the United Nations and its various specialized agencies.

Since we are among the active members of the United Nations and do highly value our collaboration with this influential global institution.

The recognition of three initiatives proposed by our country within a short span of time – declaration of the International Year of Fresh Water, Decade for Action “Water for Life” and proclamation of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation has proved the recognition by the international community of Tajikistan’s primacy in this process.

A large number of projects initiated within cooperation and support of these organizations are under the implementation in the country and we are committed to extend and develop our relations with them in future.

Tajikistan supports comprehensive enhancement of its relationship with international financial institutions. Having extended our deep appreciation to those organizations for the support in realization of projects in the country, we should double our efforts to effectively manage these opportunities for the sake of the progress of the country.

In this respect, I’d like to reiterate the importance of economic diplomacy. Along with exercise of ways and methods of classic and traditional diplomacy, latterly, the importance of remedies and effects of economic diplomacy is significantly increased.

Though we have made reference to this subject earlier, we should very thoroughly study this practice and efficiently use its models.

If this on the one hand is a direct assignment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, all ministries and authorities of the country should follow this commitment with a deep acknowledgement of responsibility.

Constructive foreign policy which is focused on building broad-based cooperation, in general should duly perform its traditional mission – comprehensive promotion of sustainable development of the country, ensure safety and stability, and provide life of dignity of the people and a secure bright and prosperous future of Tajikistan.

Dear compatriots!

Given progresses and achievements we have made over the 20 years of independence, there are greater and crucial tasks today posed in front of the state and our nation.

I am convinced, that wisdom and the knowledge of our ancient people and the national unity of the Tajik nation will enable us to step-by-step achieve our strategic goals and safeguard sustainable development of the country in the mid future.  

Duly execution of tasks we have stated today directly depends on each of us – from ordinary worker to manager, peasants and entrepreneurs, scientists and scholars, heads of all branches of state authority and representatives of the people in supreme legislative power.

If each of us will side by side devotedly work for the welfare and prosperity of our beloved homeland and for the progress of our independent state, all existing difficulties will be removed and the peaceful life of everyone in the country will be secured within short period of time.

In this determining time of our national development, we have to collectively mobilize all existing opportunities and facilities towards realization of national development programs.

The XXI century is the era of advanced science and technology, where right education of children, adoption and introduction of innovations of science and modern technology, creation of healthy and creative power of society are basic and key terms of sustainable economic growth and the improvement of a quality of life of the population.

It should not be forgotten, that human resources have always been at all times and epochs valued wealth and assets of nation and state.

Having effectively managed this great human power, especially our laborious, patient, noble and glorious people, we are obliged to ensure prosperity of our sovereign state, supremacy of law, political and social stability, a national unity and steadfast growth of the civil society, development of science, education and art, promote creative commitments throughout the country and expand thoughts and ideas of patriotism and humanism which are invariable features of our patriotic nation.
As I have previously noted at the beginning of my speech, this year is the time of great historic occasions for the glorious Tajik people. We this year will commemorate two important and crucial dates of our nation – the 20th anniversary of the 16th historic session of the Supreme Council and the 15 years of the National Unity.

The 16th historic session has restored the constitutional form of government in our country and has brought a solid legal ground for the establishment and effective functioning of all state authorities.

General Agreement on establishment of peace and national reconciliation has brought back and consolidated a population disunited by the will of the history and secured overall and durable unity of the Tajik people. The agreement has built a reliable background for further economic advancement and social and cultural development of our sovereign state.

Invariable mind and peace-building culture of the noble Tajik people allowed us after thousand years to gain an opportunity to introduce our national identity to world community, achieved deserved place and reputation and protect our national interests.

We should very responsibly and reasonably take the advantage of this golden opportunity and comprehensively strengthen independence, consolidation and the national unity of the people. It will be clear and striking evidence that we are worthy successors of our predecessors.

At present time, all of us – the sons of independent Tajikistan have to clearly comprehend that we are entrusted with determining goals of civilized nation and state that are building sovereign, democratic, constitutional and secular Tajikistan and are obliged based on unceasing endeavors and untiring efforts to collectively promote a prosperity of the land of our ancestors.

Indeed, reinforcement of the bases of state and national statehood, prosperity and the well-being of our forefathers’ land require great responsibility of each of us, and consign every noble, devoted and glorious people to continuously make extensive efforts for the strengthening of the national unity, state independence, a promotion of self-awareness and nurturing patriotic pride.

Our distinguished compatriots are well aware that what dark days we have undergone and what difficulties we passed and they should be assured that we, with constructive endeavors and untiring efforts and a dignity of patriotism, will triumph over the current challenges which we today are facing.

I am convinced that relying on constructive power of civilized and tolerant people and with dedicated and faithful labor we will secure prosperity and a progress of our country in the nearest future and guarantee its deserved position in the civilized international community and will hand over the heritage a safe, prosperous, developed and powerful state for our children and grandchildren.

In the implementation of these benign intentions, exercising of constructive commitments and the fulfilling of this historic mission, I wish good health and every success to all of you and happiness and the well-being to the glorious people of independent Tajikistan.
Thank you!  

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