Distinguished members of Majlisi Milli and delegates of Majlisi Namoyandagon!
Dear compatriots!

This year the address to Majlisi Oli of the country is being presented at the beginning of the year taking into account the necessity of identification of directions of government’s actions in economic and social areas, timely resolution of the issues related to ensuring development indicators for 2015 as well as affirmation of the midterm priorities.

As I have underlined several times, we put every effort to ensure the decent living conditions for every resident in the country, and all plan of actions and programs are being adopted and implemented in order to meet this top objective.

We do it since the noble people of Tajikistan made us responsible for the present and the future of the country, for the protection of the independence and national interests, for strengthening of the foundations of statehood, for the provision of state and social security and stability, as well as for ensuring prosperity of our country.

Therefore, each and every of us must put all the efforts and demonstrate all capability to serve our people and our beloved Motherland, and henceforth, to justify the confidence of the population.

On the basis and goals enshrined in the address delivered last year, the Tajik Government has developed and approved a working plan consisting of 52 items and took control over its implementation.

233 legal instruments, including 15 laws, 97 amendments to the current legislation, 26 conceptions, strategies and programs, 77 international treaties and protocols, 18 loan agreements and grants were adopted and are currently being implemented to ensure the development of the priority areas, as well as to promote development in regions and cities throughout the country.

By the end of 2014, we can conclude that the year ended with great success, and our country is in a step forward towards sustainable economic development.

Despite a negative impact of the global and regional processes in 2014, we were able to keep sustainable economic development of the country and ensure the performance of other macroeconomic and social indicators in accordance with our priorities.

Over this period, the country's GDP has amounted 45.6 billion Somoni and it grew by 6.7 percent.

Incomes of population compared to the last year grew by 12 percent and amounted 23.8 billion Somoni, and the savings in banks increased by 21 percent.

Timely decisions taken by the Government of the country enabled to keep inflation rate in the scheduled limits and even in a smaller scale.

More than 252 thousand jobs of permanent, seasonal and temporary nature have been created in the country in 2014.

All of these achievements have led to the reduction of poverty rate from 35.6 to 32 percent.

The population of the country grew by 2.5 percent over the last year, and the average life expectancy has reached 73.4 years, which is 5 years longer compared with the indicator in the year 2000.

According to statistical data, the infant and maternal death compared with previous years has declined.

For example, between the years 2000 and 2014 the mortality of children under the age of 5 years-old and maternal death during childbirth has decreased by 2 times.

In 2014, implementation of the state budget by 102% has enabled the Government of the country to meet its obligations on timely payment of salaries, pensions, scholarships and other social payments, and to fund social and economic sectors of the country, such as security, construction, energy, infrastructure and roads.

It should be noted that within the framework of the Strategy for public debt management, the external debt of Tajikistan in relation to the country's GDP over the last 10 years has decreased by 1.7 percent and now stands at 22.8 percent of GDP.

The National Development Strategy for the period up to 2015 has identified public administration reform, promotion of the private sector, attraction of investment and development of human potential as national priorities, which will be implemented for the development of economic freedom, extending public-private partnership, as well as for increasing the number and quality of social services.

This year, the term of the National Development Strategy comes to the end and we must take efforts to assess the results, in particular the use of the development systematization mechanism and justification of actions in the years to come.

The Government of Tajikistan, taking into consideration the increasing international and regional threats and challenges, is undertaking measures to implement a set of tasks identified in the addresses of the President with the aim to achieve strategic goals, first of all, to ensure energy security, break country’s communication deadlock and promote food security.

Strategic goals and priorities, as well as the implementation of measures envisaged in the strategies, concepts and state programs remain under thorough control.

In this process, it is crucial to timely eliminate the difficulties and shortcomings, and alongside with evaluation of programs implementation, to develop a detailed working plan of the Government.

Since acceleration of political changes in different regions of the world, the impact of the global economic and financial crisis, instability and volatility of the world financial and commodity markets, as well as other difficulties remain to be as negative factor adversely affecting national economy development.

Under these terms, the Government by using all available means, has to make further efforts to maintain the level of sustainable economic development and good governance, facilitate an implementation of targeted fiscal policy, promote comprehensive and timely provision of state social obligations, encourage development of different areas, including manufacturing areas, as well as promoting reforms in doing business and investment.

Dear members of Parliament!

With the view of strengthening the foundations of long-term sustainable development, we have prioritized the improvement of the efficient use of national resources, especially human resources and other principal tools, as well as strengthening the institutional development of the country in strategies and state programs for the period until 2030.

In this regard, special attention will be paid to the comprehensive and effective utilization of production capacity, better integration of modern technology, improvement of product and service quality, reduction of unnecessary costs and targeted use of reserves, simplification and transparency of doing business and the elimination of administrative obstacles.

It should be noted that many socio-economic issues have been resolved completely or partially in the framework of the National Development Strategy for the period up to 2015 as a result of the efforts made by the Government and development partners and by means of dedicated work of the glorious people of Tajikistan.

However, due to the fact that the resolution of major problems requires not only time and resources, but due to the existence of certain barriers, as well as the existence of a factor of rapid world and regional transformation, a number of crucial unresolved problems still to be addressed in order to promote development of the country.

In this regard, we must build our economic policy in a manner that through the efficient use of existing capacity and resources we should be able to increase the competitiveness of the national economy.

At the moment, the results of the National Development Strategy for the period up to 2015 are being estimated at the level of ministries and agencies, regions and cities with the involvement of civil society.

We expect that in February this year we will consider an interim report of the strategy in the National Development Council under the President of the country and in the Development Forum, as well as will deliberate on a number of initiatives and proposals those aiming at promotion of sustainable development of the country for the period up to 2030.

In this context, I reiterate that all existing capabilities and resources will be focused on the provision of peaceful and prosperous life of the citizens, on the achievement of the higher living standards and better social conditions, on the strengthening the rule of law and justice in general, and on ensuring national security, security of the people and country at large.

The state budgetary policy in the medium term is aimed at ensuring continued development of the national economy, at facilitating an implementation of priority policies of the state and the solution of social problems of the population.

It has to be particularly mentioned that over the course of the last 7 years, the income of the state budget has increased by 4 times and it is expected that its volume will increase by 15.3 billion Somoni in 2015.

In this connection, particular attention was paid to the financing of the social sector for which this year there was allocated nearly 8 billion Somoni that is more than 50 percent of the public budget.

Furthermore, over 6 billion Somoni will be allocated from the state budget in order to implement the social obligations of the government, including payment of salaries, pensions and other social benefits in 2015.

The Government was able to increase the salaries of the public sector employees those employed in education and science, health, culture, social welfare and law enforcement spheres from 2.5 to 3 times in the past 5 years.

Taking into account the development of the economy and current financial capacity of the country, the next stage of wage increase for public institutions will be implemented from the 1st of September 2015.

For instance, salaries of employees of public administration institutions, law enforcement and military personnel will be increased by 15 percent, salaries of employees of educational institutions, in particular pre-school, secondary and higher education, and other institutions in the field of education, science, culture, sport and health – by 20 percent, and salaries of employees of social protection institutions, in particular for employees of boarding houses for elderly and people with disabilities, social assistance units in homes and sanatorium for veterans of the Great Patriotic War, retirees and people related to them – by 25 percent.

The minimum level of old-age pensions and occupational pensions of citizens in general, will be increased in average by 20 percent.

Alongside with this, the student scholarship and other scholarships will be increased by 30 percent, as well as the minimum wage will be increased by 60 percent – from 250 to 400 Somoni.

The insured portion of insurance pensions will also be indexed.

Nearly 1 billion 320 million Somoni will be allocated from the public budget every year to fund these actions.

In this regard, the Ministry of Finance is instructed, together with other relevant ministries and agencies, to take appropriate measures to ensure timely and quality execution of income and expenditure of the state budget, as well as transparent and efficient use of its resources to implement the priorities of the country.

In addition, appropriate actions must be taken to accelerate an introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards.

Ensuring permanent control of the targeted use of the state financial means and funds is a top priority of the Accounts Chamber and the State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption Agency.

In these circumstances, we implement an effective monetary and debt policy to ensure the stability of prices, banking structure, money circulation and payment system.

It is clear that due to the influence of external factors especially the loosening of the economy and exchange rates of our trading partners, the national currency of Tajikistan is under the pressure.

Therefore, the National Bank is instructed to take appropriate measures for the effective implementation of monetary and exchange rate policy based on a thorough analysis and taking into account the national economic interests of the country.

Dear friends!

Due to the fact that energy is a priority and important sector of the economy of the country, a number of significant measures have been taken in recent years for its development, including the construction and rehabilitation of a manufacturing capacity and electricity transmission networks.

Only in 2014, the second aggregate of "Sangtuda-2" HPP and the first aggregate of the "Dushanbe-2" heating plant with the capacity of 220 MW were put into operation, and construction of a second aggregate with the capacity of 400 MW has been started which is expected to be completed and start operation in 2017.

Independent international feasibility study of the Rogun HPP Project as well as social and environmental impact assessment, which were held in the last 7 years by the World Bank, international independent experts and other foreign specialists in this field were successfully completed. 

Today everyone realizes that the lack of electricity is one of the main obstacles for social and economic development of our country that poses serious problems in the social life of the population.

To solve the problem of power shortage and thus to ensure sustainable economic development and to improve the welfare of the people, we will continue rehabilitation and construction works on this life-saving project in accordance with international standards.

An implementation of other important national projects such as the construction of the interstate electricity line CASA-1000, as well as a gas pipeline Central Asia - People's Republic of China are due to begin in the near future.

For the time being, the Government of the country is carrying out the planning of "Shurob", "Nurobod-1", "Nurobod-2", "Ayni", "Fondaryo", "Sanobod" and "Sebzor" hydro-electric power stations and will complete construction of the projected power lines in due time.

At the same time, the reconstruction of Nurek hydropower plant is being performed, and we intend to begin reconstruction of HPP "Kairokkum" and HPP "Sarband" this year.

With the view of a renovating and reconstruction of these three hydro power stations, which will serve for 40-50 years more, we are determined to allocate 1.5 billion Somoni.

In general, dozens of large and small hydroelectric power plants and heating plants with a total capacity of 1020 MW have been built and put into operation since national independence and this number is equivalent to 24 percent of used capacity from the Soviet-era period until now.

Today Tajikistan is in the stage of development and this factor implies the emergence of new energy users whose uninterrupted electricity supply is a task of the Government of the country.

During the independence, population of the country has increased by 65 percent, hundreds of thousands of new families were built, millions of new houses were constructed.

Only during the period of 2013-2014 2.1 million m2 of houses were built and put into exploitation.

In addition, 17320 different new manufacturing and service plants and companies were put into operation, which also require additional power generation.

 For example, only for mobile phone users about 22 million kilowatt/hour electricity is needed.

During the last 10 years the amount of 13.4 billion Somoni has been spent from all public financial sources to achieve energy independence and electricity network rehabilitation.

In 2014, more than 1.8 billion Somoni was spent for these purposes, and it is expected that 7 billion Somoni will be spent in the next 3 years. 

In spite of this, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and "Barqi Tojik" have to take necessary measures to improve the efficiency of utilization of the existing capacity of the industry, reduce waste of electricity, to efficiently implement the project titled “Introduction of single payment system for power transmission and improvement of power transmission lines”.

To eliminate power shortages the Government of the country performed certain activities so far and developed a working plan for the realization of energy projects in the coming years, which will bring us closer to the strategic objective in the near future – to ensure energy independence.

This year we have power in all city and district centers, schools and hospitals, and industrial plants are fully operating and the limit of power supply is 5 hours more in comparison with the last 2-3 years.

Today, 21 public and foreign companies engaged in exploration, drilling, production and processing of oil and gas operate in the country.

In this regard, the Government should maintain permanent control over the implementation of the terms of contracts with the companies, and in case of violation of their terms, to take necessary measures on withdrawing their licenses.   

Nowadays 18 national and foreign enterprises are engaged in 14 coal mines in the territory of the country.

It should be noted that in recent years the level of coal production has increased significantly, and in 2014 production amounted to 875,000 tons of coal, and this figure compared with 1991 increased almost by 3 times.

This year coal production will reach 1 million ton which would fully meet domestic needs of the country.

Distinguished audience!

At present, in order to eliminate the communication deadlock of the country a large number of infrastructure projects and the reforms are being developed and implemented, but it is not enough, as the realization of this task is of paramount importance and will be an essential area of activity of the Government in the coming years.

For this purpose, only in the last five years 5 billion Somoni have been spent in this field, including more than 1 billion Somoni in 2014 and it is planned to allocate more than 3 billion Somoni in the next 3 years.

In this process, the reconstruction of the automobile roads of Dushanbe-Tursunzoda, Dushanbe-Qurgonteppa-Panji Poyon, Ayni-Panjakent, Dushanbe-Khorugh-Kulma (Shurobod-Darvoz part), Vose’-Khovaling, as well as construction of Dushanbe-Qurghonteppa (Vahdat-Yovon part) railway, rehabilitation and construction of international and regional roads are in progress.   

For the time being, Qalaikhumb-Vanj (border of Rushon district) and Khujand-Isfara roads projects are under development.

Implementation of these projects will connect Tajikistan with other neighboring countries, e.g. with regional communication infrastructure.

In this regard, with the aim of further enhancement of cooperation, strengthening of regional network and effective use of Tajikistan transit capability, the Government is instructed to take necessary measures to fund implementation of these projects.

As far as international transportation network creates great opportunities for the development of the regions of the country, it is necessary to find ways in order to change them into international economic networks.

In this connection, during elaboration of Programs on economic and social development of the regions of the country, the Ministries of Economic Development and Trade, Transport, State Committee on Investment and State Property Management and local executive bodies of state authorities are obliged to take into consideration transport and transit opportunities of the country as a basis for further development.

In addition, it is necessary for the governors of regions, cities and districts in collaboration with entrepreneurs and investors to pay utmost importance to the issues of roads maintenance and repairs inside districts and settlements, as well as to providing local population with safe drinking water and tackling other social problems.

                In order to solve the issue of providing population of cities and districts of Dushanbe, Khujand, Chkalov, Bobojon Ghafurov, Isfara, Konibodom, Qayrokum, Khorugh, Istiklol, Hisor, Rudaki, Shahrinav, Tursunzoda, Yovon, Jaloliddin Rumi, Vose’, Kulob, Farkhor, Panjakent, Zafarobod, Shariston, Istaravshanm, Panj and Hamadoni with drinking water in 2010-2018 more than 1 billion Somoni was allocated and great amount of works were completed and also rehabilitation of water supply networks in the mentioned cities and districts are underway according to the plan.

Implementations of this kind of projects aimed at providing population with drinking water are also planned in other cities and districts of the country. 

Ladies and gentlemen!

It is obvious that further development of the industrial sector, including proceeding as an economic development provider deeply depends from the level of domestic raw material supply and the use of modern technologies.

During the independence years significant works were accomplished for the development of this sector and through import of modern technologies in 2012-2014 more than 1000 permanent and seasonal plants, as well as factories and facilities were established.

Cement, cryolite, aluminum fluoride, sulfate acid factories in Yovon district, cotton fiber processing plants in  Farkhor, Danghara, Vakhsh and Hisor districts are under construction.

This will enable us to increase the volume of cotton processing inside the country up to 70 percent.

These measures will indirectly assist to increase manufacturing potential of the country and solve social issues, especially to increase production of competitive products on the basis of local raw material processing, creation of new jobs and increasing of state budget revenue.

In order to expand activities in this direction the ministries of industry and new technologies and agriculture are instructed together with other relevant ministries and entities and local executive bodies of the state authority to take necessary measures to solve problems in this sphere and its further development. 

Country’s mineral and raw materials recourses facilitates that number of nonferrous metallurgy plants will be established in the future and further economic development  and growth of country’s export potential will be provided.

Construction and operation of new metallurgy plant in Hisor district with capacity of 150 thousand tons of ore and metallurgy plant in Istiqlol district of Sughd region with capacity of 100 thousand tons of lead and zinc will be completed in the nearest future.

In general, construction of 5 new industrial plants is planned in this industrial zone.

Within the Anzob mining plant antimony production metallurgy plant with capacity of 5 thousand tons was build and for the first time in the history of metallurgy industry of Tajikistan production of industrial antimony started.

Undertaking these measures will give a powerful impetus to the development of Tajik metallurgy industry as well as will promote creation of new jobs.

In addition, cement manufacturing plant in Yovon district came into operation and according to the plan this year the construction of three cement plants in Bobojon Ghafurov, Vahdat and Yovon districts with the capacity of 3 million tons per year will be put into operation.

Construction of cement producing plant with capacity of  1.8 million tons in Danghara district and cement plant with capacity of 1 million tons in Isfara city will begin this year.

These measures will enable to change the cement import from abroad into its export.

With the aim of the fulfillment of foreseen plans the Government should mobilize all available recourses and opportunities to arrange stable and effective function of industrial capacities and provide processing of larger amount of domestic raw materials.

In addition, it is necessary to take measures in order to develop industrial plants in villages and remote districts through technologies appropriate to mountainous regions conditions.

In line with this, the Government by taking into consideration the National Development Strategy should work out and adopt Long-Term Industrial Development Program.

Dear friends!

The role and share of agriculture in providing of food security, development of industry, and growth of country’s export potential and creation of new jobs is very essential.

Within last 5 years the area of gardens and vineyards increased by 20 % and area sawn to vegetables up to 30%, the volume of production of fruits and vegetables up to 50% and other agricultural products is also growing.

Only within the scope of the implementation of the Government Programme on the development of gardening and wine-growing sector more than 54 thousand hectares of gardens were created.

It means that this Programme is completely fulfilled and it is necessary that new Programme on the development of gardening and wine-growing sector should be worked out and submit to the Government at earliest possible.

I would like also to reiterate the necessity of taking steps for complete and timely fulfillment of Government adopted Programs on agriculture, e.g. on issues of upgrading the culture of land use, good arrangement of seed growing, livestock, potato growing and development of new lands.

For the development of agricultural and industrial sector within last 5 years 1,7 billion Somoni was allocated from the state budget and for the coming 3 years from all financial resources allocation of more than 1 billion of Somoni is planned for the development of this sector.

There are 52 meat and dairy factories are operating in the country today and the process of construction of these kind of factories is steadily continuing.

At the same time it should be noted that the development of agricultural production infrastructure, particularly construction of modern cold storage for fruits and vegetables, placement of small product processing plants and packing facilities are still in low level which results to the loss of huge amount of products.

According to the data in 2014 production of some of agricultural products like wheat, potato and cotton decreased, which is a matter of concern in today’s condition.

Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and local executive bodies of state authority together with entrepreneurs and heads of peasant farms should take necessary measures to tackle all existing problems, to plan crops according to the market demands, to use machineries, and implement scientific research’s results in production, to use innovation methods and provide domestic market with larger own products.

Every year the share of processing industry in the gross industrial product of Tajikistan is less than 60 % and the share of food production in the gross industrial product is less than 50%.

However, despite available huge resources and opportunities the share of food production in export commodities is still up to 20% or almost 3.5 billion of Somoni, and this case requires special attention of relevant responsible authorities.

Appropriate measures should be taken for growth of domestic products and through this step by step to provide main share of consumer market with domestic products.

It means that we should strive to immediately meet demands of the country with majority of foodstuff via growing domestic production in order to provide food security of the country. 

At the same time with the aim of implementation of state support for domestic producers and in this regard in order to increase the volume of GDP it is necessary for the Government of Tajikistan to take concrete measures for providing of needs of all budget financed sectors with placement of state orders in the industrial factories and agricultural facilities regardless of their type of property.

Within the scope of an implementation of state investment Programs for sustainable development of the country only in 2014 the amount of more than 3.7 billion of Somoni of loans and grants were attracted to the national economy.

Within next five years implementation of several important priority projects is foreseen and for this purpose 70 billion of Somoni from all financing resources, including more than 40 billion of Somoni through direct investment were attracted, which will be directed at the development of various fields, as a whole for the achievement of State strategic goals.

Within past 7 years more than 11 billion Somoni of foreign direct investment was attracted to Tajikistan’s economy, the larger share of which is directed at energy, communication, construction, mineral resources extraction and road infrastructure sectors.

In today’s environment effective and wise development of Tajikistan subsoil, investment for mining and processing, as well as geological exploration and prospecting of new deposits through attraction of foreign and domestic investment considers as an important part of industrial development and solving of social issues, especially creation of new jobs.

That is why, it is necessary to take additional decisive measures to strengthen the process of implementation of partnership between the State and private sector and to perceptibly increase the share of foreign direct investment. 

Support of entrepreneurship and first and foremost support of production based entrepreneurship is amongst main activities of state authorities.

The Government up to now with the aim of creation of favorable conditions for entrepreneurs and attraction of capital steadily continues economic reforms and as a result according to the evaluation of international financial institution Tajikistan entered to the list of 10 reforms advanced countries of the world.

In 2014 banks lent 8.2 billion of Somoni, including 5.1 billion Somoni to entrepreneurs for manufacturing business, which is 17% higher in comparison to 2013.

Within the last 5 years more than 720 million Somoni were allocated from the state budget to support small and medium entrepreneurship. 

Over this period of time, banks lent 31 billion of Somoni to entrepreneurs and 16 billion of Somoni  were allocated through tax benefits for support and development of entrepreneurship.

The Government needs to take necessary measures to further simplify a procedure of taxation and improve entrepreneurship development environment.

Dear Members of Majlisi Milli and delegates of Majlisi Namoyandagon!

The Government despite negative influence of  world financial, economic and political crisis pays great attention to the tackling important social issues, including science and education, health care and culture, employment and social protection of population and will consistently continue this approach.

It is clear that the role of social sphere workers in upgrading the level of knowledge and consciousness of youth, the culture of people, population health care, treatment and nursing of ill and other vulnerable group of society is highly valuable.

 The Government always supports the vulnerable and needed group of our society.

In 2014 there was increase in funding of this sector, as well as support of orphans and disabled, poor families, guarding of needed old persons, repairs and reconstruction of boarding schools, orphanage and nursing homes and equipping them with modern equipment which will continue this year and years to come.

Creation of new jobs is amongst important priorities of social policies of the Government.

As I have mentioned earlier, more than 252 new permanent, temporarily and seasonal jobs were created in the country in 2014.

In 2015 not less than 200 thousand new jobs should be created.

That is why, the Government, heads of regions, cities and districts are obliged together with private sector to work on enhancement of process of creation of new jobs.

According to the instruction of the Head of the State more than 100 thousand persons are undergoing vocational trainings at the lyceums, colleges, educational centers, some high vocational education institutions and private sector short-term educational facilities annually and it is necessary to continue this process in the future. 

Regulation of issues related to labor migration is one of the main goals of the Government and heads of executive bodies of state authorities in regions, cities and districts.

 In this regard, it is necessary to enhance the process of creation of new jobs inside the country in order to lessen migration and also to tackle the issues of labor migration regulation, including strengthening cooperation with relevant authorities of labor receiving countries in order to protect of our citizens rights.

Additionally, necessary steps should be taken in regard with training of specialties that meet labor market demands, as well as language studies and for the purpose of improvement of issues of labor migration and ensuring the protection of rights and interests of labor migrants, the draft Law on Labor Migration should be worked out and submit to the Government by the end of this year.

The Government with the aim of sustainable development of education sphere as priority directions of social policy should take all necessary measures.

For the purpose of the development of this sector more than 2,5 billion Somoni was allocated last year, and allocation of 3 billion of Somoni is foreseen for the year 2015.

With the aim of development of first stage of education, the Government according to the last year’s Address of the President has adopted a “Programme on development of pre-school facilities in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2014-2019” and its implementation is continuing.

Last year the number of kindergartens in the country has been increased from 508 to 527, and the number of children enrolled in those facilities made up 80500 which is 4000 more in comparison with 2013.

Another example, in 2012 there were functioning 711 child development centers and in 2014 their number has increased to 1061 with enrolment capacity of 26000 children.

In addition, there are 12 specialized kindergartens in the country with enrollment capacity of 3.5 thousands children, and 34 private kindergartens – for 2.5 thousand children.

It means that today relevant conditions have been created for 115 thousands children to receive preschool education.

In spite of this, the Ministry of education and sciences, executive authorities of state power in regions, cities and districts are obliged with involvement of capacities of NGOs, private sector and charitable persons to take necessary measures to establish alternative types of preschool institutions, to repair, reconstruct and equip these facilities.

So far the Government has solved important and paramount issues of secondary education.

In spite of this, issues of upgrading of the level of quality of education and introducing innovation methods in the secondary education, as well as upgrading the professional level of teachers requires great attention of officials.

Teacher cannot commit mistakes during the process of education, because the fate of the future generation and progress of the state and society is in his/her hands. 

 It means that the teacher together with parents and guardians equally plays a key role in the process of education and upbringing and as an intellectual guide is responsible for upbringing a deserved generation.

 In this regard, it is necessary in order to upgrade the knowledge and professional skills of the teachers to organize permanent professional trainings, courses and introduction of modern educational technologies.

Last year for the first time admission for the high education institution was carried out trough National Test Centre which served as a tool for reducing the tense of corruption actions in this sector.

For example, previous years up to 20 percent of applicants and their parents were complaining at the results of exams, but last year out of 52 thousand of applicants only 400 of them came with complaints, which comprises even less than 1 percent.

In this regard I would like to draw your attention to one important point.

Parents should not pay attention for their child`s education only in the day of exams, but from their birth, they should create favorable environment for their correct way of upbringing, to provide with school accessories and to rise their awareness to rightly choose their profession. 

But unfortunately up to now parents after 11 years, i.e. only during school completion exams and test periods become aware that their children should have profession or occupation.

This reality in our society should definitely be corrected.

Considering the sensitive and complicated situation in today’s world, I would like once again to draw the attention of parents to the importance of education and upbringing of their children with the sense of high responsibility. Young people who left for other countries for work or study should always be under permanent control of their parents; parents and elder relatives should have permanent contact with those young people.

You might observe that many of those who have been deceived by the extremist movements and terrorist organizations, and have been involved in terrible wars in Syria and Iraq are from among those young people who have gone abroad as labor migrants.

Test exams also defined the level and quality of education in secondary schools.

At the same time it become clear that in this stage of education teaching of natural and mathematic sciences needs to be seriously improved and it is necessary for the Ministry of Education and Science, heads and officials of education institutions to practically assist pupils in correct choosing of professions, including such professions as engineering, technicians and technology related professions, which are very important for our national economy.

In addition, it is necessary for authority and officials of National Test Centre and education facilities to eliminate shortcomings and to organize trainings in each secondary school and with every applicant and their parents on issues related to this system and further to improve the quality of test system by learning the international advanced experiences. Annually almost 110-112 thousand persons are graduating from secondary schools in our country.

In the stage of secondary schooling with the aim of full involvement of girls and boys to education the issues of transition to 12 year education system, transition of basic education from 9 year to 10 and to change primary school facilities in to comprehensive secondary education, as well as full implementation of per head financing system by local executive state authorities – are the measures which require to be undertaken in the future. 

I would like to remind once again that support of education sector and raise of status of the teacher is important because first of all education has an indirect part in the development of human resources and is one of the driving and active force of our society and moreover development of all sectors of society and the state has a direct link with the level of education development.

In connection with transition of high education institution into credit system it is necessary for the heads of this institution to fully implement internationally accepted standards and regarding to learning of innovative technologies, introducing of modern equipment and by this to take serious steps for effectiveness of education quality, to pay special attention for language training and graduate students report for work.

At present up to 80% of young specialists are reporting to the work.

It is also necessary to attract students to the scientific and discussion clubs, working out of innovative projects, research and invention and allocate small grants for this purpose.

  At the same time, ministries of economic development and trade, education and science, heads of high vocational institutions, heads of regions, cities and districts as well as other relevant state authorities are obliged to provide by 2018 all secondary schoolings institutions with highly qualified teachers, to submit to the Government proposal for preparing of specialists in other fields.

Together with education the issues of upbringing of juveniles and youth in the spirit of patriotism, humanism and self-consciousness are of utmost importance.

Issues of strengthening of collaboration between society, educational institutions and parents are regulated through several laws, including the Law “On the responsibility of parents in education and upbringing of children”.

But till now the right mechanism of its implementation is not determined yet.

Therefore, within Executive Office of the President a structural unit on control of implementation of the Law “On the responsibility of parents in education and upbringing of children” and coordination of activities of relevant authorities should be established.

In this regard, the ministries of justice, education and science, internal affairs, prosecutor general’s office, committees’ of religious affairs, on women and family, youth, sport and tourism, municipal executive authorities together with this newly established body should jointly work towards implementation of this Law and other legal documents related to training and fostering a child.

In addition, with the purpose of protection of rights of children in the Republic of Tajikistan I propose to create an institute of Ombudsman for the Rights of Children.

The process of realization of the Programme and plans on the development of science is under the constant supervision of the Government of the country.

In this direction a lot of efforts were undertaken to this date, restructuring of the Academy of science and sectoral academies is steadily underway.

In spite of certain scientific achievements, the cooperation of science with production, introduction of innovations in the system of science and most importantly the development of those sciences that have direct link with the economy of the country, remain as challenging issues of these days.

The issue of training of young specialists and their attraction to science and leadership also needs to be improved. 

At the same time, the Academy of Science should develop and improve the relations between innovation and technology parks and higher education institutions of the country, and take necessary steps in order to put its innovative achievement in to production this year. 

Therefore, the ministries of industry and new technology, energy and water resources, agriculture, other relevant ministries and manufacturing enterprises are instructed to strengthen their cooperation with the Academy of Science and strive towards applying scientific achievements in production.

In this regard, it is important to remind you that today alongside with our distinguished scholars young scientists and researchers from younger generation of the independence period has emerged and we count on them.

Concerning globalization processes and the escalation of information wars as well as inflow of alien ideology into the society the scientific and research institutions of the Academy of Science, other scientific centers and departments of the higher education institutions should pay more attention to propaganda of the issues of self-awareness, identity, protection of national, historical and cultural values, development of democratic and secular worldview, unity and stability of the society.

Learning and research of the reasons and causes of the emergence of the civil war in the country is one of the important tasks of social scientists.

In this regard, the research and analyses of social scientists on this issue should play a decisive role, and terrible and tragic consequences of the war should become a lesson for future generations of our people.

Taking into consideration sensitive and complicated situation of the contemporary world scientist and scholars of the country should also give priority attention to the issues of development of national ideology, strengthening of statehood and political and social development of the society, consolidation of constructive forces of the country and protection of the strategic interests of Tajikistan, fight against terrorism and extremism, as well as exploring the issues of democratization of social and political life of Tajikistan.

The Government of the country has continued modernization of the health sector and has planned 10% of increase in the financing of the sector in 2015 compared to previous year.

In 2014 the situation with infrastructure of the health sector has been improved and the scope of first aid assistance has been increased.

During this period the number of institutions of the health sector have been constructed and renovated.

In addition, in order to prevent and bring down the severity of infectious diseases, provision of citizens with quality medicines, protection of maternal and child health and training of specialists there have taken number of effective measures.

During the period of independence in addition to budget allocations 107 state investment projects for the development of the health sector with total amount of 3 billion Somoni have been implemented.

At present in addition to the budget allocations, 38 projects with the total amount of 570 million Somoni are being implemented in the sphere of healthcare and social protection of population.

The abovementioned measures, including import of modern equipment and new technologies, have brought improvements in the quality of diagnosis, examination and treatment of patients.

As a result the number of our citizens going abroad for treatment has decreased.

In spite of this, it should be mentioned that provision of healthcare institutions with highly qualified specialists, professional level of the medical university and college graduates, in particular in using modern medical equipments, as well as diagnosis and treatment of a number of diseases require improvement.

The activities of social protection institutions related to support of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups should be significantly reformed and responsible officials of the sphere are obliged to take necessary measures on the basis of comprehensive analysis regarding elimination of shortcomings and existing problems.

In general, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population together with municipal executive authorities should take serious control over the process of implementation of the Program documents and take necessary measures for the improvement of medical services to the population.

In addition, the issues of the strengthening of potential of the sphere, professional development and re-training of personnel of the sphere of healthcare and social protection of population are among the issues, which should be under constant control of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population.

Distinguished participants,

The Government of the country attaches great importance to the continued development of culture and in particular to the issues of raising the cultural level of the society, respect for national and cultural values, revival of traditions and folk crafts and development of folk art, music and theatre.

The Government during the recent ten years has allocated about 3 billion Somoni only for repair and renovation of historical monuments, most of the museums, palaces, historical places, fortresses and ancient cities, tombs of historical and noble people and other cultural heritage of our people have been reconstructed.

Hence, it should be noted that despite undertaken measures, there are still some challenging issues, such as inadequate cultural level of some group of the society and their inclination towards alien ideologies.

Furthermore, the issue of provision of cultural facilities with modern equipment and technologies needs to be timely addressed.

In this context, the Tajik cinematography needs significant development. The modern feature films and documentaries, which could reflect the past and the present objectively, describe the vital issues of society life and popularize the dignified behaviour and good tradition of our people, are very few.

Therefore, the Ministry of Culture, Committee on Television and Radio Broadcasting and producing unions are instructed for the purpose of popularization of national ideas, aesthetic education and protection of historical and cultural heritage to take necessary measures for composing and producing new scenic work and historical movies.

At the same time, the Government is instructed to analyse the implementation of the state Program of the Tajik cinematography in order to develop this important art, and from now on to allocate special budget for creating and producing new movies and training of personnel of the sphere.

In addition to that, for the timely solution of problems and difficulties of the sphere and its development, it is necessary to establish a state commission, involving the representatives of relevant agencies and experts for selection and arrangement of Programs.             

In the development of social life, a contribution of women and youth is significant and serves as the leading force of the society.

The initiatives of women are always supported by the Government of the country and women are attracted to the leadership jobs in all fields of management in governmental agencies and institutions.

In addition, the involvement of women and youth in the small and medium enterprises has been enhanced, and for this purposes the Government has initiated preferential Programs and other useful measures.

Youth as the successor of our main goals, with strong will nowadays continue the development of the future of our beloved Motherland and has achieved significant results in most of the fields. 

Most of the honest and conscientious young people are studying in the country and abroad for occupational choice and improving their knowledge on new and modern technologies necessary for the country.

Today more than 12 thousands of talented young people are studying abroad by the support of the Government. Nowadays, more than 200 thousands students are studying in the country.

Some of the young people with strong will are engaged in the fields of production and large construction sites in the country, some serve in the armed forces, including, in defense of our national borders ensuring peace and security of the country, others raise the national flag by participation at the international and regional competitions.

During the last five years, for the development of healthy society in the country and attracting the youth to sport, there were built and put into operation 19 stadiums, 621 sports grounds, 110 sports centers, 11 swimming pools and 9 sports complexes.

In addition, 2700 sports grounds, 635 sports centers, 14 swimming pools and 5 sports complexes have been repaired and reconstructed.

In this regard, I emphasize that for the purpose of popularization of sports and encouragement of healthy life the above mentioned sports facilities must be kept in good condition and used in effective and purposeful manner.

The Government will continue to support the youth, and always relying on this powerful force, which will defend Tajikistan’s borders, contribute to the development and prosperity of the country and raise the name of our ancestors higher.

The Government of the country pays special respect to women and girls and in several state Programs, strategies and concepts emphasizes the prospect of their activity in managerial positions, strengthening statehood, ensuring healthy society and stable family.

We will continue this policy in the future by supporting women as the constructive power of the society, creators and defenders of our national traditions and we will increase their numbers in governmental structures.

In spite of such support of the rights and interests of women and youth, there are still some problems in this sphere which must be solved.

For instance, the number of divorces in young families continues to grow, which is a great concern for us.

According to the statistics in 2014, 95500 marriages were registered and 9000 of them were dissolved, which is 9.5 percent more than the number of divorces in 2013.

The main cause of this problem is the fact that some young people are not ready for independent life.

Among the youth there are many marriages between close relatives which is the main cause for birth of disabled children.

Today the Government is taking care of almost 13000 children and teenagers under18 years old with disabilities.

Most of those children are disabled, because of the close relative marriages of their parents or are born from the parents with drug addiction.

Today HIV/AIDS is one of the sources of threat to the life and health of humans in the whole world.

For the first time this disease was officially registered in Tajikistan in 1991.

Today there are more than six and half thousands of our citizens suffer from this disease which causes serious concern of the Government of Tajikistan and the society.

The prevention of the mentioned disease must be one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population.

Another reason of family breakups is the fact that most parents arrange the marriage of their children without health examination and consideration of their health conditions.

Due to the article 15 of the Family Code of the Republic of Tajikistan medical examinations, consultations about the genetics and family health are held by the local state health care centers with the compliance of the future spouses and free of charge.

But they do not use this right which prescribed by law.

Therefore, the ministries of health and social protection, justice, committees on women’s affairs and family, religious affairs and regulation of national traditions are instructed in cooperation with the public and civil society to study the problem of obligatory medical pre-examination of future spouses and prevention of marriages between close relatives and submit it to the Government.

These steps are very important for happy and healthy life of young families.

We all – parents, brothers and sisters and friends of young families always pray for the health and happiness of them and wish them long and decent life with their children and grandchildren.

It should be mentioned, that the problem of family education, improvement of parents’ responsibility for children’s upbringing and education, preparing them for independent life and stability of family requires the constant attention of the whole state institutions, educational institutions and all members of the society.

Taking into account the importance of the issue it is appropriate to restore and organize the courses on family education in the upper grades of secondary schools.

It is well known that healthy society comes from a healthy family and a healthy generation. In this regard, I propose to declare the year 2015 in the country as the «Year of Family”.

Dear compatriots!

On the 1st of March this year there will be held in the country an important political event – elections of Majlisi Oli, local and jamaat majlises.

This political event must held within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan, existing laws, at the high organizational and legal level, in a transparent, free and democratic manner and with active participation of voters.

The institutions which are involved in organization of this event must provide equal conditions to all political parties and nominees participating in the elections.

These elections must serve as a factor of consolidation of the people of Tajikistan, promotion of peace and stability, national unity and solidarity of the people and growing reputation of our country on the world arena.

I would like to reiterate that all of us are responsible for the future of our people, our state, peace and national unity, and for the peaceful future of Tajikistan.

Honorable Members of Majlisi Milli and delegates of Majlisi Namoyandagon!

The legislative branch of the country – Majlisi Milli and Majlisi Namoyandagon, local legislative bodies annually perform productive activities for the development of the legislation and it should be noted that the activity of the members of Majlisi Milli and Majlisi Namoyandagon in the last five years was noticeable.

I in this regard would like to thank all members of the parliament who during the last five years worked tirelessly in Majlisi Oli and actively participated in the adoption of laws, and other important public laws.

I hope that the legislative activity by Majlisi Milli and newly elected members of Majlisi Namoyandagon will be further developed.

Being a sovereign, democratic, constitutional, secular and social state, Republic of Tajikistan is a part of international community, and is in the process of intense globalization of economic and social relations and development of other spheres of life.

Today destructive wars are going on in a number of countries, which are the cause of increase in number of forced refugees, unemployment, hunger, and aggravation of other social problems.

Growing terrorism and extremism with its dire consequences become a very serious problem of humanity in the 21st Century.

Hence, it is necessary for the law enforcement authorities and other state military structures to take additional measures in fight against terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, as well as in ensuring security of the state and society, as well as strengthening the defense capabilities of the country, providing reliable protection of the State Border and fighting capacity of the armed forces.

The present situation in the world obliges us to direct the effective functioning of all governmental structures for ensuring peace, stability and security of the country and provision of every citizen with adequate living conditions and peaceful life.

I once again would like to remind you that every citizen should take care of the stability and security of the country and do not lose further political vigilance in order not to be deceived by any propaganda and extremist views.

The Government of the country for the purpose of ensuring security of the state and society is obliged to increase annually the funding of the law enforcement and military bodies with sophisticated technology and up-to-date equipment, construction of border protection facilities, strengthening the material and technical basis, provision of all the necessary conditions for the above-mentioned bodies.

For the sake of ensuring peace and political stability in our society, we all need to be united and provide all-round support for the activities of governmental agencies.

For the purpose of prevention of the spread of new types of drugs, improving methods of struggle in this field, rehabilitation of people with drug addiction, the formation of public opinion against drugs and general strengthening of the fight against this deadly threat it is necessary to revise the legislation in the field of monitoring and combating trafficking, taking into account the experience of the developed countries and the requirements of international law.

Alongside with this, the international cooperation, especially with the neighboring country - Afghanistan in ensuring security of the border lines between the two countries and the fight against drug trafficking should be further developed.

At the same time, training of the dedicated and patriotic personnel those responsible, highly professional, competent, experienced, modernized, devoted to the Motherland, committed to the truth and justice is the most important task of the Government, leadership of the law-enforcement authorities, military structures of the country and armed forces as a whole.

For this purpose and taking into account modern requirements and current situation in the world it is necessary to improve the level and quality of education and strengthen educational works in the higher vocational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Defense, State Committee of National Security and other military authorities, including the professional training of military officials of the abovementioned agencies.

During the previous addresses, meetings and events we have repeatedly mentioned that we strongly condemn corruption and consider anticorruption efforts as one of the priority areas of the government activities.

I have consistently emphasized that strengthening of the judicial power is one of the key areas of the public policy, as the court’s activity is inseparably connected with the rights and liberties of an individual.

In order to further strengthen the judicial power in the country, on the 5th January of 2015 according to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan there was a new Programme approved on judicial and legal reform in the Republic of Tajikistan for the period of 2015-2017.

Implementation of this Programme aims at further strengthening of judicial bodies and promoting cooperation of courts with other law enforcement agencies, and in addition it gives an impetus to the execution of the judicial acts.

We are confident that the leadership and officials of the Supreme Court, the Supreme Economic Court, the Council of Justice and the General Prosecutor’s Office will be professionally liable while ensuring justice and rule of law and to this end will take all necessary steps for protection of the rights and liberties of an individual, citizen and organizations.

Distinguished members of Majlisi Milli and delegates of Majlisi Namoyandagon!

In my previous addresses to Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan and statements during various events and meetings I have expressed a view on the international issues and extensively discussed tasks and objectives of the country’s foreign policy.

At this moment I would like to emphasize that today principles and approaches of this policy which include protection of national interests, freedom and independence of the country, ensuring peace and stability of the society and development of Tajikistan still remain invariable.

The essence and objectives of the open door policy which has contributed to the increase of the number of our friendly countries will remain the same to serve for the strengthening of the cooperation between Tajikistan and all countries of the world.

Today you all are aware of the unexpected transformations and developments, particularly, change in the previously sustainable world order which have taken place in the previous and past recent years.

Emergence of new wave of disagreement and conflicts in Middle East and other parts of the world, unprecedented spread of international terrorism and organized crime, illicit drug and weapon trafficking, aggravation of ecological problems and spread of the new severe infectious diseases, decrease of the influence of bodies and institutions of international law – require the necessity for taking serious efforts for ensuring the national and regional security.

All of these occurrences and events emphasize the truth that the challenges of century and new threats to the human civilization constantly increase causing serious danger to the security of both small and large countries of the world and even to the fate of all humanity.

These events have once again proved that terrorism and extremism, on the one hand – are serious global threats as “plague of century”, and on another hand – the consequences show that a terrorist does not have a motherland, nationality and religion, a terrorist is a threat to the world community and life of each resident of our planet.

This miserable phenomenon has nothing in common with a religion, including with the true religion of Islam and it is committed on behalf of Islam only with wicked and mercenary political goals.

I have reiterated this issue at high-level and multilateral fora, including at the United Nations and today I repeat it once again that association of the pure name of Islam with the dangerous and hateful terrorism is a mistake.

Constantly growing trend of politicization of Islam is detrimental to the religion and demonstrates respectable image of its followers as ungracious to the world.  

Nowadays there is a strong necessity for strengthening religious tolerance in order to introduce the Muslim people as civilized, cultured and enlightened people and to consolidate all sensible forces of humanity to serve for cooperation.

We in this regard have to use all methods and means in our possession in order to encourage respect for positive and constructive ideas and thoughts and tolerance for one another’s beliefs to become as main trends of today’s world. 

However, it seems that the “double-standard policy”, unprecedented tension of geopolitical struggle, especially for access for vital and strategic resources and control over important geostrategic territories are considered to be the most dangerous phenomenon of last years.

We believe that keeping the planet and our region secure from these disasters with joint and collective efforts is from among of immediate and the most important tasks of national states and international organizations.

This situation demands from us the realization of the proven and balanced policy in order to prevent our countries from transforming into an instable arena.

We therefore will continue, as in the past, to make every possible effort to ensure that our region continues to remain a territory of friendship, cooperation, partnership and mutual support.

In this respect, reliance on collective measures and efficient cooperation with proven and trusted strategic partners will continue to constitute the core of the foreign policy of Tajikistan.

We will continue the efficient and constructive relations with international organizations, including the influential financial institutions, with which we have had mutually beneficial cooperation since our independence.

Within this framework, by pursuing the policy of extended cooperation in water diplomacy we will continue to strengthen a leading role of Tajikistan in the international arena in this regard.

Therefore, our country following its previous constructive initiatives, in accordance with the new resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, intends to host this year a High-level International Conference with a purpose of comprehensive review of the progress achieved in the implementation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Life”, 2005-2015 initiated by Tajikistan.

The objective of the Conference is discussion of global problems of fresh water scarcity, consideration of necessary measures for their solution, acknowledgement of significance of ideas of constructive cooperation in solution of water related problems, for the sake of sustainable development of countries in the region and the prosperous future of the population.

By mentioning of all these priorities and main directions of our foreign policy, we should not forget that further strengthening of efficient collaboration and enhancing the scope of cooperation with our neighboring countries, particularly Afghanistan, are of special importance for us. 

It is logical that in case of the emergence of new realities, i.e. after withdrawal of coalition forces from the territory of our friendly and brotherly country, our relations in all spheres should have new development, because, as we know, the stability and security in Afghanistan and the safety and peaceful situation in Central Asia are inseparable interconnected.

Shortly speaking, the foreign policy of the country traditionally should be pursued with consideration of high national interests, which, at the end of the day, are directed at the development and prosperity of our beloved country and its glorious people.

Dear members of Majlisi Milli and delegates of Majlisi Namoyandagon!

Dear compatriots!

The tasks and obligations which have been assigned in my today’s address to the supreme legislative body of the country concerning the solutions of priority issues, first of all, the achievement of our strategic goals and realization of national priorities, will be implemented only by reliance on the constructive power of the people of Tajikistan and by their faithful and honest labor.

In general, the tasks and objectives of the current year oblige us to take concrete and timely measures with the purpose of keeping at a steady level the economic indicators, including establishment of permanent control over the financial situation, support of the domestic manufacturers, development of small and medium enterprises, creation of new jobs, provision of the population with essential commodities, timely solution of people’s difficulties, as well as prevention of threats and dangers of modern world. 

I believe that we together with our proud and noble people, this year and in the years ahead, will take all necessary efforts to present our beloved Tajikistan in a worthy manner on the international arena, for the sake of sustainable economic and social development of our country, strengthening the national unity and creation of favorable conditions for the decent life of our people.

I am confident that the delegates of Majlisi Oli, Government officials,  intellectuals of country, enlightened women, proud and honorable, patriotic and knowledgeable youth, brave and courageous staff of the law-enforcement bodies and military authorities, noble entrepreneurs, our compatriots and every hard-working person of the country will serve with clean hand, pure heart and good intention, honestly and faithfully, for the sake of prosperity of our ancestor’s land, advancement of our independent state, worth presentation of the country at the international arena and defense of national and state interests; will fulfill their human duty with honor and by noble and constructive deeds. 

Thus, faithful defense of the national and state interests, prioritization of the national and state interests over all other interests, permanent and diligent efforts for the sake of strengthening the pillars of the national state, protection of the state independence, social stability, security of the state and society,  national unity and economic potential of the state are the civil obligations and responsibility of each of us – the Government officials, members of the Parliament, authorities and employees of institutions and organizations, public officials and, in general, all people of Tajikistan.

We know that there are still many difficulties and problems in our society and in people’s life which need to be solved. 

However, I strongly believe in a staunch will, good intention and eternal wisdom of the ancient and proud people of Tajikistan and I declare with confidence that all of us will solve the existing problems in upcoming years and will turn our beloved Tajikistan into a prosperous and advanced country and will establish favorable conditions for the decent life of our people.

We must love our Homeland faithfully and selflessly, we have to be real patriots, we ought to be grateful for the greatest and sacred blessings, i.e. our Motherland and Freedom, we have to be always ready for the defense of our ancestor’s land and work hard for the sake of advancement and prosperity of our independent state and safety and security of every family in our beloved country.

I wish health, success and achievements to all noble people of Tajikistan and to all of you, distinguished audience in the process of ensuring advancement and development of our Native land and strengthening of potential and influence of our beloved Tajikistan.

I wish all my dear compatriots good health and prosperity!