DUSHANBE, January 2, Asia-Plus  -- In his message of congratulations on occasion of the New Year holiday, posted on presidential website, President Emomali Rahmon has noted that the year of 207 was successful and resultant.  

Noting that the Anzob tunnel and the bridge across the River Panj linking Tajikistan’s Nizhny Panj with Afghanistan port Sherkhan Bandar were put into operation last year, the president noted that it was evidence of the fact that the country has taken steps towards achievement of its strategic goals such as providing energy independence, reducing Tajikistan’s isolation from the neighboring markets and improving the populations'' living standards   

            The president reminded that compared to 2000, the budget for 2007 has increased six times and it is planned to provide a 7 percent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2008.  

            Dwelling on place of Tajikistan on international arena, the head of state noted that as member of international community Tajikistan is implementing its development strategy through integration at all levels, first of all, with the countries of the region, advanced countries and within international organizations.  

            “We remain supporters of development of constructive and mutually beneficial relations with all countries,” the president stressed.