DUSHANBE, August 27, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- An August 26 government session, presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, considered more than 40 issues, according to presidential press service.      

Indicators of socioeconomic development of the country for 2009-2011 were among major topics of the session.  

During the session, it was noted that Tajikistan population will grow by 2.1 percent in 2009, and the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) will rise 7.1 percent in 2009, reaching 20.6 billion somonis.  GDP per capita is expected to amount to 2,775 somonis in 2009. 

Compared to 2001 the pace of socioeconomic development of the country has risen nearly four times, presidential press service said.    

            The session also heard reports by units for management of projects for development of local infrastructure and microfinance in Tajikistan.  During the meeting, it was noted that two projects in this direction for a total amount of 74 million somonis, with 80 percent of them being grants and government funds, have currently been implemented.  

            Since the beginning of this year, 14 banks have allocated more than 10 million somonis in microloans to 37,800 people and 4,300 new jobs have been created in the country. 

Speaking at the meeting, the president charged relevant ministries and organizations to increase amounts of microloans provided to people.  

The session endorsed the national program for construction and renovation of schools for 2008-2013.  Under this program, 782 schools will be constructed and renovated over the report period.  Some 565 million somonis will be allocated for implementation of this program, the press service said.