DUSHANBE, 30.03.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon had a working meeting with Sughd Province activists. The meeting participants reviewed the past year and discussed socio-economic issues of Sughd Province for the future.

It was noted that the gross domestic product of the region has reached TJK 20.500 million, which is 26.5% of the country’s gross domestic product. Poverty threshold in the region decreased by 0.5% compared to the previous year and the population living standards are enhanced.

Currently, socio — economic development program of the Sughd region through 2020 is being implemented. The industrial production volume in 2019 has reached 13 billion somoni and its growth rate is at 12.9% compared in 2018 and in the last two months of 2020 has increased by 20.2%. The volume of mining products grew by 10% compared to the same period last year.

As a result of measures taken by the Government to improve the investment climate in 2019, the region received about 1.8 billion somoni of direct investment. More than 70% of foreign direct investment in 2019 fell on Guliston; the cities of Isfara, Konibodom, Istiqlol, Istaravshan and districts of Kuhistoni Mastchoh, Jabbor Rasulov, Spitamen, Mastchoh and Devashtich were not attracted by foreign investment.

President instructed the chairmen of the mentioned districts to strengthen their activities in attracting foreign direct investment and to present investment opportunities to foreign investors as much as possible.

Other issues discussed include education, health care, culture as well as livestock farming, poultry, fish farming, beekeeping, horticulture, efficient use of land, exporting healthy fruits and agricultural products abroad and other priority sectors.

Additional measures to speed up economic growth and increase household incomes, landscaping, and employment creation and correct existing deficiencies were the main topic.

Following meeting with activists and attendance in the unveiling of a monument to famous Tajik astronomer, mathematician and inventor Abu Mahmudi Khujandi, President has attended the tulip festival dubbed Sairi Guli Lola.

This was followed by an inspecting 2 ha of the state-of-the-art greenhouse MMK Agro LTD, which consists of two parts: the hydroponic part; and the organic part, which in turn was followed by participation in a groundbreaking ceremony for laying a super-intensive apple, pear, apricot and peach orchard in the areas of five hectares in Bobojon Ghafurov district. The orchard will be built in the territory of Vahdat National Park.

Concluding his visit to Sughd Province, President Emomali Rahmon attended the Atlas and Adras festival devoted to International Navruz holiday in Arbob Palace. After the concert he came up to the stage and talked with the performers and thanked them.