DUSHANBE, 23.05.2022 (NIAT Khovar) – On May 23, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon took part and spoke at the 78th session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which was held in a virtual format.

The meeting was also attended by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Armida Alisjahbana, heads of state and government of Thailand, Georgia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Fiji, Malaysia, Samoa, Vietnam, New Zealand, and other international and regional organizations.

While congratulating all the ESCAP member states on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, President Rahmon noted that Tajikistan welcomes the theme of the forum «Common Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific.»

In his speech, President Rahmon reflected on the impact of the global COVID-19 crisis on the economies of countries, joint efforts to combat the disease, reduce its spread and economic and social consequences on a global scale.

He noted that through joint effort Tajikistan has been able to reduce the threats posed by the proliferation of COVID-19.

In 2021, economic growth in the country amounted to 9.2%, which is 4.7% more than in the previous year.

According to President Rahmon, the growth of consumer demand, foreign investment, revival of the process of economic development and world trade are the main factors contributing to the rapid growth of the economy.

According to him, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,  the regulatory framework for multifaceted transportation must be strengthened, its infrastructure must be developed, regional logistics centers must be established, and digital technologies must be introduced.

In conclusion, President Emomali Rahmon expressed confidence that all the member of ESCAP will take an active part in the high-level conference in Dushanbe.

The second Dushanbe Conference on the International Decade for Action «Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028” will be held on June 6-9 in Dushanbe.