DUSHANBE, December 25, Asia-Plus — President Emomali Rahmon demanded at a December 25 meeting with participation of local entrepreneurs that amounts of small loans provided to entrepreneurs and farmers in mountain areas should be raised 2-3 times.
Noting that small loaning has increased, putting certain effect to cut poverty in the country, the head of state noted that an upward tendency of it should continue last year as well.
To ensure the upward tendency of small loaning the president urged to increase a number of offices and branches of banks, especially in remote mountain areas.
The ministries of economy and finance, the committee for investments and management of state-owned property and banks are to take measures to extend terms of provision of small loans and reduce interest rates on them.
President Rahmon also ordered to work out a bill on lending rates.
Concerning legalization of property, the president noted that the property legalization process would be launched in January 2008 and last for six months.
Dwelling on the problems of standardization and certification, Emomali Rahmon charged the government with considering the issue of simplification of a procedure of compulsory certification of products.
He also expressed concern that because of negligence of some officials low-quality food products and medicines have been delivered to the country.
