DUSHANBE, April 1, 2009, Asia-Plus — The lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament has endorsed a bill requiring import limits in order support domestic producers under conditions of the ongoing global financial crisis.
A regular sitting of the fifth session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the third convocation, presided over by its chairman, Saydullo Khairulloyev, was held on April 1.
Presenting the draft law “On Measures to Protect Economic Interests of Tajikistan When Carrying Out External Trade,” MP Mirzosharif Islomiddinov noted that preparation of the draft law had been caused by critical situation that had emerged in the country’s economy.
“Under conditions when Imports significantly prevail over exports although many imported goods do not meet elementary requirements of quality, and goods manufactured by domestic producers cannot compete with similar foreign goods, we ought to adopt this law in order to minimize effects of the global financial crisis,” Islomiddinov said.
According to him, the law was drafted by himself in cooperation with MP Sadriddin Khairddinov.
After adoption of this law, the government may introduce antidumping measures against imported goods, analogs to which are manufactured in the country, Islomiddinov said. “The government may impose countervailing taxes or interim special tax on some goods imported into the country. Among such goods are carpets, textile products and alcohol drinks,” MP added.
In the meantime, MP Safarali Rajabov noted that adoption of that law could lead to increase of prices of goods in the country.
“The country itself practically does not produce goods. We will deprive our citizens of the right of purchasing, for example, Iranian and Turkish carpets at affordable prices and make them purchase Tajik carpets at overstated prices,” said Rajabov, “What domestic enterprise is able to meet the population requirements in one or another commodity?”
Islomiddinov noted that Tajikistan had such enterprises. Among them are Tajikazot, carpet-producing enterprises, Zarya Vostoka, etc. “These enterprises together with the Ministry of Energy and Industries have repeatedly applied to the government and parliament over import limits,” he said.
Speaking at the session, MP Muhiddin Kabiri proposed to lower taxes for domestic enterprises and protect them against corruption.
After long and lively discussion, parliamentarians endorsed the draft law by a majority vote.
