In a statement delivered at a joint meeting of both chambers of parliament, President Emomali Rahmon yesterday proposed to establish the Agency for Preservation of Cultural and Historical Heritage under the Government of Tajikistan.
He, in particular, noted that to date, 15 historical and cultural heritages of Tajik people have been inscribed on the UNESCO List of tangible and intangible cultural heritage that enhanced the image of the ancient culture of the Tajik nation before the international community.
According to the president, he proposed to establish the mentioned Agency in order to improve the work on renovation, restauration and protection of historical and cultural relics heritages as well as to develop tourism in the country.
Rahmon noted that in the span of 2018-2023, four state investment projects totaling 330 million somonis were implemented in the country to develop the tourism industry and folk crafts.
In addition, preferential loans amounting to more than 300 million somonis were reportedly allocated to subjects of these industries from the country’s banking system.
During this period, 1,450 tourism facilities were built in the country and the number of tourists visiting Tajikistan in 2023 reached 1.2 million people, Rahmon noted.
At the same time, said that there are still many untapped opportunities for the development of tourism and relevant industries in Tajikistan.
“To effectively continue work in tourism sector it is necessary to create a permanent working group under the leadership of the relevant Deputy Prime Minister with the inclusion of one of the deputy heads of provinces, cities and districts,” the president said.
According to him, this working group should be entrusted with responsibility for the implementation of programs and plans for the construction of tourism infrastructure, development of folk crafts, including carpet weaving, Tajik Atlas and Adras (traditional woven fabrics), jewelry, as well as vocational training of citizens, organization and control of landscaping and urban greening, maintaining cleanliness and order settlements, nature conservation and efficient use of presidential and estate lands.
In addition, the organization of activities of craft sites and corners throughout the country, including the sale of domestic products, in particular, handicrafts, in all stores and markets, are issues that should be under the control of the working group.
The working group must submit quarterly reports to the Government on the work done.
At the same time, the National Bank and other financial institutions of the country should expand the provision of small-subsidized loans for the development of crafts, the president added.
