DUSHANBE, March 17, 2009, Asia-Plus — Deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon have sharply criticized the Ministry of Finance for inaction during the global financial crisis.
Their criticism directed at the ministry came on March 17 during hearing the report by Finance Minister Safarali Najmuddinov on implementation of the national budget for 2008.
Speaking at the meeting, MP Nourali Riyoyev asked the minister whether any changes would be made to the national budget for 2009 in connection with the global financial crisis.
Najmuddinov noted that no changes would be made to the budget during the first quarter of the year. “However, taking into consideration the crisis, we will have to change some parameters of the budget for this year,” he said.
Asked about banks’ appeal to the government for extension of the state loan repayment period, the minister said at present it was practically impossible to honor their request.
On the measures to mitigate effects of the financial crisis, Najmuddinov said the government would continue supporting the real sector of economy.
He called on federally funded organizations to reduce travel expenses, expenditures on telephone conversations and stationery, etc.
Speaking at the meeting, MP Mirzosharif Islomiddinov proposed to review fiscal policy during the financial crisis and reduce taxes on exports as some countries had done.
The minister noted that such a proposal was already being prepared and it would be submitted for consideration to the government soon.
MP Yusufjon Ahmadov noted that imports now accounted for 99 percent of products consumed in the country.
The country is currently importing even agricultural goods, he said. “We are importing garlic from China, potatoes from Pakistan, onions from Russia,” said Ahmadov, “The government should realize that receipts from cotton and aluminum exports as well as labor migrants’ remittances will significantly decrease.” Under the present conditions, significant prevalence of import over export may lead the country to collapse, he said, noting that there ought to freeze construction of state palaces, major repairs to the state institutions and use funds earmarked for them for mitigation of effects of the financial crisis.
“All construction works funded from the budget, except for the Roghun hydroelectricity project, have been temporarily suspended,” the minister said.
