DUSHABE, May 6, 2011, Asia-Plus — Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) has endorsed a bill requiring amendments to the country’s law on precious metals and gemstones.
A regular sitting of the second session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the fourth convocation, presided over by its head, Shukurjon Zuhurov, was held on May 6.
Presenting the bill, Deputy Finance Minister, Jamoliddin Nouraliyev, noted that amendments made to the law were aimed at tightening state control over stocktaking, mining, storing and transporting precious metals and gems in the country.
According to him, eight companies engaged in mining precious metals and gems now operate in the country.
“Under the amendments made to the law, the Ministry of Finance will submit instruction on stocktaking, mining, storing and transporting precious metals and gems for consideration to the government in the near future,” Nouraliyev said.
He noted that the price of one gram of Tajik gold in a domestic market set by the Ministry of Finance was 50.00 somoni.
“According to our estimates, one somoni invested in gold mining in Tajikistan today earns profit of three somoni,” the deputy minister added.
After a comprehensive discussion, the members of the Majlisi Namoyandagon unanimously approved the amendments to the law “On Precious Metals and Gemstones.”
MP Shodi Shabdolov, who is also leader of the Communist Party (CPT), expressed confidence that the approved amendments will enable the government to tighten control over mining and turnover of precious metals and gems in the country and mining of them will become one of economic priorities of Tajikistan.
