TADJIKISTAN TO INTRODUCE NEW CURRENCY

On October 30th, Tadjikistan is introducing its new national currency, somoni, which replaces the rouble, the republic’s president, Emomali Rakhmonov, said. He pointed out that the introduction of a new currency was “called forth by the necessity to strengthen the national economy and banking system.” From May 1995, the so called Tadjik rouble has been in circulation in Tadjikistan. Alongside the new currency, it is supposed to be valid for 5 months. The new currency’s exchange rate will stay the same, 2,100 somony for $1. The new currency has been printed in Russian and is reliably protected, RIA Novosti news agency reports.