Session of the Government: Priorities of foreign policy, algorithm of economic growth, digitization

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held video conference working session of the Cabinet of Ministers where current issues of the state life have been discussed and drafts of some documents have been reviewed.

Taking into account the discussion of the utmost objectives on reformation of the regions and improvement of agricultural complex, heads of the regions and capital have also been invited to the session.

Coming over to the subjects of the agenda, the Head of Turkmenistan has given floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov who reported on work carried out by the structures under his supervision.

It was reported that according to the State Programme of Turkmenistan for Provision of Cyber Security and Plan of Implementation of the State Programme of Turkmenistan for Provision of Cyber Security in 2017 – 2021, which were adopted by the Resolution of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on June 7, 2017, the General State Service of Türkmenstandartlary has a function of inspection and certification of technical equipment and software in this sphere.

It is proposed to establish Cyber Security Certification Department for arrangement of work for certification of technical equipment and software, which are produced in the country and imported, to time requirements under the Central Administration of the Service according.

Summing up the report, the President noted that development of national standards and methods in the sphere of informational security including harmonization with international standards and technical regulations is among priority directions of development of Turkmenistan.

Having generally approved presented proposal, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed Vice-premier G. Mushikov and relative vice-premier to take proper measures for successful fulfilment of objectives following from the State Programme of Turkmenistan for Provision of Cyber Security.

Addressing governors of the regions and Ashgaabt, Turkmen leader noted the necessity to hold issues related to implementation of the Programme under control.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredvo reported on the situation in the sphere under his supervision and work carried out for improvement of activity of oil and gas complex, modernization of its production infrastructure.

Draft Resolutions, according to which it is planned to build two new gas turbine and to re-construct power station of Turkmenbashy Refinery Complex, have been presented to the head of the State for review.

Having listened to the report, the Head of the State highlighted importance of modernization of petrochemical industry, which is one of the most perspective branches of national economy in the context of strengthening of export potential of Turkmenistan.

In this aspect, the Vice-premier has been addressed with number of instructions for further technical rearmament of facilities of the complex, introduction of efficient technologies that provide deep and waste free processing of hydrocarbon materials, innovative methods of production of petrochemical commodities as well as expansion of its variety.

Having signed the presented Draft Resolution on Construction of new gas turbines and reconstruction of power station of Turkmenbashy Refinery Complex, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent it to the Vice-premier by electronic document management system and addressed relative instructions.

Having noted importance of successful fulfilment of objectives of social and economic development of the western region following from this Resolution, the Head of the State gave specific assignments to the head of Balkan Region.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev has reported on preparation to organized sowing of wheat and beginning of the cotton harvesting.

The Vice-premier has addressed the President of Turkmenistan with request to appoint the dates of the start of sowing of winter crops and cotton harvest taking into account soil and climate conditions of the regions.

Having listened to the report and addressing the members of the Cabinet of Ministers and heads of the regions, Turkmen leader highlighted that together with other branches of the economy, good results are achieved in agriculture.

The Government provides comprehensive support for production of good yields of agricultural crops in Turkmen land. Programme work aimed at strengthening of food abundance of the country and provision of industrial facilities with raw cotton is carried out. The farmers are provided with high-quality seeds, mineral fertilizers, modern equipment, sufficient volume of chemicals and water.

Hot season is starting for wheat and cotton producers. Sowing of wheat and reaping of cotton are about to start, the Head of Turkmenistan said, having highlighted the importance of these two responsible agricultural campaigns.

The President of the country has instructed to start sowing of wheat on September 2 and cotton harvesting on September 9 in Ahal, Balkan, Lebap and Mary Regions and on September 16 in Dashoguz Region.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdiliyev has reported on the situation on the spheres under his supervision, work performed for uninterrupted supply of raw materials to national chemical production facilities.

It was mentioned that Marykarbamid, Tejenkarbamid and garabogazkarbamid plants of the State Concern Türkmenhimiýa, which are specialized in production of carbamide fertilizer, provide not only the demands of local market but also export the main part of its production.

Concentrated carbamide formaldehyde, which make effect on quality of fertilizer and keeping of its shape during long-distant shipment, is one of the main raw materials for production. For this purpose, international tender on procurement of this raw material has been exercised and the winner has been selected.

Having noted importance of uninterrupted operation of chemical complexes, which production is on high demand in local and foreign markets, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov requested to elaborate on the subject of entry into contract with foreign partners and to send it for review to relative structures.

In this regard, the Vice-premier has received instruction to hold activity of the branches under his supervision, in particular full raw material and technical provision of facilities of national chemical industry under strict control.

Addressing the heads of the regions, the Head of the State has requested to hold under control timely provision of farmers with necessary fertilizers in order to receive generous yields of agricultural production and further provision of food abundance in the country.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov has reported on the development of Draft Resolutions on Allowing of Certain Government Organizations to take part in establishment of open joint stock venture Awtoulag kärhanalar birleşigi and on Establishment of electronic data base system in ministries, profile departments and administrations of the regions and Ashgabat.

The Vice-premier has reported that major works are carried out in transport sphere including modernization of equipment and facility base, procurement of modern equipment and vehicles for provision of qualitative services to the population. The construction of complex of motor transport facilities is under final stage along Ashgabat – Dashoguz highway.

For successful work of Türkmenawtoulaglary Agency, it was proposed to establish Awtoulag kärhanalar birleşigi Open Joint Stock Venture with shared participation of Ashgabat Passenger Transport Department, Driving School Association and Awtomobil ulag hyzmaty OJSC.

Continuing the report, the Vice-premier has reported that according to the Concept of development of digital economy in Turkmenistan, staged organizations of relative works by the ministries, departments and administrations of the regions and Ashgabat, facilities, establishments and organizations regardless of their ownership as well as private companies are planned.

As for today, 294 websites have been opened. Specialists of Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency provide cyber security of the sites and have developed antivirus programmes. Complex of measures is carried out in regional, district and city administrations in this direction.

The Vice-premier has presented the draft document on establishment of electronic database system on single technical regulation, which would allow implementing the system of Electronic Government in full volume.

Having highlighted the subject of establishment of electronic database system in administrations of regions and Ashgabat, the Head of the state demanded to accelerate the rates of these works.

Municipalities and local executive power administrations have to hold this activity under close attention, the president continued, having requested to provide the access to Internet in rural areas, to prepare relative infrastructure and service sphere to growing volumes of information.

The focus has also been made on current objectives of Türkmenawtoulaglary Agency, in particular the objectives related to further improvement of equipment and facility base of this sphere.

The President of Turkmenistan has signed the presented documents and sent it to the Vice-premier by electronic document management system, having addressed number of assignments on implementation of the documents.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov has reported on work for production of import substitutive goods like electronic and electro technical products in the country.

Agzybirlik tilsimaty Joint Venture of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs has established the production of electronic and electro technical products and various computers.

The Vice-premier has reported that technical specifications of these computers meet the world standards and allow working with latest programmes. The facility has established high technological base as well as train specialists in informational and software spheres.

It is proposed to open the branch of Agzybirlik tilsimaty company in Turkmenabat, Lebap Region for expansion of production of electronic equipment. Together with members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Türkmen-innowasiýa Private Company, it is planned to establish the production of smart TV receivers and payment terminals in Ahal Region and also with Türkmen-tranzit Business entity in Dashoguz.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that attraction of innovations to all spheres of life activity, including telecommunications and high-speed information technologies, is actively continued in the country.

Agzybirlik tilsimaty produce children learning computers, which are presented to first grade school students of the country every year. Installed software performs various educational functions and has three language versions – Turkmen, Russian and English. It was the first contribution of the facility to digitization of school educational process, the Head of the State noted.

Having focused on the opening of the branch of Agzybirlik tilsimaty in Turkmenabat as well as on production of electronic equipment and payment terminals in Ahal and Dashoguz Region, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov requested the Vice-premier and heads of relative regions to hold implementation of the measures in this direction under strict control, to stimulate national entrepreneurs and make conditions for their active participation in the government programmes and major projects.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on the Plan of celebration events on occasion of the 29th anniversary of independence of the country as well as on opening ceremonies of social and cultural facilities.

It is planned to hold number of opening ceremonies including the building of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, reconstructed building of the department of Olympic sports and complex of buildings of Turkmen State Institute of Physical Training and Sports as well as capital specialized training and educational school.

Opening of residential houses and other facilities are planned in Dashoguz, administrative centre of Lebap Region and in Bayramaly, Mary Region. Number of various facilities will be opened in Turkmen capital. Final concert of the concept among talented children is among celebration events.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that events dedicated to the 29th anniversary of independence and opening of new facilities have to be held on high organizational level.

The Independence Day is the main celebration of the country. Owing to the sovereignty received 29 years ago, Turkmenistan has turned in economically developed independent state, which has big international authority and deserved glory, open for wide cooperation for universal peace, progress happiness and prosperity.

Therefore, each event has to be substantial, important and celebrated in accordance wiith national traditions as it is supposed to be for the events in the epoch of might and happiness, the Head of Turkmenistan said, having addressed the Vice-premier, heads of the capital and regions with specific instructions.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on preparation to new educational year 2020 – 2021 and to the Day of Knowledge and Students. It was reported that maintenance and restoration works have been carried out in all educational facilities of the country. Sanitary and disinfection activity is carried out regularly.

Educational programmes and plans have been made up according to national principles. Secondary schools of the country have been provided with books under the preparation to the beginning of educational year. For provision of school and university students with necessary accessories and uniform, mobile fairs of school production, which were organized by relative ministries and departments, work all over the country.

Session of educational sphere personnel has been held. Various events are planned on occasion of the Day of Knowledge and Students observed on September 1.

Summing up the report, the Head of the State has noted the importance of all events on high organizational level.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister R. Meredov reported on the measures for implementation of ecological diplomacy of Turkmenistan.

In this regard, it was noted that development of multilateral cooperation in strategic subjects of international agenda including those related to such current aspects as climate change, environment protection, rational nature management, provision of ecological safety is one of the main vectors of foreign course of our country.

Large-scale work is carried out and important initiatives receiving wide support of international community are proposed for expansion of efficient partnership in these directions.

As for today, Turkmenistan is a member of 20 International conventions and multilateral documents in ecological sphere. It supports to the formation of solid legal base for further establishment of fruitful cooperation in the above-mentioned directions on national, regional and global levels.

Only this year, our country has joined to four international dicuments on environment protection, it was mentioned that following initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the draft Concept of the UN Special Programme for Aral Region has been developed.

It is expected that the draft document on development of Special Programme will be reviewed during the next session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Central Asia and Pacific in May 2021.

Relative government authorities of the country have developed the draft Concept of new Caspian Ecological Programme, which is proposed to discuss during coming meeting of the state members of the Framework Convention for Protection of Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

The Vice-premier, Foreign Minister, has made a proposal on joining of our country to the Nagoya Protocol to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity for implementation of constructive initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan on promotion of ecological diplomacy and strengthening of international legal base in this sphere.

This document, which has entered into force in 2014, is to provide the regulation of the access to gene resources and joint use of their benefits on fair and equal basis.at present time, the European Union and 124 countries of the world are the members of the Protocol.

It was highlighted that Turkmenistan pays special attention to fulfilment of international obligations and national legal acts in ecological sphere. It is proposed to establish Working Group on Ecological Affairs for organization of relative activity on systematic basis.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that provision of ecological wealth and environment protection are strategic priorities of the government policy of neutral Turkmenistan. This is fundamental and responsible position, which our country follows strictly during formation of national development plans and in implementation of its foreign course.

Taking practical measures on assertion of ecological problems in the agenda of global cooperation, Turkmenistan makes specific proposals from the tribune of the UN and other competent international organizations aimed at activation of multilateral partnership in this sphere, implementation of joint long-term programmes and projects, the Head of the State noted.

Having ratified fundamental natural protection documents of the UN, including the convention of biological diversity, on protection of ozone layer, combating of desertification, Paris Treaty on climate change and other, our country demonstrates in practice the commitment to undertaken obligations.

Consolidation of efforts, implementation of the standards of green economy, compliance with high ecological requirements in all spheres of activity are integral factors of achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in creation of favourable conditions for life of people. Proposing ecological diplomacy as one of the main vectors of foreign strategy, Turkmenistan makes deserving contribution to solution of vitally important issues of humanity.

Speaking of this, the President has approved in general given proposals, having requested the Vice-premier to continue integrated work in this direction.

Further, addressing the participants of the session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan will present its priority positions on key issues of the global agenda and initiatives on development of their solution at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

Number of proposals of our country made for the interests of entire humanity received recognition and support of the world community. This year, which is marked with the 25th anniversary of neutral status, our country would propose important initiatives at the next session of the UN General Assembly, the Head of the State said.

Today, Turkmenistan develops relations with all interested countries, strengthens partnership under international organizations. Activation of cooperation with the UN in all range of its activity, which makes conditions for successful fulfilment of obligations following from neutral status of the country, is strategic direction.

Having noted again that this year, Turkmenistan celebrates the 25th anniversary of neutral status, which principles, values and provisions fully meet not only national interests but common goals and objectives of the United Nations, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reminded that in February 2017, the UN General Assembly in co-authorship with numerous state members declared December 12 as International Neutrality Day. This is another evidence of wide international recognition of initiatives of our country, Turkmen leader said.

Current world situation caused by coronavirus pandemic in regards with objectives related to consolidation of international efforts for prevention of this disease would be discussed at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, the Head of the State continued.

Turkmenistan will present its own practice in prevention of spread of coronavirus infection including those preventive measures that were timely taken from the moment of appearance of this new threat as well as development of national strategy of combating coronavirus.

According to the President, establishment of reliable platform seems to be current today for taking global economy to stable level of development. At the same time, the main role is given to energy, transport, industrial and trade spheres. Turkmenistan will confirm the commitment to activation of events for development of international legal mechanism of the UN in stable and reliable transit of energy resources during the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, the Head of the state said.

The President continued that our country highlights an important role of international transport communications and the necessity of provision of their stability in continuing complicated period for the whole world. Taking into account recent obtaining of the observer status in the World Trade Organization, Turkmenistan uses new opportunities and make certain proposals for recovery crisis in the world economy.

Coming over to other priority positions, the President of Turkmenistan has noted that the humanity faces serious ecological issues at present. In this context, importance of development of cooperation between the United Nations and International Fund for Saving of Aral Sea is obvious and undisputable as consolidation of efforts is required on international level in recovery of Aral crisis, the Head of the State highlighted.

It is also important to continue implementation of big projects in energy, transport and communication sphere including construction of TAPI gas line. At the same time, it is necessary to attract international community, business structure and financial institutes to these projects.

For our country, the United Nations Organization is a reliable and strategic partner, the Head of the State highlighted, having noted that Turkmenistan acts in accordance with the UN Charter in international arena. Turkmenistan also announces about its commitment to noble principles, on which the Organization is based, in the year of celebration of the 75th anniversary of the UN, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov summed up.

Having confirmed the willingness of our country to develop and strengthen strategically important relations with the UN, the Head of the State addressed the Vice-premier, Foreign Minister R. Meredov with certain instructions.

Chairperson of the Mejlis G. Mammedova has informed about activity of National Parliament for modernization of legal bases of Turkmenistan, legal support of social and economic reforms in the country.

It was informed that tenth session of the Mejlis of the sixth convocation, where number of bills has been discussed and adopted, has been held on August 22. At present time, the working groups continue developing drafts of normative and legal acts and improve existing legal documents.

Constitutional reforms are among priority directions of activity of National Parliament this year. The Mejlis also carries out preparation to regular session of the People’s Council.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that legal activity is the main tool of implementation of major government programmes and is to support to improvement of life level of the people, strengthening of civic institutes and assertion of democratic values in the society.

The Head of the State has focused that it is necessary to continue meeting with public on sites with participation of deputies, representatives of political parties and public organizations, relative specialists of ministries, profile departments and scientific institutes and make people aware of importance of the Constitutional Law, which is brought out to discussion of the session of the People’s Council.

Other important subjects of the state life, on which relative decisions have been made, were discussed at the session.

Finishing video conference working session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished strong health, family wealth and big success in work to all participants.