Session of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held video conference session of the Cabinet of Ministers where current matters of the state life have been discussed.

First, the Head of Turkmenistan has called Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov who reported on fulfilment of assignment given at the session of the Government on September 4 on preparation of the forecast of social and economic development of the country for this year and 2021 taking into account time realities.

According to analysis of macroeconomic indicators, it is expected that the GDP will increase by 5.8 percent by the outcomes of 2020. At the same time, it is planned that the share of industry will be equal to 27.1 percent, agriculture – 11.4 percent, construction 8.6 percent, transport and communication sector – 11 percent, trade – 19.3 percent, service sphere – 22.6 percent in general.

According to the forecast, the volume of investments to national economy from all sources of financing will be 19,4 percent in relation to the GDP due to the situation in the world economy.

The Vice-premier has also reported on results of work for development of initial drafts of the State budget, main directions of social and economic development and Investment program of Turkmenistan for 2021.

The documents have been made following economic strategy as well as the Program of social and economic development of the country in 2019 – 2025.

It was also informed that taking into account current situation in the world economy, number of indicators of Presidential Program planned in 2021 has been adjusted according to actual capabilities and expected calculations.

Reporting on the draft state budget for the next year, the Vice-premier has informed about resources provided for expenditures and revenues. Next year, significant volumes of financial resources will be used for development of education, health protection, social provision, living and municipality services, system of government services. At the same time, it is planned to invest to production, social and cultural spheres.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that based on the forecasts of experts in global economy and finances, the next year is expected to as complicated in financial years as current one. In this context, it is necessary to analyze again all matters related to the State budget 2021, Turkmen leader said, having requested to send to document to Mejlis for review upon completion.

According to relative Decree, it is necessary to provide resources for increment of salary wages, pensions, state allowances, student scholarships as well as some other social payments in the main financial plan of the country for the next year, the Head of Turkmenistan instructed.

It is also important to plan the investments for continuation of construction of living for disabled people and citizens in need in the cities and districts, the Leader of the Nation highlighted, having addressed the Vice-premier with specific assignments.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov has reported to Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about situation in the sphere under his supervision and measures taken for practical implementation of the Program of development of oil and gas industry of Turkmenistan until 2030.

The report on work for improvement of the Regulations for supply of gas to the population and Turkmenistan and Regulations for use of gas by facilities and organizations in Turkmenistan, which is carried out according to time requirements, has been presented.

The above-mentioned documents specify the provisions on payment (cash and non-cash), control of volumes of supplied gas, rights, responsibilities and duties of the sides. Measures aimed at provision of safe operation of gas supply facilities, prohibition of uncontrolled construction of gas lines, use of gas equipment non meeting technical standards have been provided.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that efficient and rational use of rich hydrocarbon resources of the country, which is among the world energy powers, is one of the main aspects of economic strategy of Turkmenistan.

The gas industry has an important role in establishment of conditions for steadfast development of industrial sector, provision of social and economic growth of the country and further improvement of life conditions of the population.

It is necessary to increase production volumes of gas, to hold under control the provision of living and municipal facilities, industrial facilities with gas, the Head of the State pointed out, having requested to introduce modern energy saving technologies, gas metering systems to production and social spheres.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev has reported on seasonal field works in the regions of the country, the Vice-premier has presented the program of horse races, which would be held in International Ahalteke Equestrian Complex and regions on September 28 in honor of the 29th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan.

Having listened to the report, the President ordered to hold all subjects of cotton harvest campaign and sowing of winter crops under permanent control as well as requested to organize events dedicated the Independence Day of Turkmenistan on high level.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdiliyev has reported on work carried out at production and social facilities. It was also reported about events planned in honor of celebration of the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered the Vice-premier to provide strict control of course and quality of construction of facilities, which opening is timed to the 25th anniversary of neutrality.

It was noted that having taken to course toward industrialization, Turkmenistan pays special attention to gradual increment of production capacity of national construction industry, which is to provide requirements of internal market in qualitative and competitive production.

Having signed the Resolution on construction of facility for production of sound and thermal proof materials from fine basalt fiber in Balkan Region, the President has sent it to the Vice-premier by electronic document management system, having addressed certain instructions.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov has reported on measures for improvement of work and technical modernization of Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency in the aspect of solution of objectives outlined in the Concept of development of digital economy in Turkmenistan in 2019 – 2025.

Ramified complex of communication, digital TV and radio broadcasting successfully operates in the country and electronic document management system is introduced. Modern telephone stations provide high-speed channels for connection to wideband internet and transfer of data. Subscriber network of Altyn Asyr national cellular operator is expanded.

Having listened to the report, the Head of Turkmenistan highlighted that program work is carried in the country for digitization, introduction of scientific developments in production, which is important for improvement of activity of industries according to time requirements.

It is necessary to study and develop advanced experience and best practices orienting at the formation of digital model based not only on import of ready solutions but on own scientific and technological potential, the President pointed out.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov has reported on practical measures for reformation of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan into open joint stock venture.

Proposal on change of organizational and legal status has been presented to the President for review for implementation of the Strategy of improvement of activity of the SCRMET in 2020 – 2025.

Taking into account that export of production made in the country is the main activity of the Exchange, exporting facilities with certain shared participation are proposed as stockholders. Part of the shares is proposed to be sold to members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country through Ashgabat Stock Market. In this regard, it was informed about preparation of the list of facilities and organizations interested in participation.

Summing up the information, the President noted that organizational legal structure of similar structures is made in the form of joint stock ventures in the world practice and successful execution of planned measures would allow achieving significant increase of transactions at the exchange and its income.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova has reported on the Program of the main activities on occasion of opening of social and cultural facilities next month.

The Vice-premier has also reported on planned cultural events of international significance dedicated to the 29th anniversary of independence and 25th anniversary of neutrality. In this context, it was reported about measures for fulfilment of instructions on further development of fruitful cooperation with foreign partners.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has requested to provide high level of organization of events on occasion of the main holiday of the country and in honor of the anniversary of the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan and all planned events in general, which have to reflect creative spirit of new historical epoch and embody primordial national traditions and customs.

Speaking of importance of humanitarian partnership, cultural and art exchanges, the Head of the State has addressed the Vice-premier with relative instructions for expansion of traditional relations in this direction, having actively involved them in digital technologies.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov has reported on work for expansion of the network of scientific and production centers in high educational institutes of the country.

It was mentioned that integrated measures are taken for strengthening of contacts with foreign scientific and research institutes, high educational facilities. These works are aimed at solution of current issues of the main branches of the economy.

Thus, it is planned to open Scientific and production center of natural and precise sciences in Magtumguly Turkmen State University and Transport and logistic scientific center in the Institute of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communications of Turkmenistan.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted that dynamically developing Turkmenistan, which actively integrates to international economic, cultural and technological space, has always been and remain to be an initiative supports of attraction of innovations to all spheres of the state life.

Turkmen leader has requested the Vice-premier to take proper measures for active use of potential of scientific and research institutes and high schools, stimulation of scientific activity and training of young scientists.

The Head of the State has ordered to elaborate on presented project, having focused on the necessity of thorough analysis of the most required directions of scientific activity and rapid practical implementation of researches in practice.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister R. Meredov has reported on work for development of international cooperation in Caspian region. In this regard, importance of large-scale activity of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for strengthening of multidimensional constructive cooperation with Caspian states was highlighted.

Today, our country takes steadfast measures for further intensification of efficient relations in Caspian Sea; long-term programs are under elaboration. In this regard, special attention is paid to development of the draft of integrated document – National Sea Strategy of Turkmenistan. It is planned to establish special Interdepartmental working group for development of final revision of the document.

Development of contractual and legal base of the partnership with coastal states is an important aspect. Important five-side documents on cooperation in Caspian Sea have been adopted previously based on initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan made at the Summits of the heads of Caspian States in Teheran in 2007, Baku in 2010 and Astrakhan in 2014.

Following the proposals made by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the V Caspian Summit in Aktau in 2018, the work on drafts of intergovernmental Agreements on cooperation in the sphere of scientific researches and search and rescue works in Caspian Sea is carried out.

Draft Protocols on cooperation in such spheres as combating against illegal production of biological resources (poaching) and provision of safety of navigation in Caspian Sea have been developed.

In addition, Draft Concept of new Caspian Ecological Program, which has been sent to Caspian states for study and further joint review, has been elaborated with participation of relative government authorities of Turkmenistan.

Taking into account what was said above, it is proposed to organize video conference meetings and consultations with coastal states in September – October this year for activation of work of five-side partnership mechanisms.

It is proposed to open Coordination Center in the Caspian Sea Institute for preparation to the VI Caspian Summit and to hold session of relative Interdepartmental Commission on September 19.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that development of fruitful cooperation in Caspian Sea is one of priority vectors of foreign strategy of neutral Turkmenistan, which is based on principles of good neighborliness and open doors.

The Head of the State noted that Caspian region is big natural treasury of hydrocarbon resources, transit and transport hub of continental scale, perspective space for expansion of international trade and entry new foreign markets.

At the same time, Caspian Sea is a unique eco system with original flora and fauna, which provides the importance of cooperation in the sphere of scientific studies and ecology, establishment of channels of ‘green diplomacy’. At the same time, beautiful nature, rich history and culture allows Caspian Sea becoming one of the most popular tourism destinations.

It is necessary to concentrate on practical solution of current objectives of partnership aimed at provision of economic growth and improvement of competiveness of this region, its successful integration to modern system of the world economy as well as at strengthening of traditional cultural and humanitarian contacts between coastal states, Turkmen leader said.

Having approved given proposals, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov requested the Vice-premier, the Head of the Foreign Ministry to continue steadfast work in this direction.

Speaker of the Mejlis G. Mammedova has informed about preparation to regular session of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan. It was also informed about organizational issues related to national forum, results of election of public representatives to the People’s Council, preparation to events on occasion of the award ceremony of distinguished citizens in honor of the 29th anniversary of independence.

Having listened to the information, the President noted the necessity of organization of planned preparation works for the session of the People’s Council on high level.

Deputies have to explain political, social and historical importance of national forum and decisions that would be made at the forum, especially Constitutional Law, to the population on sites and in media, the Head of the State continued. It will be a historical event for our country, triumph of democratic principles in the system of government administration.

Speaking of importance of activities on occasion of the honoring ceremony of Turkmenistan citizens who made deserving contribution to prosperity of the Motherland, the Head of the State has requested to hold the ceremony on proper level.

Addressing the participants of the session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the necessity of coordinated work of all structures involved in organization of the session of the People’s Council, which has to be held in strict compliance with set requirements and country’s legislation.

Having addressed the vice-premiers with certain instructions according to profile direction of their spheres, the President requested to hold under control all matters related to preparation to coming forum.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council Ch. Amanov reported on measures for improvement of activity of security forces and preparation to the military parade on occasion of the 29th anniversary of independence.

It was reported to the President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the country about execution of the Order and Resolution on dismissal of military personnel who served their military duty to reserve from the Armed Forces, other forces and security structures of the country.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that it is necessary to pays special attention to provision of military divisions and law enforcement structures with modern arms and equipment, support of combat training of personnel on high level, social provision of officers and their families. The Head of the State has ordered the Vice-premier, Secretary of the State Security Council to provide high level of military parade timed to the next anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence.

Other important matters of the state life, on which relative decisions were made, have been reviewed at the session. Finishing video conference session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished strong health, family wealth and big success in work to all participants.