Enlarged session of the Cabinet of Ministers roundup

On April 8, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov convened an enlarged Cabinet session to sum up 2016’s first-quarter outcomes of the country’s socio-economic development, to consider the results of work done by the government and the performance of sectors of the economy, to assess the implementation progress of the national programs and priority projects. The session adopted important documents, took personnel decisions, and discussed the top-priority tasks in main spheres of state life and society.

Representatives of Mejlis of Turkmenistan, khyakims of velayats, rectors of higher education institutions, heads of ministries and agencies, senior officials of the media were invited to attend the session.

Reporting on the outcomes of the activities in the supervised spheres, Cabinet Deputy Chairperson M. Yazmuhammedova informed about various events held in the period under review to mark the national holidays and inauguration of social and cultural purpose facilities. The activities, organized as part of the Year of honoring the heritage and transforming the country, and the systematic measures aimed to improve the activity of theaters, museums, and libraries are well underway.

The report also addressed the work done since the beginning of the year by the Turkmen State Publishing Service, the State Committee for Television, Radio and Cinematography, the State Tourism Committee.

After the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of official duties by the Vice-Premier. As noted, during her years in charge of the field of culture and mass media, she has been reprimanded several times; however the situation has not improved much.

Having directed his critical remarks to the Vice-Premier, the President of Turkmenistan signed Ukases on relieving M. Yazmuhammedova of the position of Cabinet Deputy Chairperson for Culture and appointing G. Mammedova to the post.

The head of state also signed documents on relieving H. Amangeldiev of the position of rector of the National Conservatory for the serious shortcomings in his work and the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, and on appointing A. Aidogdyev (who was relieved of the position of director of the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater).

Addressing G. Mammedova, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov assigned to appoint the Deputy Director of the Theater as Acting Director, and to propose a worthy candidate for the post.

Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Hojamammedov centered his report on the January-March macroeconomic indicators. As reported, all necessary conditions are being created in the country for the national economy stable development and for the efficient use of state funds.

Over the period under observation, the GDP growth rate reached 106.3 percent; the growth rates in the following sectors were identified as: industry – 102.5 p c; construction – 105.7 p c; transport and communications – 110 p c; trade – 116,7 p c; agriculture – 105.8 p c; services – 109,5 p c. The total output growth made up 103.2 p c as compared with last year’s similar period.

Average monthly salaries received by employees of large and medium-size enterprises increased by 9.5 percent.

During the three-month period, retail trade grew by 17 percent in comparison with the same period in 2015.

As part of the national development programs, different-purpose objects are currently under construction countrywide. The volume of assimilated investments from all financial sources amounted to 7.8 billion manats with the rate of growth reaching 105.7 percent against last year’s indicator.

As of now, 186 projects have been completed; construction of 133 facilities is currently underway.

In his report, Chairman of the Board of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan M. Annadurdyev covered the comprehensive measures aimed to modernize the country’s banking system, the implementation progress of the plan for currency receipts to bank accounts of the country’s ministries and agencies for exports and services.

Then Minister of Finance M. Muhammedov presented a report on the State Budget execution in the January-March period. Its revenues and expenditures made up 102.8 percent and 90.4 percent respectively; 80.2 percent of the budget funds were allocated for the social sphere.

As for the local budget implementation in the first quarter of the year, its receipts and outlays reached 105.5 percent and 92.5 percent respectively.

The report also detailed the realization course of the National Rural Development Program. Under the program, construction of 95 social and cultural purpose objects, 23 water and sewage treatment facilities, as well as dwelling houses and engineering facilities was in progress.

During this period of time, a series of measures were taken to follow the provisions of the Budget Code of Turkmenistan and to stimulate the development of the stock market and insurance activities. The Finance Minister also informed about the work done to improve professional skills of the sectoral institutions’ staff with the adoption of national accounting and financial reporting standards.

The economic indices for the first quarter of 2016 were in the focus of the report made by Minister of Economy and Development of Turkmenistan Yo. Sheripov.

High performance indicators were recorded in all sectors of the national economy when compared with the same period in 2015.

An increase in cargo traffic (all modes of transport) was observed during the three-month period, in particular, the growth rate of passenger services reached 102.5 percent.

In the report follow-up comments, the nation’s leader Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov expressed his dissatisfaction with the activity of the Ministry of Economy and Development. Having pointed out a number of significant shortcomings, the President of Turkmenistan relieved Yo. Sheripov of his position.

The head of state appointed B. Bazarov as Minister of Economy and Development, having relieved him of the position of Chairman of the Agency for Economic Risk Protection under the Ministry of Economy and Development of Turkmenistan.

Having relieved M. Arabov of the post of deputy chairman of the Board of the “Senagat” Joint-Stock Bank of Turkmenistan, the leader of nation appointed him as the Agency’s Chairman.

Chairman of the Main State Taxation Service of Turkmenistan Sh. Hummedov focused his report on the activity of the institution he is responsible for.

After drawing attention to the serious shortcomings in the Service, the President of Turkmenistan dismissed Sh. Hummedov from his position.

The presidential Ukase sanctioned the appointment of S. Gundogdyev as Chairman of the Main State Taxation Service of Turkmenistan (relieved of the position of the Service’s Deputy Chairman).

A. Oraeva was appointed as Chairperson of the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan; relieved of the post of Pro-Rector for Research, the Turkmen State Institute for Economy and Management.

President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov also signed a Resolution on making Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Hojamammedov responsible for Mary velayat.

Addressing the Vice-Premier and senior officials of the economic sector’s ministries and agencies, the nation’s leader voiced his dissatisfaction with the work done. The head of state stressed that he had repeatedly drawn attention to the misuse of budget funds and overstaffing in the administrative system.

Having noted the slow progress of the financial-economic system, the head of state said that the work done to ensure the transition to the market economy does not meet present-day requirements. The reorganization of enterprises of the sectoral ministries and agencies into joint stock corporations is far from perfect, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized.

Many state benefits introduced after the country’s independence to provide quality-of-life improvements to the population have already become economically unjustified. The factor puts obstacles in the path towards the transition to the market-based economy and leads to additional budget expenditures, the nation’s leader said.

The head of state emphasized the importance of improving professional training of highly-qualified personnel for the financial sphere, as well as specialists in management and banking.

The report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman, Director of the State Agency for Management and Use of Hydrocarbon Resources under the President of Turkmenistan Ya. Kakaev was an extensive coverage of the three-month work results in the oil and gas industry, and the implementation progress of the “Turkmenistan’s Oil-and-Gas Industry Development Program for the period till 2030”.

As reported, the production growth rates in the sector were identified as: 101.5 percent – petroleum and gas condensate; 100.4 percent – natural and associated gas. An increase in “blue fuel” exports to foreign countries made up 103 percent. As compared to the same period in 2015, there was a rise in production of some petroleum products, including polypropylene, technical lubricants, liquefied gas.

The report also included the information about the ongoing drilling activity, the application of investments and the construction progress of the 214-km Turkmen section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.

The Vice-Premier also reported on the outcomes of the 24th meeting of the TAPI Steering Committee in Ashgabat.

After the report, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the need to continue the work on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project implementation. Speaking of the significance of the large energy project, the nation’s leader Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov also noted that its realization would directly contribute to the strengthening of global energy security, which is an integral factor of universal sustainable development.

The three-month outcomes of the activities in the sectors answerable to him, the implementation progress of earlier presidential commissions on import-substitution production were the key issues the report made by Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Ereshov was centered on.

The output of the Ministry of Industry of Turkmenistan made up 128.2 percent of the production target. The rate of growth reached 107.1 percent. In particular, the production of the following materials made up in percentage terms: cement – 105.5; non-metallic building materials – 112.7; claydite – 100; reinforced concrete components – 108.4.

As for the Ministry of Textile Industry, the growth rate totaled 102.9 p c in the period under report, including cotton yarn – 100.5 p c; cotton fabrics – 100.4 p c; ready-to-wear clothes and knitwear –107.4 p c; silk fabrics – 103.1 p c; footwear – 100.1 p c; leather products – 100 p c.

Over the running year’s January-March period, the production growth rate of the “Turkmenhaly” State Association stood at 105.9 percent. The sectoral enterprises produced over 10.5 thousand sq. meters of carpets and carpet products.

The output of the “Turkmenhimiya” State Concern was 111.9 percent of the production target with the growth rate reaching 128.8 percent. In particular, the indicator was identified as follows: mineral fertilizers – 116 p c; technical iodine and technical carbon – 100 p c; sodium sulfate – 107.3 p c.

In the first quarter of 2016, the production growth rate of the State Fishery Committee hit 186.3 percent.

The Vice-Premier informed about the joint work with the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union of Turkmenistan aimed to increase the construction sector’s production capacity with the application of modern technologies and to produce new import-substituting products.

In the after-report comments, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov pointed out the importance of maintaining the growth rates in the industrial sector, developing and promoting the most prospective fields in the context of the state programs for import-substituting production and increasing exports of Turkmenistan-made products.

To stimulate domestic producers, protect their interests and raise competitive capacity of local products, the President of Turkmenistan signed a Resolution, having fixed customs
duties on dry-mix sand-and-cement based adhesives for glazed and ceramic tiles imported to Turkmenistan as of January 1, 2016.

Then, Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Satlykov delivered a report on the January-March activities in the sector, he is in charge of.

As informed, the transport and communications sector’s services plan was 126.7 percent executed with the growth rate standing at 106.8 percent.

The rates of services rendered by the Ministry of Railway Transport totaled 100.3 percent. The indicator for goods and passenger services made up 101.2 percent and 106.2 percent respectively.

In the period under report, the growth rates of services provided by the Ministry of Motor Transport made up 103.8 percent with freight and passenger services reaching 100.9 percent and 101.2 percent respectively.

When it comes to the Ministry of Communications, the rate of works amounted to 108.3 percent. During this period of time, 132,000 telephone points, including 120,000 cellular and 12,000 fixed-line telephone points were provided in the country to meet the demand for communications services. The plan was 185 percent implemented. As part of the National Rural Development Program, telephone stations (with the capacity of 15, 392 numbers) were installed; 682 kilometers of telecommunication networks were built.

The rate of air services, rendered by the “Turkmenhovayollary” State National Service in the January-March period, made up 133.5 percent. The indicator for goods and passenger services totaled 102.4 percent and 103.2 percent respectively.

As for the State Sea and River Transport Service, the growth dynamics of works accomplished made up 105.5 percent. The index for goods and passenger transportation reached 102.5 p c and 107.2 p c respectively.

Having emphasized that the development of the multifunctional and competitive transport-communications sector in the country is the focus of attention for the state, the nation’s leader gave the Vice-Premier a number of concrete assignments on ensuring the efficient operation of sectoral enterprises.

Then, Prosecutor General of Turkmenistan A. Hallyev took the floor to report on the outcomes of a check conducted in the State Sea and River Transport Service and a number of shortcomings revealed.

In this connection, the President of Turkmenistan severely reprimanded Chairman of the Service R. Kutlyev for significant shortcomings in his work, having warned that failure to remedy them in the shortest possible space of time would lead to his dismissal.

Cabinet Deputy Chairman, Senior Manager of the Presidential and Cabinet Administration Office Sh. Durdylyev concentrated his report on the implementation progress of earlier presidential commissions, and the first-quarter outcomes of the activities in the sectors he is responsible for.

As informed, during this period of time, self-supporting enterprises and organizations of the Ashgabat city’s khyakimlik produced products and rendered services in the amount of 65, 446, 000 manats. The growth rate made up 109.9 percent against last year’s indicator.

The total sum of the funds assimilated by enterprises of the capital’s khyakimlik was equal to 2,030,050,000 manats with the growth rate reaching 108.9 percent.

Reporting on the work on Ashgabat’s improvement, the Vice-Premier informed that special emphasis is placed on the modernization of the capital’s infrastructure, the enhancement of the city’s aesthetic aspect, and the creation of life-favorable conditions for its residents.

Summing up the report, the head of state demanded to ensure strict control over the activities in the relevant institutions, which should not slow down the production, as well as provide all necessary conditions for further successful implementation of the large-scale Ashgabat Redevelopment Program.

The report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Atdaev was focused on this year’s first-quarter outcomes of the activities in the trade sector.

During the first three months, the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan conducted 60 auctions, and concluded 3,797 contracts (worth over 7.5 billion manats). Import-export contracts amounted to 3.7 billion manats, construction contracts – over 2.7 billion manats. Currency earnings exceeded US $ 3.1million. The volume of assimilated investments reached 10.7 million manats (a 31.6 percent increase against last year’s indicator).

The rates of services rendered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in January-March totaled 118.3 percent; its revenues made up 1.8 million manats.

Currency earnings grew by 18.55 percent in comparison with the same period of last year. Over the period under observation, 5 exhibitions and 9 conferences were organized.

In regard to the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union of Turkmenistan, the output of industrial goods and agricultural products increased by 30 percent and 3.4 percent respectively. The growth rate of construction and erection works made up 101 percent; trade turnover –109.7 percent; services – more than 109 percent.

Commenting on the report, the President of Turkmenistan pointed out the significant shortcomings in the activity of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, and stated that despite a recent marked decline in trade turnover, the Ministry is taking no action to improve the situation.

In this connection, the head of state informed about the dismissal of Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations B. Abaev from the post for the serious shortcomings in his work.

President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov appointed D. Orazmyradov as Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations.
The nation’s leader instructed B. Atdaev to hold a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan to consider the issue of electing a new Chairman since D. Orazmyradov is leaving the post due to a transfer to another job.

Then khyakims of velayats presented their reports to the President of Turkmenistan on the state of affairs in the regions, the three-month outcomes of the activities in all sectors of the regions, as well as the ongoing spring agri-works, the steps taken to successfully tackle the tasks defined in the National Rural Program.

Summarizing the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov commissioned to take necessary measures to ensure the regions’ all-round development and to keep constant control over the works in velayats.

Cabinet Deputy Chairman E. Orazgeldiev reported on the work results in the sectors answerable to him.

After the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said that the Vice-Premier, regional governors and leaders of the agricultural sector should organize the work in compliance with modern-day requirements.

The President of Turkmenistan noted that special attention should be given to the work done by etrap khyakims on the National Rural Program implementation, having stressed the need take adequate measures.

The report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Toilyev was mainly focused on this year’s first-quarter activities in the supervised social sphere.

Over the period in question, 186 types of textbooks and learning aids were prepared and submitted for publication (45 of them were published).

In March, final rounds of the State Subject and Project Olympiads were held with the participation of more than 800 schoolchildren. Turkmen students also took part in the International Subject Olympiads, and other intellectual and Internet contests, having won medals and prizes.

The work on strengthening the scientific sphere’s material-technical and methodological basis, as well as personnel management is well underway. During this period of time, 18 people were enrolled on a postgraduate course, 2 – on a candidate of science program, and 4 – on a doctoral program.

Scientists examined 174 textbooks, educational aids and academic programs, monographs, having approved 158 of them. Archeological excavations are being conducted by Research Institutes of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan at such historical monuments as Paryzdepe, Gonurdepe, Ancient Merv, Nisa.

During this period of time, the within-said Research Institutes worked out and introduced a number of procedures and construction- and industry-related projects.

Against the order of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, construction of 6 health facilities and one residential building was in progress in the period under report. The growth rate of revenues collected from the national voluntary health insurance payments made up 107 p c. The indicator was identified as: 112 p c – medical services and sales of health care products; 104 p c – pharmaceutical production; 119 p c – sales of pharmaceuticals.

As part of the preparations for the 2017 V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, the systematic work is being carried out to execute the orders given by the head of state at the Organizing Committee meeting on March 27, concerning the General Plan and the opening-closing ceremonies of the Games.

During the January-March period, 57 domestic competitions and 28 mass sports events were held in the country. Our sportsmen participated in 38 international tournaments and won 84 medals: 36 – gold, 21 – silver, 27– bronze.

President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov assigned the Vice-Premier to take fresh approaches to the organization of the sectoral institutions’ activities and the implementation of the state youth policy.

Then, the leader of nation announced the personnel decisions made to improve the education system.

The President of Turkmenistan appointed Sh. Atanyyazov as chief specialist of the Education and Public Relations Department, the Cabinet of Ministers, having relieved him of the position of deputy khyakim of Ashgabat city.

The leader of nation appointed G. Orazmuhammedova as deputy khyakim of Ashgabat city; having relieved her of the post of Rector of the Seidi Turkmen State Teachers Training Institute. O. Gurbanov, Director of the State Boarding School for exceptionally talented children, was appointed as Rector of the within-said Institute.

The International Turkmen-Turkish University Rector S. Baimyradov was relieved of his post due to a transfer to another job in the Ministry of Defense.

The nation’s leader G. Mezilov was appointed as Rector of the International Turkmen-Turkish University.

In this connection, the head of state instructed S. Toilyev to organize a joint meeting of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan in the near future to elect its President.

H. Geldiev took up an appointment as Pro-rector for Research of the International Oil and Gas University.

Rector of the Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages S. Charyev was reprimanded by the leader of nation for the shortcoming in his work.

President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov signed the relevant documents on personnel changes.
The 3-month activity of the national parliament received an extensive coverage in the report of Chairperson of Mejlis of Turkmenistan A. Nurberdyeva. Mejlis deputies are constantly working on upgrading the legislative system of Turkmenistan with the aim to successfully implement the programs for the country’s socio-economic development, and enhance its democratic principles.

A number of draft legislations are currently in preparation. Among them are draft laws on human rights, the ones governing the issues of economy, agriculture and water management, the activity of embassies and consulates.

The report also covered the work on Turkmenistan’s administrative territorial division.

Having named the legal framework as an a effective instrument of tackling the tasks of the country’s socio-economic development, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov focused on the key aspects of the parliament’s further work, aimed at improving the people’s wellbeing, strengthening the civil institutions and democratic principles in the society.

Then the head of state addressed to participants of the meeting with a speech summing up the discussion of state issues touched upon the meeting and outlined priority tasks for the near future.

As the leader of nation noted, in the first quarter of the current year as a whole in sectors of economy great results have been reached. In spite of certain difficulties, connected with the situation of global economy, we have got opportunities and means to maintain and not to decrease the height achieve in development of sectors.

GDP growth from the early this year keeps at the point of 6, 3 %. As compared with the relevant period of the last year we have increased by 5, 7 % the investment volume directed to different sectors of economy. Besides it, the amount of salaries has been raised by 9, 5 %, the President of Turkmenistan continued.

At present, construction of about two thousand large projects with a total amount of over 50 billion US dollars is realized in the country , the head of state said making an emphasis that construction of 1771 projects is carried out by local companies.

In the first quarter industrial and social projects have been realized at due terms. Among them are residential houses with a total area of over 166 000 square meters including high-rise modern apartment houses as well as amusement and health centres, nursery schools, and other numerous social projects.

In accordance with adopted programs reforms are successfully realized in the spheres of education and science and industrial sectors are modernized. The economy based on market relations is formed in the country. New oil and gas fields are developed; construction of the TAPI is carried out. With application of the latest achievements of science and technology other significant projects are also realized successfully.

We regularly implement the policy directed to support of private sector of economy, pay special attention to attraction of local entrepreneurs to realization of transformations in the economy of the country, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said adding that as compared with relevant period of the last year the number of newly established individual and state enterprises has grown by 3,9 times. At present, the share of private sector of economy in the GDP makes up 62, 3 %.

The leader of nation pointed out the progress and production of import replacing production and raise of volume of gods exported to foreign countries in solution of these tasks. As compared with the relevant period of the last year event not taking into account the fuel and energy sector, the volume of export of goods has risen by 11 %. At the same time, the volume of imported consumer goods from foreign countries has fallen by 18, 9%.

In the aspect of realization of foreign policy course of Turkmenistan, the head of state said that the fame of our country grows steadily all over the world and election of our country unanimously as members to the following agencies of UN such as the Committee for Science and Technology with a view of development for at the meeting of the ECOSOC on April 6 for 2017-2020, Committee for Population and Development for 2016-2020 and Committee for Social Development for 2017-2021 also attest to this fact.

The head of state assigned Vice-Premier B.Hojamammedov and heads of financial and economic complex of the country to continue the policy directed to maintenance of dynamic development of economy, paying special attention to modernization of sectors , reduction of non-purpose expenditure , stabilization of financial system, increase of investment activity. Ne should also take proper measures for ensuring of stability of the national currency and its purchasing power, the President of Turkmenistan said demanding to develop measures for increase of volume of exported goods to foreign countries and volume of reserve currency fund.

As previously, the main task of the banking system is to keep inflation within given limits, the leader of nation noted.

The banking system should ensure the economy of the country with necessary monetary means by regulation and control of monetary flows in circulation. With view of support of dynamic development of economy one should increase credit activity of banks. One should continue successful realization of the National Rural Development Program of the President of Turkmenistan up to 2020 and other national programs.

The head of state assigned Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E.Orazgeldiyev and khyakims and heads of agricultural complex to accelerate reforms in carried out in the agriculture pointing out to priority issues: cultivation and timely harvest of rich cotton and wheat crops.

President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov also assigned due authorities to prepare for solemn events timed to the holiday of Turkmen racer and organize at high level the international conference devoted to it.

Addressing the Vice-Premier Ya.Kakayev, heads of oil and gas complex, the leader of nation noted necessity of further technical re-equipment of sectors of fuel and energy complex, construction of new enterprises, development of newly opened oil and gas fields.

In the second quarter of the current year one should complete construction of projects envisaged at major gas fields of Mary and Lebap velayats, the head of state said.

The President of Turkmenistan also assigned Ya.Kakayev and B.Hojamammedov to regulate issues of management of oil and gas complex, reduction of expenditures, non-purpose oriented expenses for ensuring efficiency of activity. The leader of nation underlined that one should pay special attention to the rise of volume of exported goods manufactured in the oil and gas sector.

The head of state instructed vice-premiers B.Atdaev and B.Ereshov, the managers of trade and industrial complexes and their branches to continue the work on establishment of import-substituting products, giving special priority to the creation of enterprises jointly with foreign companies, as well as measures to increase the volumes of exported domestic products, commercial field development of mineral resources that our land is rich in.

The Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan should be involved in this important work, and necessary benefits should be vested to the companies engaged in the development of natural resources, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said.

Pointing at the great potential of domestic electric-power industry and its efficient use for enlargement of aluminum, metal alloys output, and high-tech industries, the nation’s leader assigned the development of this sector to the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

The head of state informed about his near-term plans to meet with the country’s entrepreneurs for disquisition of tasks they face.

Then, addressing vice-premier G.Mamedova, and heads of mass media, the nation’s leader pinpointed attention upon the conduction of forthcoming numerous cultural events planned in the near future. Among them are the festivities on the occasion of the Turkmen Horse Day, Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, Day of the Constitution of Turkmenistan and poetry of Magtymguly Phragi, Ashgabat city Day, the Day of workers of culture and arts, as well as international conferences and etc.

This year, we will widely and solemnly celebrate the 25th anniversary of our state’s sacred independence, the President of Turkmenistan said, underlining that today it is necessary to begin preparations for holding of all festive and cultural events at a high organizational level.

As before, the mass media is entrusted with responsibility to headline wide-scale reforms implemented in our country, the nation’s leader noted. It is necessary to take the appropriate measures to enhance the role of culture system in successful implementation of social and economic reforms in our country, the head of state said.

President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov addressing vice-premier S. Toilyev, the velayats’ khyakims, the heads of sports, education and science spheres focused them on the challenge to develop mass sports, to properly organize the sports and Olympic movement, and to pay special attention to the training of world-level athletes.

From April 5 to May 5, in our country under the motto “Health and Happiness”, it is held a month of mass physical education and sports events, cultural and recreation activities that should be organized at the highest level, involving all sports schools of the country, the nation’s leader noted.

With the advent of the best world experience in the sphere of education, healthcare, science, the successful implementation of large-scale reforms should be continued, and special attention should be paid to the training of highly qualified specialists for all systems and industries. In a similar vein, it is necessary to train young scientists.

In addition, the head of state mentioned that in terms of the approaching summer season, the country’s entertainment and health centers should be prepared even now.

The nation’s leader gave Cabinet Deputy Chairperson S.Satlykov, heads of transport and communication complex assignments on reconstruction of existing railways and construction of new ones, the construction continuation of the International Seaport in Turkmenbashi city, demanding in time to complete the construction of bridges across the Amu Darya, new air harbors.

It is required to continue the work on transformation of the industry enterprises into joint-stock companies. Special attention should be paid to the expanding the cellular system, and television. It needs to take effective steps for cybernation and connecting the industries to the Internet.

The necessary measures should be implemented on the successful integration of Turkmenistan into the international transport system, the head of state continued, emphasizing the need to ensure the implementation of our country’s initiatives on cooperation in the transport sector, the creation of transport corridors, connecting the continents, using information technology in these projects. Another priority is the connection to information systems, the transition to electronic document management in all spheres of the transport industry.

Vice-premier Sh.Durdylyev, heads of investment and construction complex, the velayats’ khyakims face the important task: together with other ministries and branch departments to call private entrepreneurs to high-quality and timely construction and commissions of modern settlements, particularly, social-purpose objects, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. It should be strengthened the work carried out on provision of the construction industry with building materials produced domestically.

The President also highlighted the significance of further modernization of the existing gas turbine power plants, electric power transmission lines, highway transportation facilities and new constructions.

Addressing the head of the national Parliament A. Nurberdyeva, the leader of nation noted that Mejlis of Turkmenistan together with the country’s Cabinet of Ministers should accelerate the work on improvement of legislation on major national issues. It is necessary to accomplish the preparation of the draft Constitution of Turkmenistan as amended. And now you need to thoroughly prepare for the meeting of the Council, which will take place this year.

Despite the assignment given earlier, for instance, in some velayats the territorial division issue has been incompletely worked out, the head of state noted, appealing Mejlis Deputies for more actively participation in carrying-out the country’s socio-economic development programs.

In the running year’s second quarter, there are planned important events – visits of foreign Government delegations to our country and our Government delegations to foreign states. Holding of the international conferences is also scheduled. It means that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should seriously prepare for upcoming events. In accordance with earlier assignments, the work on carrying out of the festivities dedicated to the 25th anniversary of our sovereign state’s independence should be continued, the nation’s leader said.

Drawing a line under the country’s socio-economic development review for the first quarter of a year and further actions in the name of our sovereign country’s prosperity, the native people’s happy and trouble-free life, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov wished the meeting participants successful problem solution.

State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH)