Session of the Government: Outcomes of January 2020, main objectives in near-term perspective

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held regular video conference working session of the Cabinet of Ministers. Outcomes of work of the branches of national economy for the last months and current subjects of the state life have been reviewed at the session. 

Coming to the agenda, the Head of Turkmenistan called Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov. The Vice-premier has reported on the results of work of the spheres under his supervision in January. 

It was mentioned that plan of oil and gas condensate production has been executed by 109.7 percent, oil refinery by 107 percent, gasoline production by 103.5 percent, diesel fuel by 107.2 percent, lubricating oils by 103 percent, the growth rate of production of liquefied gas was 135,5 percent, natural and associated gas production – 106.1 percent, export of gas – 104.2 percent. 

Having listened to the report, the President focused attention on the objectives of steadfast development of oil and gas industry and strengthening of its production, scientific and technical potential. 

In this context, the Head of the state pointed out the importance of introduction of advanced technologies into oil and gas sector. Specific assignments have been given for modernization of the infrastructure of the branch, increment of production capacities of petrochemical facilities making production, which is on demand inside the country and in the world market. 

Turkmen leader has also ordered to take relative measures for keeping of achieved results as well as to hold realization of the project of construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas line under permanent control. 

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev reported on the outcomes of work of the branches under his supervision in January 2020 as well as on seasonal field works in the regions. 

In general, the growth rate of production, executed works and service was 110.4 percent in agricultural complex. This indicator of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Protection has reached 109.4 percent, the State Water Management Committee – 129.8 percent, Türkmen atlary State Association – 103.5 percent. The plan of investment development has been fulfilled by 120.2 percent. 

Vegetation irrigation and mineral fertilization are carried out at the fields under wheat these days. In addition, farmers have started planting of potato and onion as well as preparation of the fields for planting of vegetable and cucurbitaceous crops. 

Having listened to the report, the President of Turkmenistan focused attention of the Vice-premier on provision of agricultural fields with water. Having highlighted importance of provision f strict control of seasonal agricultural works in set period, the Head of the State addressed the Vice-premier with number of instrucitons. 

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdiliyev reported on activity in construction industrial and energy complexes, State Concern Türkmenhimiýa and the capital administration in January 2020. 

For the period under review, production plan of the Ministry of Construction and Architecture has been accomplished by 102.2 percent with the growth rate of 102.5 percent. The plan of the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production has been fulfilled by 104.3 percent with the growth rate of 108.2 percent. It was informed that the growth in production of ferro concrete and glass production has entered the level of 105.5 and 100.5 percent respectively and extended clay to the level of 100.1 percent. 

The growth rate of total volumes of production, works and services of the Ministry of Energy was 124.2 percent, the plan has been executed by 150.3 percent. 2,471, 210,000 kilowatt/hours of electricity have been produced in January the plan has been executed by 126.1 percent wit the growth rate of 115.1 percent. 

The volumes of production of Türkmenhimiýa State Concern were 129.5 percent for the period under review. Total growth rate across the industry was 240.4 percent. 

The plan of works and services of the administration of Ashgabat has been completed by 112 percent with the growth rate of 105.8 percent. 

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused attention of the Vice-premier on importance of control of realization of large-scale urban construction programme, construction of social facilities in cities and rural areas as well as measures for stimulation of investment activity in this sphere. 

Necessity to continue work on increment of import substitutive production, attraction of entrepreneurs to this sphere, opening of joint ventures and opening of additional work places has been highlighted. 

In this regard, the Head of the state has ordered to take immediate measures for bringing of industrial complex to new level and provision of profitability of facilities and addressed the Vice-premier with assignments for development of power energy industry and transfer of the industry to digital system. 

In addition, it is necessary to continue working on further development of Ashgabat and its urban infrastructure. Integrated modernization of engineering and technical systems, arrangement of coordinated and precise activity of municipal services are very important for establishment of the best conditions for the population, the President highlighted. 

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov reported on the outcomes of activity of the ministries and departments of transport and communication sphere in January this year. Their production plan has been accomplished by 113.3 percent with the growth rate of 113.1 percent for the period under review. 

The growth rate by Türkmenawtoulaglary Agency was 127.4 percent, Türkmendemirýollary Agency – 102.4 percent, Türkmenhowaýollary Agency -115.1 percent, Türkmendeňizderýaýollary Agency – 205.2 percent, Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency – 107.8 percent. 

The growth rate in cargo and passenger transportation by road, railway, air and maritime transport was equal to 102.7 and 101.2 percent respectively. 

16,500 telephone outlets have been installed for satisfaction of demand on communication services in the country for the period under review. The plan has been executed by 109.9 percent. 

Having listened to the information, the President highlighted that our initiatives for restoration of the Silk Road, development of regional and transcontinental routes require the establishment of powerful equipment and facility base of transport , in particular the railroad transport sphere. 

In this context, having touched on the subjects of development of railway network, the Head of the State pointed out the necessity of modernization of profile infrastructure and implementation of modern technologies. 

At the same time, the focus has been made on quality of services in passenger and cargo traffic by all modes of transport as well on provision of modern communication means. Subjects of development of transport complex would be among the priorities of our policy, the Head of the State said. 

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov reported on work carried out in trade sphere and private sector of the economy in January 2020. 

The growth rate of total volume of trade of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economci Relations was 5.8 percent for the period under review. Total volume of commodities produced by the Ministry of Textile Industry and the State Association Türkmenhaly has grown by 12.5 percent where cotton fabrics by 17.5 percent, sewing and knitted items by 43.8 percent, carpets and carpet articles by 24.8 percent. 

The State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange has held 22 trade sessions, during which 2,404 contracts have been registered, total volume of income has increased by 25.8 percent. 

The volume of services provided by the Trade and Industrial Chamber has increased by 46.9 percent while the income by 51 percent. 

Companies of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs have made 5.7 percent more of industrial production and 17.2 percent more of agricultural and food production for the first time of the year. 

Having listened to the report, the Head of the State noted existing capabilities of increment of trade, having requested the Vice-premier to elaborate on increment of export of textile and carpet production. The instructions have also been given for expansion of business relations. 

The President highlighted importance of the formation of modern structure of trade complex and noted that the state would continue rendering support to entrepreneurship. 

In addition, having highlighted that according to the events planned this year on occasion of the 25th anniversary of neutrality, all production made in the country has bear a trade mark “Turkmenistan – Home of Neutrality”, the Head of the State addressed the Vice-premier with relative assignments on this account. 

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdiyeva reported on the outcomes of work of the sphere under her supervision in January. Different art meetings, exhibitions and contests, theatre performance, music festivals and other activities provided by the Programme of development of cultural sphere of Turkmenistan in 2019 – 2025 have been organized since the beginning of the year. 

Working trips have been organized for collection and further scientific study of folklore material, traditions and customs of Turkmen people for personnel of the Ministry of Culture and the Academy of Sciences. Information about success of the country, cultural events , historical and cultural values are placed regularly on the websites of the ministry and its organizations. 

From the beginning of the year, Turkmen State Publishing Service has printed 32 variety of book production. Achievements of the country in different spheres were highlighted in printing media as well as on TV and Radio channels. 

Oguzkhan Turkmenfilm Association continued work for production of various movies. 

Having focused that cultural sphere is one of the strategic directions of the policy of the state, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that progress of the country mainly depends on the contribution of cultural sphere personnel. 

Necessity of activation and diversification of work in cultural sphere, search of new talents, effective use of advanced methods and digital technologies in organization of activity of mass media has been highlighted. 

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on the outcomes of activity of the branches under his supervision and informed to the President that works for creation of electronic, including educational and methodological, information, formation of unified educational network on the platform of the Centre of Innovative Information of the Ministry of Education has been carried out in this period. 

According to the plan, 10 different types of educational literature have been published. Turkmen school students won 1 gold, 1 silver and 5 bronze medals at international school subject contests. 

In addition, the Vice-premier reported on the activity for realization of Working Plans for 2020 signed by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the UN Children Fund and Population Fund. Continuing the report, the Vice-premier reported on completion of 346 scientific works in scientific and research institutes and high educational institutes of the country. 

Innovative methods of diagnostics and treatment, digital technologies are implemented, construction of new medical facilities is continued in the sphere of health protection. 

Preparation to 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games and international tournaments , which are to be held in Ashgabat, is continued in sport sphere. 

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted importance of improvement of education system according to the latest achievements of science and advanced developments in digitization field. 

Actively developing international cooperation of Turkmenistan in science, education, health protection and sport is a multidimensional sphere of activity, which occupies an important place in our home and foreign policy, the Head of the State said. 

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister R. Meredov reported on activity of the Ministry in January. It was mentioned that targeted work has been carried out for development of fruitful cooperation in different spheres. 

International Conference “Turkmenistan and International Organizations: Cooperation for Peace and Development” took place with participation of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat on January 14. 12 bilateral documents have been signed under the forum. 

Last month, the delegation of our country took part in International Conference “Green Central Asia” on the level of foreign ministers of the states of the region, Afghanistan and Germany, which was held in Berlin (Germany). The agenda of he forum included crruent subjects related with ecological problems. 

For the period under review, 22 foreign delegations have visited Turkmenistan under the Foreign Ministry. At the same time, 46 Turkmen delegations have been sent to foreign countries. 3o different events aimed at strengthening off constructive cooperation with all interest foreign partners have been organized. 6 international documents have been signed from the beginning of the year. 

The fourth session of Intergovernmental Turkmen – Hungarian Commission for economic cooperation was held in Budapest last month. Ashgabat hosted the ninth session of joint Turkmen – German Working Group, which also included bilateral business forums. 

The Vice-premier, the Head of the Foreign Minsitry has also informed about the outcomes of working visits of delegation of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of India and regular ministerial meeting in C5+1 format in Tashkent in the beginning of February. 

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that our country would continue developing traditionally friendly relations and versatile beneficial partnership with neighbouring countries and with the states located in other regions of the planet, strengthening efficient relations with competent international organizations. 

In this context, the Vice-premier, the Foreign Minister, was requested to continue work on realization of existing significant potential of cooperation, which meets common interests. 

Speaking of importance of promotion and steadfast implementation of constructive initiatives of Turkmenistan, the Head of the state noted that our country would continue providing comprehensive support to positive processes in regional and global scales, achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for common progress. 

Having focused on the celebration of the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave certain assignments for provision of high organizational level of events dedicated to this date. 

Speaker of the Mejlis G. Mammedova informed about work of the Parliament for modernization of national legislation, it was noted that meeting of the President of Turkmenistan with deputies last week was an important event on social and political life of the country. Objectives outlined in the programme speech of the Head of Turkmenistan for improvement of legal base of the state are the main target of work in this direction. 

The Mejlis has developed the plan of law-making activity for 2020. These days, working groups continue working on number of new legal documents. Sessions of the Constitutional Commission have been held ; activity for development of the Constitutional Law and bills on amendments and addendums of existing regulatory and legal acts us carried out. 

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted necessity of steadfast work of the Mejlis on legal provision of reformation processes in life of Turkmen state and society, expansion of cooperation with parliamentarian groups for foreign countries. 

It is necessary to activate the work on sites, to continue meeting public, to inform about importance of measures for improvement of the Main Law of the country to the nation, the Head of the State highlighted. 

After, the President of Turkmenistan called Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov and all participants of the session. The Vice-premier reported on macroeconomic indicators of the national economy for January this year. 

It was informed that for the period under review, the GDP has grown by 6.3 percent including by 4.1 percent in industrial sector, 0.3 percent in construction, by 10 percent in transport and communication sector, 11.1 percent in trade, 3.1 percent in agriculture and 7.7 percent in service sphere. 

Comparing with the same period of the last year, production has been increased by 5.8 percent in all ministries and departments in January. Volume of retail trade was 19.1 percent higher while the volume of foreign trade 4.3 percent higher by the outcome of the first month of the year comparing with the same period of 2019. 

The revenue of the State budget has been fulfilled to the amount of 1.9 billion manats while the expenditure to the amount of 1.1 billion manats. Average salary wages in big and medium enterprises of the country has been increased by 9.4 percent comparing with the same period of the last year. 

The Vice-premier reported on fulfilment of activities outlined in new edition of National programme of improvement of social and living conditions of the population. 

Summing up the report, the Head of the State has focused attention of the Vice-premier on the utmost objectives of the establishments under his supervision. At the same time, the emphasis was laid on the necessity of strict control of fulfilment of planned indicators by the ministries and departments as well as activities outlined in the Programme of social and economic development of the country in 2019 – 2025. 

Further progress of the economy, enhancement of investment activity, improvement of life quality of the population are strategic goals of our policy, Turkmen leader highlighted. Implementation of the Concept of digitization is among current directions, the President noted, having addressed the Vice-premier with relative assignments. 

We have determined our objectives for this year at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the outcomes of the last year as well as at the recent meeting with deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Head of the State said addressing the members of the Government. 

Now, we all have to take an active part in realization of the Programme of social and economic development of the country in 2019 – 2025. It is necessary to prepare to the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality and 30th anniversary of independence. All celebration events have to be organized on high level, the Head of the State highlighted. 

Setting up the utmost objectives for near future period, the President has focused on development of National rural programme until 2025. 

Celebration remarkable for our state have to be remembered by construction and opening of new facilities, Turkmen leader noted, having added that Vice-premiers supervising the velayats would have to report on fulfilment of this programme at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers and hyakims of the regions at every working video conference session. 

It is necessary to continue policy of transit to digital system, increment of volumes of import substitutive and export oriented production, the President said, having given instruction for wide attraction of investments to the economy, increment of income volumes of foreign currency, improvement of the system of the government administration. 

At the same time, it is important to hold under control, fulfilment of the State budget, to reduce unexpected and management expenses, Turkmen leader noted. Market methods have to be implemented into monetary, crediting and financial systems. Actual measures have to be taken for diversification of the economy, increment of share of private sector and provision of its active role in the economy of the country, the Head of the state said. 

Speaking of objectives in oil and gas and agricultural spheres and having demanded more effective approaches to work from their leaders, the President noted that it is important to continue searching for new methods of organization of production activity for stabilization of situation in these branches. 

Having ordered to provide high level of preparation of event timed to the 25th anniversary of neutral legal status of Turkmenistan, the Head of the state said that celebration events have to reflect success of our country, constructive international cooperation, which is based on goodwill relations and principles of peace-loving. 

Having highlighted the main objectives of realization of the Concept of development of digital economy and electronic education in Turkmenistan, the President of the country demanded to pay more attention to improvement of activity of all branches of national economy, acceleration of the process of transit to digital system. 

Finishing video conference session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished big success in work to all participants.