Session of the Government: Outcomes of the first quarter, objectives in near-term perspective

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held extended video conference session of the Cabinet of Ministers on summing up the outcomes of work of the Government in the first quarter of the year.

Reports of Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of some ministries and profile departments, hyakims of Ashgabat and velayats have been listened to, evaluation of their activity has been made as well as important subjects of social and economic development of the country have been discussed.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov reported on macroeconomic indicators for the first quarter of the year. High results in the leading sections of national economy are achieved due to fundamental reforms, which are successfully implemented under the leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

According to analysis of fulfilment of planned objectives by ministries and profile department of the country for the period under review, the GDP has grown by 6.3 percent. Comparing with the same period of the last year, the production has increased by 5.3 percent in general.

For three months of the year, volume of retail trade has increased by 19.8 percent while the volume of foreign trade by 6.1 percent comparing with relative period of 2019.

Average salary wage in big and medium facilities of the country are 10.1 percent higher comparing with the same period of the last year.

Works have been accomplished on 14 facilities, construction and installation works are carried out on 139 facilities and preparation activities are ongoing on the rest of the facilities from the beginning of the year out of total number of 259 facilities, which are planned to be built and reconstructed under the realization of the Programme of the President of Turkmenistan for social and economic development of the country in 2020 – 2025.

Reporting on the results of analysis of proposals of the ministry of Agriculture and Natural Protection as well as the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production, the Vice-premier reported that it is planned to hand over number of facilities under these structures to private ownership by targeted (addressed) realization.

Chairman of the State Statistics Committee S. Velbegov reported on economic indicators achieved by the ministries and profile departments for three months of the year. In particular, it was informed that comparing with the same period of 2019, increment of many products has been provided.

High results are observed in non-government section of the economy in the period under review. In general, 64.7 percent fall on the share of private sector in production structure.

Minister of Finances and Economy E. Annamuhamedov reported on the outcomes of the first quarter of the year.

As of April 1, the execution of the revenue of the State budget of the country was 104.8 percent while expenditure was fulfilled by 90.3 percent.

Fulfilment of 2020 Investment Programme for the period under review was 12.1 percent. 48.5 percent of the capital investments were sent to construction of production facilities, 51.5 percent to construction of social and cultural facilities.

At the same time, the report on fulfilment of works outlined in new edition of National Programme of the improvement of social and living conditions of rural population until 2020 has been presented.

Summing up the reports, the Head of the State ordered Vice-premier G. Mushikov to monitor condition of the economy on daily basis as well as to carry out detailed analysis of expected results of social and economic development of the country this year following current situation.

At the same time, it was ordered to prepare proposals for review of the State budget and budgetary expenditures and to present these proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers for review.

Special focus has ben made on the necessity to develop and take operative and middle-term measures for reduction of negative impact on entrepreneurship activity in the country due by turbulence in global economy caused by the coronavirus epidemic. At the same time, importance of realization of practical measures for provision of stable development of branches of national economy has been highlighted.

The instructions to expand the programme of crediting of small and medium business, to make a list of companies requiring postponement of tax and credit payments have been given.

Having noticed the necessity of search for additional sources of financing for implementation of plans under the state and national programmes, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered to elaborate on the subject of attraction of investments to the economy and to approach the solution of set objectives with full responsibility.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov reported on results of work of the spheres under his supervision for the first quarter of implementation of the Programme of development of oil and gas industry until 2030.

It was reported that plan of production of oil and gas condensate has been executed by 109.8 percent, oil refinery by 106 percent, production of gasoline by 116.4 percent, diesel fuel by 105.9 percent, polypropylene by 110 percent, investment development by 104.8 percent.

The growth rate of production of liquefied gas was 110.3 percent, production of natural and associated gas by 104.4 percent, export of gas by 102.1 percent.

Advisor of the President of Turkmenistan on oil and gas affairs Ya. Kakayev reported on the situation in fuel and energy complex and making of conditions for activation of international cooperation in this direction.

Addressing top officials of oil and gas complex, the Head of the State noted that despite that the main indicators have been achieved in oil and gas sector in the first quarter, the growth rates of some production have been reduced.

It is necessary to take immediate measures and carry out relative work for successful solution of important objectives of the complex as well as for adaptation of production of the Concerns to the situation related with the reduction of cost on hydrocarbon resources in the world, the Head of the State highlighted.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered to accelerate works for development of oil and gas blocks of the State Concern Türkmennebit located in Turkmen sector of Caspian Sea improving their investment attraction, to establish cooperation with specialized foreign companies.

Keeping of high rates of production growth by the State Concern Türkmengaz is an important objective. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan pointed out that it is necessary to study new markets as well as to provide steadfast income of foreign currency from sale of national production for expansion of capabilities of export of natural gas and petrochemical production.

The Head of the State ordered to analyse economic feasibility of petrochemical complexes, which are planned to be built, and to prepare relative proposals.

Specific assignments have been given regarding full and timely fulfilment of works for exploration of new deposits of oil, condensate and ore provided by the plans of the State Corporation Türkmengeologiýa.

Having highlighted the issues related to work of Turkmenbashy Refinery Complex, the Head of the State pointed out that it is necessary to study thoroughly to study international petroleum product markets and to determine the list of the most required ones based on marketing studies.

It is necessary to search for the most profitable sale markets in current situation when the prices for these products have been fallen, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov reported on outcomes of activity of ministries and departments of transport and communication sphere in January – March.

The Vice-premier reported that production plan of the structures of the complex under his supervision was fulfilled by 111.5 percent with the growth rate of 109.7 percent for the period under review.

The growth rate of Türkmenawtoulaglary Agency was 110.7 percent, Türkmendemirýollary Agency – 117 percent, Türkmendeňizderýaýollary Agency – 161.3 percent, Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency 111.4 percent. Relative work has been also carried out by Türkmenhowaýollary Agency in the period under review.

The plan of cargo and passenger transportation by road, railway, air and maritimen transport was fulfilled by 108.5 and 100.8 percent respectively.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that air transport experiences serious difficulties due to the limitations related to counteractions against the spread of coronavirus infection in the world. In this context, the Head of the State pointed out the necessity to review in details all financial capabilities of the structure.

The agency may have issues related to fulfilment of production objectives in regards with cancellation of air traffic and reduction of cargo flows. Speaking of this, the President requested the Vice-premier and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov to analyse the situations, which may occur until the end of the year and to prepare proposals on measures for postpone of the payment of taxes or credits by the agencies as well as on their support.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov reported to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the outcomes of work of trade and textile industries and private sector under his supervision for the first quarter of 2020.

The growth rate of total volume of trade was 18.4 percent by the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs. At the same time, the growth rate of retail trade is equal to 18.7 percent and wholesale trade – 18.3 percent.

The volume of production of the Ministry of Textile Industry has grown by 5.8 percent.

Total volume of production of the State Association Türkmenhaly has increased by 21.3 percent.

For the last three months, the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange has held 62 trade sessions and entered into 7,224 contracts. The volume of services of the Trade and Industrial Chamber has increased by 2.2 times and the income by 45.5 percent.

The volumes of industrial production has increased by 9.6 percent, agricultural and food production by 66.3 percent by the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in January – March.

Addressing the heads of the trade complex, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that provision of stable work of trade system is one of the most important objectives today. The situation in this sphere has to be held under permanent control and if it is necessary to take additional measures for creation of sufficient supplies of essential commodities including food production, the Head of the State ordered.

Instructions for supervision of private sector have been given. In particular, the President of Turkmenistan requested to develop immediate measures for support of proovate production facilities and to make relative proposals.

First, the proposals have to be aimed at stimulation of entrepreneurship activity of the citizens, non-admission of reduction of work places as well as at opening of new capabilities for employment, the Head of the Stat highlighted.

The Head of the state reprimanded Vice-premier Ch. Gylyjov for reduction of control of activity of the ministries and departments under his supervision with the last warning to correct admitted deficiencies as soon as possible.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdiliyev reported on outcomes of work of the branches under his supervision for the first quarter of the year.

It was reported to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov that fulfilment of production and service plan in construction and industrial sector was 117.4 percent with the growth rate of 121.6 percent.

The Ministry of Construction and Architecture fulfilled the plan of works by 106.2 percent with growth rate of 106 percent for three months comparing with the same period of the last year.

The Ministry of Industry and Construction production fulfilled the plan of production and works by 104.6 percent with the growth rate of 104.4 percent.

The Ministry of Energy executed works and services by 132.7 percent from the planned volume. The growth rate of indicators in this structures was 128 percent comparing with the outcomes of the first quarter of the last year.

The plan of electricity production was fulfilled by 117.3 percent in January – March and the plan of its export by 283.9 percent.

The growth rate of works and services of the administration of Ashgabat was equal to 120 percent. The plan in January – March has been executed by 110 percent.

Addressing Chairman of the State Concern Türkmenhimiýa N. Niyazliyev, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that taking into account unfavourable factors in global economy, namely the coronavirus pandemics and serious problems in security markets, fall of oil and gas prices in the world, the work of the management of this sphere raises significant discontent.

Reduction of production rates of mineral fertilizers on many factories does not allow making necessary stock, which does not make conditions for covering of losses of the economy and provision of macroeconomic stability.

The President reprimanded Chairman of the State Concern Türkmenhimiýa N. Niyazliyev for unsatisfactory fulfilment of his duties and serious deficiencies admitted in his work with the last warning to correct admitted deficiencies as soon as possible.

Due to the complicated situation in the world economy, Vice-premier Sh. Durdiliyev was requested to review the plans of construction of new facilities, which were planned to be opened in the year of anniversary of Turkmenistan neutrality and to select the most necessary social and living facilities. Construction programme with all amendments has to be presented for review at the next session of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Head of the State said, having given relative assignments.

At the same time despite the complications in the world, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the necessity to continue construction of energy circle inside the country, Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan electrical and communication system. In this context, the Vice-premier was requested to elaborate on the subject of attraction of additional investments to construction sphere and industry.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on the outcomes of activity of the spheres under his supervision in the first quarter of the year.

Reporting on performed work, the Vice-premier noted that opening of the Centre of innovative information of the Ministry of Education, which was founded in January this year according to the Resolution of the Head of the State.

For the period under review, school and university students successfully performed at international and profile contests, having won different prizes. 45 types of study books have been published for the last three months.

Proper work has been carried out in educational sphere for the period under review for further cooperation with big international organizations. The Programme of transfer of scientific sphere to digital systems in Turkmenistan in 2020 – 2025 has been approved.

Cooperation with leading foreign scientific centres has been carried out for the period under review for activation of international partnership.

Reporting on the situation of health protection sphere, the Vice-premier noted that National programme of healthy nutrition of the population in 2020 – 2025 has been approved.

Under cooperation with international organizations, the Ministry of health Protection and Medical Industry has been working with big structures of the United Nations Organization.

Coming over to the subjects of sports development, the Vice-premier informed that for the period under review, the country hosted 27 internal competitions and 19 mass sport events.

Having listened to the report and addressing the Vice-premier as well as the Minister of Health Protection and Medical Industry, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that as soon as we found out of the outbreak of coronavirus in China, the Government of Turkmenistan took preventive measures, which provided its absence and spread in our country. Sanitary and epidemiology control has been enforced on the State border. Thermal imaging re used.

Medical monitoring of the citizens arriving from foreign countries has been established. Decision to stop temporarily visiting the country by foreign citizens has been made.

Having ordered to continue monitoring epidemiological situation in foreign countries, the Head of the State gave instructions to implement proper amendments into restrictive measures in case it is necessary. All taken decisions are aimed exclusively at health protection of the citizens, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted, having noted that this work has to be carried 24/7.

Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdieyva reported on results of activity of the spheres under her supervision for the last three months.

Various cultural actions including exhibitions, art contests and meetings, concert dedicated to holidays and remarkable dates as well as other events provided by the Programme of development of cultural sphere in 2020 – 2025 have been organized from the beginning of the year.

From the beginning of the year, Turkmen State Publishing Service has issued 86 types of book production. Achievements of the country in different spheres have been highlighted at the pages of printing media, TV and radio channels.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Beerdimuhamedov focused attention of Vice-premier B. Abdiyeva and heads of TV, radio channels and printing media on improvement of preparation level of TV and radio programmes and periodic press.

In this regard, the Head of the state highlighted the importance of using of capabilities of TV channels, in particular the Ýaşlyk TV channel, in educational process, lessons on computer skills, introduction of digital system into economy and other spheres.

It was mentioned that information capabilities have to be widely used in explanatory work on sanitary matters, measures taken in the country for prevention of spread of infectious diseases.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Ministers R. Meredov reported on activity of the Foreign Ministry in the first quarter of the year.

For the period under review, relative work has been carried out for development of fruitful cooperation in bilateral and multilateral format in the context of implementation of the strategy of foreign course of neutral Turkmenistan and fulfilment of assignments given by the Head of the State.

Official visit of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Azerbaijan has been held in March this year.

Relations between foreign departments are developed on regular basis. Steadfast work for expansion of beneficial trade and economic partnership and fruitful humanitarian and cultural contacts is also carried out.

Having listened to the report and highlighted importance to be aware of all events in the world, the Head of the State ordered the Vice-premier, the Foreign Minister to present proposals on different international events with participation of Turkmenistan.

Continuing the subject, the Head of the State noted that it necessary to treat the applications of the citizens who by some reasons left overseas with attention and to provide necessary assistance to them, having assigned this duty to the embassies of the our country.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council Ch. Amanov reported on the plans of fulfilment of assignments given by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the country for establishment of control point of public order in the most populated areas of the capital and regions.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that provision of law and order are the main conditions of public stability. In this context, the Head of Turkmenistan ordered to establish public order control points in the most populated areas of the capital and regions.

District inspectors, representatives of public order service and traffic control department of the Ministry of Interior have to be on 24/7 duty at this points.

The President outlined improvement of public order, enhancement of the level of personal and proprietary safety of citizens, rendering of first medical aid, educational work and other among the main objectives of their work. The Head of the State ordered to equip this structures with modern communication devices and advanced technologies.

Chairperson of the Mejlis G. Mammedova informed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about activity of National Parliament from the beginning of the year. One session of Mejlis has been held in this period where 17 laws and 4 resolutions of the Mejlis have been adopted.

Works for development of the draft Constitutional Law on amendments and addendums of the Constitution of Turkmenistan have been carried out in the period under review. Sessions of working commission analysing received proposals on this account are held on weekly basis.

Importance of constitutional reforms is opened during events in the ministries, departments, educational facilities of the country as well as in mass media.

Meetings with ambassadors of foreign countries have been held for expansion on international cooperation. Parliamentarians took part in seminars dedicated to realization of the state programme and study of advanced practice in law-making sphere.

Having listened to the information, the President highlighted the necessity to monitor the process of discussion and study of proposals on published draft Constitutional Law on amendments and addendums of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, continuation of work for development of its final revision as well as organization of the next session of Constitutional commission.

After, the President of Turkmenistan has listened to the reports of the heads of administration of the capital and regions.

Hyakim of Ashgabat Ya. Gulujov reported on works for development of the capital in January – March.

Detailed report on development of investments, situation at construction sites of buildings and facilities planned to be opened on occasion of national holidays as well as preparation of physical training public events on occasion of coming World health Day has been presented.

Having focused on special importance given to realization of urban construction programme, creation of unique image of the main city of he country, enhancement of life level of Ashgabat residents, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pointed out the necessity to hold development of Ashgabat under strict control.

It was also requested to increase control of the course of works at all facilities built to anniversary date, having paid special attention to compliance with timelines and quality standards of construction.

Speaking of the celebration of the World health day on April 7, under which mass cycling race and cultural and sport events on the Path of health are planned, the President noted importance of work in this sphere for strengthening of physical health of Turkmen citizens.

In his turn, Hyakim of Ahal Velayat Ya, Gurbanov reported on results of work for the first quarter of the year, measures for fulfilment of National rural programme as well as course of seasonal agricultural campaigns.

Having pointed out the necessity of organized cotton sowing and care of winter crops, strict compliance with set agricultural standards, the Head of the State noted the importance of practical implementation of advanced achievements during cultivation of various agricultural crops.

Together with solution of priority objectives of agricultural complex, improvement of social infrastructure of the velayat has to be under permanent control, the head of the State highlighted, having addressed the Hyakim with number of assignments.

Reporting on the outcomes of work in January – March, Hyakim of Balkan Velayat T. Atahalliyev reported on the situation in the economy of the region, rates of investment development under realization of National rural programme.

Having noted that harvest of cotton mainly depends on quality of the sowing, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered to provide timely solution of relative organizational issues.

In this regard, it was emphasized on importance of proper care of the wheat in compliance with all agricultural standards. It is necessary to take measures for wide implementation of modern technologies in agricultural sector, increment of production volumes of crops and livestock, the Head of the State said.

Specific assignments were given to the hyakim on control of compliance with timeline and quality of construction of facilities built according to the programme of social and economic development of the velayat, which is aimed at enhancement of life level of the population, creation of modern infrastructure in the region.

Hyakim of Dashoguz Velayat N. Nazarmyradov reported on the results of works carried out in the region for three months of the year, current indicators of sowing campaign and care of winter crops as well as on realization of National rural programme.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the Hyakim with assignments for care of winter crops, fulfilment of seasonal agricultural works including the cotton sowing.

Hyakim of Lebap Velayat Sh. Amangeldiyev reported on works performed in the region in the first quarter of the year as well as on implementation of National rural programme. In particular, it was reported on the course of the cotton sowing, measures for care of winter crops and increment of livestock.

The President has focused on the necessity of control of important agricultural campaigns, active use of advanced technologies and best national practice in agricultural complex. Certain assignments have been given for acceleration of rates of construction works in the velayat.

Having addressed the Hyakim with number of assignments for realization of national rural programme, the head of the state also ordered to prepare on high level to coming holiday dedicated to Turkmen horse.

Having expressed discontent with rates and quality of reforms in the region, the President reprimanded Hyakim of Lebap Velayat Sh. Amangeldiyev for unsatisfactory performance of his duties and deficiencies admitted in his work.

Hyakim of Mary Velayat D. Annaberdiyev reported on seasonal agricultural campaigns. Report on measures for development of livestock farming first on increment of livestock of sheep has been presented.

Summing up the report, the President of Turkmenistan ordered the hyakim to hold under control fulfilment of works on the fields under wheat in compliance with agricultural standards and the course of cotton sowing, which quality would have effect on the growth of plantation and successful fulfilment of planned objectives.

The Head of the State noted the necessity of proper organization of work of livestock farms. Having expressed interest in situation at big facilities built in the velayat, the President requested to accelerate the rates of construction under the Programme of rural development.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev reported on the outcomes of activity of the branches under his supervision for the past three months, reforms in agriculture and seasonal field works in the regions.

In general, growth rate of production, works and service in agricultural complex was 117.4 percent comparing with the same period of the last year.

The indicator of the Ministry of Agriculture and natural Protection has reached 118.7 percent, the State Water management Committee – 103.3 percent, the State Association Türkmen atlary – 103.6 percent. The plan of investment development has been executed by 131.8 percent.

These days, the farmers work on the wheat fields according to agricultural standards. Cotton sowing is continued in the velayats, all necessary measures are taken for conducting of this campaign in optimal timeline, uninterrupted operation of agricultural equipment, provision of agricultural producers with seeds.

Addressing the Vice-premier E. Orazgeldiyev, hyakims of the velayats and heads of agricultural complex, the President of Turkmenistan has focused on their objectives.

We have two important seasons ahead – the harvesting of wheat and cotton, to which we have to prepare in the best manner, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

The head of the state ordered to increase the fields for cultivation of vegetable and cucurbitaceous crops, potato and other crops, to increase volumes of their production, havign reduced the import of agricultural production. It was highlighted that internal market has to be provided with production of own make.

Having highlighted the subject of increment of work efficiency in the industry and achievement of further stable development, the President of Turkmenistan pointed out that it is necessary to increase the rates of work on introduction of the system of electronic management into agricultural complex.

The Head of the State ordered to take immediate measures for development of livestock farming and increment of livestock in the velayats as well as to provide proper organizational level of lambing campaign.

It was mentioned that for prevention of the spread of infectious diseases the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Protection together with other profile structures have to take preventive measures for pest control, which can spread infection.

Having highlighted importance of National Turkmen Horse Celebration, which is annually observed in the country on the last Sunday of April, the Head of the State ordered to prepare to the celebration on high level.

Addressing the participants of the session and focused attention on outcomes of the first quarter, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that the indicators show that despite the spread of coronavirus infection in the world and collapse of global economy, our country continues developing according to adopted programmes. For the reported period, the growth rate of the GDP is remained on 6.3 percent level, salaries have been increased by 10 percent.

Construction of big industrial and social facilities including new settlements, living houses, recreation and health centres , schools and kindergartens is continued.

The Head of the State noted that according to adopted plans, deep reforms are carried out in science and education spheres. Production facilities are modernized, market economy is formed up, oil and gas deposits are developed. Such big projects as energy and communication systems Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan, transnational Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas line are implemented. Preparation to implementation of other international projects is carried out.

Policy of support of private sector, attraction of entrepreneurs to realization of economic reforms is steadily pursued. Improvement of political system of our sovereign state is also continued. The changes of the main Law are discussed all over the country and different events are organized in this regard.

Addressing the participants of the session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that as is known, there is complicated situation in the world at present time. international experts of various agencies forecast fall of global economy this year, which is raised by negative impact caused by coronavirus pandemic.

In this context, the President pointed out the necessity to take relative measures, keeping of existing production and work places. Stable development of national economy has to be achieved by high rates of growth of internal production and increment of level of industrial self-provision, reduction of import and increment of export. At the same time, support and development of private business remain as one of the most important directions.

Objectives set for the current year were outlined at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers on results of the last year as well as in the Programme of social and economic development of the country in 2020 – 2025. They require big work, the Head of the State said. Therefore, we have to work hard.

It is necessary to give additional impulse to the state programmes of import substitution and increment of export production, to use huge potential of the branches by maximum. Solution of these objectives is depended on our honest work, Turkmen leader highlighted.

Other important subjects, on which relative decisions were made, have been reviewed at the session.

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