On January 9, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov convened an enlarged session of the Cabinet of Ministers. Among those attending the session were representatives of Mejlis of Turkmenistan, khyakims of velayats, etraps and cities, leaders of ministries and sectoral agencies, rectors of higher education institutions, editors of newspapers and magazines. The agenda of session was focused on the issues of summing up the outcomes of the Government’s activity and outlining short-term priority objectives set before the national economy’s sectors. After reading out the agenda, President of Turkmenistan gave the floor to Cabinet Deputy Chairman A.Gochyev, who reported on the macroeconomic indices for 2014. As compared to 2013, GDP growth rate made up 110.3 percent. In total, the production growth rate is 113.3 percent when compared to 2013. The growth of retail trade turnover was also recorded for the reported period. Thus, in comparison with 2013, this indicator increased by 17 percent. The foreign trade turnover made up 103.6 percent in comparison with 2013. Over the period under review, the volume of assimilated investments from all financing sources made up 106.7 percent. The ratio of this index to GDP is 44 percent. In the course of his report, the Vice-Premier informed about fulfilment of the earlier presidential assignments on preparing 2015 draft Work Plans of the ministries and agencies of the country’s financial-and-economic system and banking institutions. Next speaker, Minister of Finance M.Muhammedov reported in detail on the implementation of the State Budget of Turkmenistan, as well as the outcomes of work accomplished in the financial-budgetary system in 2014. Reporting on the State Budget performance, the Minister of Finance stated that the State budget receipts had made up 121.2 percent. As a result of well-directed application of the budget funds, the State budget outlays reached 95.8 percent. In the period under review, more than 80.1 of the budget funds were allocated for the social sphere financing. It was also informed about the work accomplished in compliance with the Resolution of President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov “On improving the activities of the Balance Commission”. In particular, in 2014, 133 meetings of the Central and local Balance Commissions were held, in the course of which the meeting participants analyzed the financial-economic indices of 18 ministries and sectoral agencies, as well as 533 organizations and enterprises, and passed the relevant decisions. The Minister of Finance also centered on the measures taken to realize “The Program for reforming the accounting and audit system in Turkmenistan”. Reporting on the work results in the supervised structures, Minister of Economy and Development V.Abdylhekimov focused on the issues of implementing “The National Program of President of Turkmenistan on improving social conditions of the population of villages, settlements, etrap towns and etrap centers till 2020”. As noted, the volume of assimilated investments from all sources of financing in 2014 grew by 6.7 percent, as compared to 2013. 40 percent of the investments were allocated for the construction of social objects and 60 percent – for industrial-purpose facilities. In total, 456 large socio-cultural and industrial purpose objects were constructed and put into operation last year. In comparison with 2013, the volume of assimilated capital investments in the frames of the within-said National Program increased by 23.9 percent. In the period under review, the following construction projects were implemented: housing - 1112.4 thousand square meters; water supply systems – 2307.4 kilometers; roads - 408.2 kilometers; gas pipelines - 1,309.9 kilometers; transmission lines - 3759.8 kilometers; telephone networks - 2813.4 kilometers. Then, Chairman of the State Statistics Committee A. Mammedov concentrated his report on the work results and economic indices achieved by the country’s ministries and agencies in 2014. As reported, the production output value significantly increased practically in all sectors of the national economy. The positive tendencies were observed in the agricultural sector as well. In 2014, over 1.2 million tons of grain crops were grown in the country. The obligations on the cotton crop production were 106.6 percent fulfilled. Speaking of the achievements made in the construction sector, the head of the State Statistics Committee informed that the growth rate of works executed by construction organizations in 2014, increased by 16.8 percent, as compared to 2013. Addressing to Vice-Premier A. Gochyev, the President of Turkmenistan has emphasized that on the whole, the macroeconomic indices of the country’s socio-economic development in 2014 are satisfactory. However, there are still many issues to be tackled and worked on, the leader of nation said, having stressed that a complete analysis of the phenomena occurring both in the global and the national economies has not been prepared yet. Highlighting that accurate forecasts of the economic development trends have not been issued yet, the head of state has noted that due to these omissions and a number of other shortcomings, the work of the economic and financial sectors supervised by the Vice-Premier, does not meet the requirements assigned. There is no control implemented over the realization of the adopted state programs, the leader of nation continued, having sorted it out as one the main causes of non-fulfillment of the objectives specified in these programs year after year. In this connection, the head of state drew attention to the necessity of developing a comprehensive program, which would concretize the tasks on creating jobs, as well as financing sources of the planned works. In his report, Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Hojamuhammedov covered the work results of the fuel-energy sector’s enterprises in 2014 and the implementation progress of “The Program of the Oil-and-Gas industry Development of Turkmenistan for the period till 2030”. In particular, the Vice-Premier informed that last year’s output of oil and gas condensate had made up 103.2 percent; natural and associated gas -111.1 percent; and exports of the “blue fuel” - 111.2 percent. The growth rate of oil refining and oil products production increased against the indicator in 2013. The large infrastructural projects launched last year were also in the center of the report. The projects scheduled for 2015, including the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline; plants for production of gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel from natural gas are aimed at the oil and gas industry further diversification and strengthening of export potential of the country’s fuel and energy complex. In the report follow-up comments, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov addressed a number of reproofs to some leaders of the oil and gas complex. The head of state has stressed that despite the fact that huge capital investments are allocated for the fuel and energy complex development, the work of some sectoral structures is far from perfect and does not comply with the requirements assigned. Our country possesses rich oil and gas resources, and there are all potentialities available for increasing the energy production, said the President of Turkmenistan, having cited the effective work of foreign companies and their achievements as an example. The head of state instructed the Vice-Premier to thoroughly analyse the activity of the “Turkmennebit” and “Turkmengaz” State Concerns and to take necessary measures to improve the efficiency of their work. Cabinet Deputy Chairman M. Artykov concentrated his report on the work results in the ministries and agencies he is responsible for, on the fulfilment of the earlier presidential assignments, as well as on the program of the objects and facilities to be put into operation in the country in 2015. In the frames of the report, the Vice Premier also informed about the ongoing work on phased upgrading and constructing the new highways of national importance - “Turkmenbashi-Farab”, “Ashgabat-Karakum-Dashoguz”. Reporting on the implementation course of “The National Program of President of Turkmenistan on improving social conditions of the population of villages, settlements, etrap towns and etrap centers till 2020”, the Vice-Premier informed that 245 socio-cultural purpose objects had been constructed in the period under review (in total, 1 million 112.4 thousand square meters of dwelling); the growth rate made up 184.6 percent. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has stressed that the Supreme Control Chamber inspected the progress of construction works, and revealed a number of shortcomings. In 2014, 372 large industrial and socio-cultural purpose facilities should have been completed. The construction of 51 of them was executed at slow rates. As a result, the within-said objects were not timely put into operation, in particular, in the oil-and-gas sector – 8 objects, in the construction and energy complexes – 17 objects, in the agricultural sector – 6 objects, in the transport and communications sector – 4 objects; in the line of khyakimliks of Akhal, Balkan and Lebap velayats – 2, 9 and 5 objects respectively. Summing up the remarks made, the nation’s leader instructed Vice-Premier M. Artykov to remove the shortcomings in the construction sector in the shortest possible space of time, to ensure strict control over the works as well as timely and high-quality completion of the objects. The outcomes of the last year’s activities of the transport and communications sector, the prospects for its further development were in the focus of the follow-up report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman S.Satlykov. As the Vice-Premier reported, the works and services plan was by 109 percent implemented in the transport and communication complex in the period under review; the growth rate made up 109.5 percent. Last year, 87 units of special railway construction equipment, 3 locomotives, 103 special and 153 passenger railway cars were delivered to our country. In the period under review, the International Bus Terminal was put into operation; 77 new buses were additionally purchased. In the reported period, to satisfy the demand for telecommunications services, telephone service points with the capacity of 601,200 cellular, 9, 900 radio and 40, 400 fixed-line telephone numbers were provided. The plan was 2.7 times fulfilled. In the frames of the National Rural Development Program, telephone stations (with the capacity of 61,328 numbers) and 2,851 kilometers of telecommunication networks were installed. During this period of time, the aircraft fleet of the Ashgabat International Airport was replenished with two new aircrafts “Boeing 777-200 LR”. The infrastructure facilities and runways are under construction in the international airports of Ashgabat, Turkmenabat and Dashoguz city. In the period under discussion, 4 tugs and “RO-PAX” class ferry “Berkarar”, intended to carry passengers, trucks and other vehicles, arrived at the Turkmenbashi seaport. The Vice-Premier also informed about the ongoing construction of the National Committee for Hydrometeorology administration building to be tooled with advanced equipment. Summarizing the report, the leader of nation has stressed that the state provides much support to the transport and communications sector development, but the work on strengthening its logistics leaves much to be desired. Reorganization of the transport-communications sector’s enterprises and organizations into joint-stock companies, qualified specialists training are implemented inefficiently. Addressing a number of commissions to the Vice-Premier S. Satlykov on enhancing discipline in the transport sector, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov assigned to take necessary measures to prevent railway cars from running of the rails and to ensure services for conveying passengers and goods in compliance with present-day demands. Cabinet Deputy Chairman P. Taganov reported on the work results of the trade sector in 2014 and main indices achieved by the key sectoral agencies. Particularly, the total trade turnover made up 3 billion 569.6 million manats in 2014; the growth rate, as compared to 2013, was 105.4 percent, including the retail trade turnover – 1 billion 210.3 million manats, and wholesale trade turnover – 2 billion 359.3 million manats. The growth rates grew to 109.4 percent and 103.5 percent, respectively. In 2014, the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan conducted 231 transactions and made 30, 895 contracts (the sum total 70 billion 984.2 million manats). The enterprises of the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union produced: industrial products valued at 420.4 million manats, agricultural products – 673.6 million manats; the growth rates made up 133.7 and 114 percent, respectively. Members of the IEU executed installation and construction works at the cost of 6 billion 29 million manats, the growth rate is 47 percent. The trade turnover made up 8 billion 481.6 million manats, the growth rate was 165.4 percent. The work performed in the services sector amounts to 667.1 million manats; the growth rate -147.6 percent. The report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Ereshov was an extensive coverage of the 2014 work outcomes of the sectors answerable to him. Speaking of the main indicators of the national economy’s industrial sector, the Vice-Premier stated positive dynamics of production indices growth in the course of the comprehensive measures taken, in the building materials, chemical, textile and carpet making industries; the fishing industry increased its productive capacities and production output. After the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has addressed critical remarks to Vice-Premier B. Ereshov, having stressed that the industrial complex he is in charge of, does not efficiently tackle the tasks assigned. The domestic market is not sufficiently supplied with high-quality domestically-produced goods. The undertaken measures do not step up the production of internationally competitive export products. To a considerable degree, this relates to the activity of the chemical and fishing industries, which do not meet their obligations. It is necessary to take prompt measures for removing the shortcomings. Numerous defects were revealed in the fields due to insufficient control on the part of the responsible executives. Fish and other products produced by the fish processing sector’ structures cannot boast a wide assortment; as for their quality and quantity, they do not meeting the population’s evergrowing demand. The following financial and economic indices confirmed the neglected state of affairs in the sector. Last year’s eleven-month outlays are 9 times as much as receipts. Debit debts are constantly growing due to inefficiency of the sectoral enterprises. Besides, the sector’s enterprises suffer the acute shortage of professional personnel, in particular, specialists in fish breeding. Despite the fact that the state makes huge investments in training of specialists abroad, after returning home, many of them do not deal with professional jobs. The report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Toilyev was concentrated on the outcomes of work executed in 2014 in the social sector’s fields answerable to him, including on the objects put into operation. In the period under review, 154 educational institutions were put into service. Besides, intermediate vocational sea and river schools; a municipal engineering school, as well as three basic vocational schools were established last year. Turkmen schoolchildren participated in the International Subjects Olympiads and other intellectual contests, having won 139 medals. The International Scientific Conference “Magtymguly Fragi and universal cultural values” was held on May 14-16. Last year, collections of Magtymguly Fragi’s poetry were published and presented in many foreign languages. Scientific articles and monographs devoted to the great master of word were published as well. As for the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, 13 objects were put into operation in 2014. In 2014, our sportsmen took part in 151 international sports competitions, including 24 world championships and 23 Asian championships (including the Asian Games) and won 393 medals (111 medals more as compared to 2013). On November19-24, the World Belt and Goresh Wrestling Championships were successfully held, at which our sportsmen won 45 medals. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has emphasized the importance of not only summing up the work results, but also identifying the issues and ways of tackling them. Pointing out the shortcomings in the activities of the branches supervised by S.Toilyev, the leader of nation has emphasized the shortage of qualified specialists in the structures of the Ministry of Education, State Sports and Tourism Committees among the issues. At present, there are some achievements made in the field of sport, the head of state said. Last year, our sportsmen won different medals at international tournaments (by 30 percent as compared to the year before last). But these results are not sufficient enough to win a decisive victory at the V Asian Games to be held in two years. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan entrusted the Vice-Minister together with the heads of sectoral structures answerable to him, to conduct a thorough analysis of the ongoing work and to take urgent measures for removing the shortcomings. The leader also assigned all the Vice-Premiers to work out an efficient system aimed at providing employment to young specialists who were educated abroad in state institutions and enterprises. Then Cabinet Deputy Chairperson M. Yazmuhammedova informed about the outcomes of work accomplished in in 2014 in the sectors answerable to her. In the period under discussion, 44,339 cultural events were organized; 27 culture houses, as well as modern libraries were put into service in t Balkan, Dashoguz and Lebap velayats. Among the large international cultural events organized in our country are Culture Days of foreign countries as well as Culture Days of Turkmenistan held in different countries of the world. Days of films, exhibitions and other international cultural events were held jointly with the foreign embassies accredited to Turkmenistan. The events held in our country and beyond to mark the 290th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet’s birth significantly contributed to the wide popularization of Magtymguly Fragi’s creative work, the national historical-cultural heritage and Turkmenistan’s present-day achievements. In the anniversary year, collections of works of the poet, 32 books about his life and creative work were published in the Turkmen language and many other foreign languages. The International Scientific Conference “Magtymguly Fragi and universal cultural values” was held in last year’s May. After the report, the nation’s leader has expressed critical remarks to the address of the Vice-Premier and the television channels management on the shortcomings made in the Turkmen television work. The head of state stressed the poor quality of television programs, their unreality and obvious omissions in direction. As the President of Turkmenistan noted, the within-said issues should be addressed the executives of newspapers and magazines as well. The head of state has also emphasized the shortcomings in the work of the Ministry of Culture, having stressed in particular, that numerous cultural purpose objects built in the capital, cities and villages, for the construction of which the state allocated large funds, are not used efficiently - many of them remain closed until the next event. In this context, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has highlighted the need to more widely use capabilities of culture houses, theatres and other facilities, to organize countrywide tours of artists and entertainers, as well as to invite foreign artists more often to brighten up the country’s cultural life. Cabinet Deputy Chairman, Manager of Presidential and Cabinet Administration Office Sh. Durdylyev focused his report on the outcomes of the investment and construction activity in Ashgabat in 2014, as well as on the short-term plans for the capital’s further development. In 2014, 65 social, industrial, cultural, and other purpose objects were put into operation Ashgabat (the number significantly exceeds the results of 2013). The capital’s housing stock was replenished with over 2,000 apartments. In accordance with the Resolution, signed by the President of Turkmenistan on December 4, sixty 9-story residential buildings are to be constructed in the capital’s residential neighborhood – “Parahat”. On December 26, projects of the 14th phase of the Ashgabat Redevelopment Program were launched, among which is the construction of another twenty-three 12-story 1,320-apartment dwelling houses. A 2015 Work Plan is being developed by Ashgabat city khyakimlik; the preparation of the capital’s Development Conception for 2015-2016 is well under way. The outcomes of the work accomplished in 2014, the implementation progress of a number of important objects under construction in the Turkmen capital, the measures taken to create favorable conditions of life for the citizens, their creative labor and comfortable recreation were key issues, the report of Ashgabat city’s khyakim R.Nurmammedov was centered on. Further, Akhal velayat khyakim M. Nurmammedov focused his report on the last year’s work results and the state of affairs in the region’s agricultural sector. Reporting on the work outcomes in the agri-sector, the head of regional administration informed that over 225,000 hectares of farmlands had been planted to wheat (for the yield of 2015), which are expected to produce 450, 000 tons of grain. At present, vegetative irrigation of young crops in compliance with agrotechnical standards, as well as their organic and mineral fertilization are ongoing in the fields. Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov stressed that the Supreme Control Chamber inspection had revealed numerous shortcomings in the activity of Akhal velayat khyakimlik on implementing the programs and plans. At the present time, there are villages in the region, which are not fully provided with gas and power supply. In the region, nearly 55,000 farm households (43 percent) are not supplied with drinking water on a regular basis. The work on realization of the National Rural Program is far from perfect in Baharly, Kaahka, Tejen and Altyn asyr etraps. The head of state has also pointed out the fact that only 76 percent of the citizens, who had applied for a lease on land, received land areas. The construction of engineering structures planned to be completed in 2008-2014 was not implemented at an adequate level. Currently, the area of lands with medium and high salinity in the velayat is about 40 percent. Due to the shortage of specialized machinery, the work on drainage systems cleaning is not carried out in time, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted. The nation’s leader focused attention on the low financial position of daikhan associations, having stressed that 54 of them had taken out 23-billion-manat loans from the country’s banking institutions in 2013-2014 to make payments with farmers. Having emphasized inadmissibility of the current situation, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has assigned Akhal velayat khyakim M. Nurmammedov to improve the shortcomings as soon as possible and to ensure timely and qualitative execution of the works specified by the National Rural Development Program. In his turn, Balkan velayat khyakim B. Hojamammedov reported on the outcomes of the socio-economic development in 2014 of the country’s western region, as well as the ongoing agri-works. Detailed information was presented on the large industrial- and social-purpose facilities, put into operation in the velayat last year. Among them are the interstate Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway, a new building of Balkan velayat Library, a multi-purpose market and the Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Balkanabat; a therapeutic muds and sea salt packing enterprise in the settlement of Jebel; a pharmaceutical enterprise for production of iodine products and a poultry factory in Bereket etrap. In the after-report comments, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has focused on the slow paces of works aimed at implementing the National Program for regions’ development. A number of shortcomings related to realization of the within-said program had been disclosed in the course of inspection conducted by the Supreme Control Chamber. Many of the construction objects, which should have been put into operation in 2008-2014, had not been completed as scheduled. Thus, the plan for construction of hospitals was 69 percent implemented; of health houses and medical centers – 61 p.c.; of kindergartens – 73 p.c.; of secondary schools – about 63 p.c.; of culture houses – about 42 p.c. The construction of power transmission lines and residential buildings in the velayat was also characterized by low level. The work on distributing land areas in the region is also poorly organized – only a little more than 57 percent of the citizens who had applied received them. At present, lands with medium and high salinity occupy the area of 14,000 hectares in the velayat, the nation’s leader highlighted. The President of Turkmenistan commissioned Balkan velayat khyakim B. Hojamammedov to exercise strict control over realization of the National Rural Program in Magtymguly, Bereket, Turkmenbashi and Serdar etraps; to take necessary measures to ensure timely and qualitative accomplishment of the planned work. The outcomes of the work performed in the velayat in 2014, the ongoing agricultural operations, in particular, the steps aimed at further improving the living conditions of the region’s population, the state of affairs at sites of the objects planned for construction and commissioning; the measures taken to ensure timely and high-quality implementation of the scheduled work were in the focus of the report made by Dashoguz velayat khyakim E. Orazgeldiev. In the follow-up comments, the nation’s leader Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has emphasized that the inspection conducted by the Supreme Control Chamber revealed a number of shortcomings concerning realization of the National Rural Development Program. The construction of numerous objects which were to be put into operation in 2008-2014, has not been completed yet. In particular, the plan for construction of hospitals was less than 53 percent implemented; of health houses and medical centers – 48 p.c.; of secondary schools – 75 p.c.; of culture houses – 54 p.c. The construction of many objects, which should have been put into operation in 2008-2014, has not been completed yet. In this context, the head of state has pointed out the fact that the activities in the frames of the National Program for regions’ development were unsatisfactorily performed, in particular in Saparmurat Turkmenbashi, Ruhubelent, Gubadag, Gurbansoltan eje and Kounyaurgench etraps. In this connection, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov assigned E. Orazgeldiev to remedy the shortcomings as soon as possible and ensure well-timed and qualitative fulfilment of the within-said work. Lebap velayat khyakim M. Joraev centered his report on the region’s main economic indexes in 2014, the situation in the agricultural complex, including the work under way in the livestock breeding complex. Reporting on the issues of implementing “The National Program of President of Turkmenistan on improving social conditions of the population of villages, settlements, etrap towns and etrap centers till 2020”, the khyakim informed that in the period under review, 61 socio-cultural and other purpose objects had been put into operation in the velayat. As stressed, 175,000 hectares of farmlands were planted to different varieties of grain crops. Besides, the khyakim also reported on the measures taken to prepare for Week of Culture to be held in Lebap velayat in 2015. Highlighting the necessity of keeping unremitting control over the implementation progress of works ongoing in the velayat in the frames of the important programs adopted in our country, the President of Turkmenistan has emphasized that a number of shortcomings were detected in Lebap velayat in the course of the inspection carried out by the Supreme Control Chamber. Many construction objects scheduled to be put into operation in 2008-2014, have not been completed. The plan for construction of hospital has been 47 percent fulfilled; of secondary schools and culture houses – 52 percent. Moreover, the engineering systems construction was far from perfect. The land allocation plan has not been fully fulfilled; a little more than 56 percent of the citizens, who had applied for a lease on land, received land areas, the nation’s leader said. The head of state has also noted that the lands with medium and high salinity in the velayat cover the area of 51,000 hectares and 29,000 hectares respectively. Drawing attention to the inefficient organization of the work ongoing in the frames of “The National Program of President of Turkmenistan on improving social conditions of the population of villages, settlements, etrap towns and etrap centers till 2020” in Dovletli, Farap, Halach, Sakar and Garashsyzlyk etraps, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov commissioned M. Joraev to correct the shortcomings as soon as possible. The outcomes of work accomplished in the region in 2014 and the ongoing agri-works were in the center of the report of Mary velayat khyakim B.Annagurbanov. As was informed, about 82 different-purpose objects were put into operation in 2014. The construction of new modern villages in Altyn sahra etrap and a settlement in Jemgiet gengeshlik, Mary etrap, as well as residential houses on the basis of long-term loans is well under way. Reporting on the agricultural indicators, the head of velayat administration informed that by now, 200 thousand hectares of farmlands have been planted to wheat, which are expected to produce 380 thousand tons of wheat in 2015. After the report, the head of state has stressed the fact that work on implementation of the National Rural Development Program is ongoing at slow paces in Mary velayat, as well. As the nation’s leader noted, according the Supreme Control Chamber, many of facilities, which should have been put into operation in 2008-2014, remain half-constructed. During this time, the plan for construction of hospital was 65 percent implemented; health houses and the medical centers - 52 percent and culture houses - 50 percent. The construction of engineering systems was making slow progress, as well. The President of Turkmenistan also drew attention of the velayat khyakim to the slow progress of the land allocation, having stressed that only about 34 percent of the citizens, who had applied for a lease on land, received land areas. The area of lands with medium and high salinity in the velayat is going to reach 56 thousand hectares; the high-salinity land occupies the area of over 30 thousand hectares. Having emphasized improper execution of the work on implementation of the National Rural Development Program in Vekilbazar, Iolotan, Karakum, Bairamali and Sakarchaga etraps, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has demanded from the velayat khaykim to ensure strict control over the timely and high-quality performance of the work and remove the shortcomings in the shortest possible space of time. The report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman A.Yazmyradov was centered on the work outcomes of the supervised sectors in 2014. As stressed, the works, services and production growth rate in the agro-industrial complex reached 104.2 percent. The annual plan for investment assimilation was 105 percent implemented by the ministries and agencies of the agri-industrial sector. At present, a water desalination installation (with the daily capacity of 50 thousand cubic meters of water) in Turkmenbashi etrap, Balkan velayat and specialized enterprises for processing cotton seeds (with the annual capacity of 40 thousand tons each) in Altyn asyr etrap, Akhal velayat, Karabekaul etrap, Lebap velayat and Sakarchaga etrap, Mary velayat are under construction. In Saparmurat Turkmenbashi etrap, Dashoguz velayat, a rice milling enterprise (with the projected capacity of 30 thousand tons annually) and a modern complex with a 10-hectare greenhouse for growing vegetables, a storage facility and a packing shop in Kounyaurgench etrap are being constructed as well. Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has focused on the outcomes of the inspection conducted by Supreme Control Chamber of Turkmenistan within the Ministry of Water Economy, which revealed a number of shortcomings in the farmland treatment measures and implementation of the programs and plans adopted in the industry. As stressed by the head of state, according to the established standard, water losses in the use of water resources should be about 12 percent. At present, this indicator reached 46 percent (34 percent more than the norm) in our country. However, the Ministry of Water Economy had not taken any measures to reduce the water losses. The water resources used in agriculture are supplied without considering the exact volumes. Only 15 percent of water-metering points are equipped with water consumption meters, a considerable number of which is defective. As the inspection revealed, the President of Turkmenistan continued, medium and high-salinity lands cover the area of more than 518 thousand hectares. Regardless of that, the work on cleaning drainage canals is not conducted efficiently, causing their unsatisfactory operation. The head of state addressed a number of critical remarks to Vice-Premier A.Yazmyradov concerning the unsatisfactory state of affairs in the field of livestock sector development. In our country, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said, all necessary conditions are created for tackling the issues of the livestock sector development. The President of Turkmenistan has highlighted that there are the Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, the relevant ministries and sectoral agencies in our country; sufficient funds are allocated for these purposes. However, the desired outcomes in the livestock sector have not been obtained yet; this causes rise in prices for meat at the markets, the head of state said. Then, Minister of the Interior I. Mulikov informed about the Ministry’s activity in 2014, on fulfilment of the earlier presidential commissions, as well as the measures taken to maintain peace and stability in the country. The report also included the outcomes of the inspection, conducted in the national economy’s branches, which revealed a number of shortcomings. Further, Prosecutor General of Turkmenistan A.Hallyev reported on the ongoing measures to ensure law and order in the country and society and the shortcomings revealed by inspections conducted in a number of ministries and sectoral agencies. Addressing to all session participants, the head of state has stressed that we would continue to fight against corruption and bribery, as well as other negative phenomena without regardless of the ranks. “Those, who violate the law, should not hope that they will be able to avoid punishment and escape responsibility”, the leader of nation stressed. In the course of meeting, the head of state has highlighted that the implementation progress of the National Rural Development Program has been significantly improved over the past two years. At the same time, the leader of nation has expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that the funds allocated to velayats for urban and rural development, are often not used completely, which resulted in failure to meet the construction plans of some objects. The President of Turkmenistan has also expressed dissatisfaction with the work of khyakims of some etraps on handling the social issues, fostering the youth and raising the level of culture and education. In that connection, the head of state assigned Vice-Premiers A. Gochyev, M. Artykov and A. Yazmyradov, the Vice-Premiers in charge of velayat, velayat khyakims, Chairperson of Mejlis A. Nurberdyeva and Chairmen of the national parliament’s committees to thoroughly analyze the situation in every etrap and prepare the concrete proposals for tackling the vital issues. Having stressed that etrap khyakims’ activity should be judged by results of their work, the President of Turkmenistan commissioned the Prosecutor General to take necessary measures in accordance with the law with regard to the officials, who do not implement properly Ukases of the President and Resolutions of the Government. During the meeting, the floor was given to Cabinet Deputy Chairman, Minister of Foreign Affairs R.Meredov, who informed about the outcomes of Ministry’s activity in 2014 on protecting the national interests in the international arena, including in the field of economic diplomacy, implementation of the initiatives proposed by the leader of nation in the field of energy security, cooperation in the transport sector, etc. In the context of international interaction, the visits of heads of states and governments, many foreign delegations to our country, tens of representative meetings and large-scale forums were organized in Turkmenistan. The Vice-Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs centered his report on working out the program of festivities and events to take place in our country and beyond in 2015, which was declared the Year of Peace and Neutrality, as well as on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutral status , and submitted it for consideration by the head of state. Having approved the program of festivities and events devoted to the Year of Peace and Neutrality, the head of state demanded to keep strict control over holding of the events, having stressed that they should symbolize the celebration of peace, security, friendship, good relations, mutual understanding and high goals and principles of humanism. In the course of the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan addressed his keynote report to the session attendees having characterized the outcomes of 2014 and concretized the priority objectives set before the country in 2015. Having stressed that 2014 was not an easy year for our country, the leader of nation has stated that the national economy is closely interconnected with economies of many other states in the world. The global crisis phenomena, difficult financial and economic situation in some countries have a considerable impact on Turkmenistan; all of these have a negative effect on the economic indices and necessitate reacting promptly, and in some cases, taking emergency measures to tackle the issues, the head of state said. Almost all of the 2014 programs were implemented, thanks to the diligent and selfless work. Outstanding achievements have been displayed in the implementation of the large-scale reforms and social and the country’s socio-economic development, that nation’s leader said, having stressed that the GDP growth rate has made up 10.3 percent. In the industry, the index the industry reached 11.1 percent; in the construction sector - 12.8 percent. As compared to 2013, the capital investments allocated for the development of the national economy’s different sectors have increased by 6.7 percent and made up over 49 billion manats. The foreign trade turnover rate has made up almost US $ 33 billion. Having highlighted the large-scale work ongoing in the frames of the adopted programs aimed our independent Motherland’s further development, the leader of nation has stated that, the volume of investments only in the building sector only exceeded US $51 billion. Pending the subject, the head of state has stressed that last year 456 large industrial, social and cultural purpose objects valued at nearly US $ 10 billion were constructed and put into operation from all financing sources. Focusing attention of the session attendees on this year’s tasks, the nation’s leader has emphasized that their successful implementation will significantly contribute to the country’s progressive development and ensuring of the specified growth rates. The year of 2015 was declared the Year of Neutrality and Peace, the head of state continued. In that connection, all the work would be aimed at achieving the objectives set, ensuring prosperous and happy life and wellbeing of the Turkmen people, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. Addressing to Chairperson of Mejlis A.Nurberdyeva, the leader of nation has highlighted that Mejlis of Turkmenistan should carry on work on improving the national legislation. A new draft Constitution of the country should be prepared until September and submitted for the nationwide discussion. The legislative basis in the fields of agricultural reforms, further support to the private sector, development of the financial system, increase in the investment activity should be enhanced, the leader of nation said, having stressed the necessity of adopting laws aimed at strengthening the legal framework of the activity on the development of the raw material industry and increase exports of domestically-produced products. Then, the head of state addressed Cabinet Deputy Chairman, Minister of Foreign Affairs R.Meredov and highlighted that the objectives assigned to country’s diplomatic corps had been considered in last year’s December. In accordance with the Foreign Policy Concept of Turkmenistan for 2013-2017, all diplomats should concentrate their efforts on consistent protection of our country’s interests and take necessary measures for developing and strengthening mutually advantageous cooperation with different states of the world, the nation’s leader said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should develop the programs of forthcoming visits of the governmental delegation of Turkmenistan to foreign countries, as well as of foreign delegations to Turkmenistan, international meetings and conferences, the nation’s leader said, having emphasized the importance of ensuring high level organization of the events planned for the 20th anniversary of the recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutral status. Touching upon the tasks assigned to the financial and economic sector, the President of Turkmenistan drew attention of Vice-Premier A.Gochyev and all executives of the sector to the importance of implementing the long-term strategic, sectoral, goal-oriented and regional programs. The head of state has also stressed the significance of ensuring stability of the financial sector and increasing the investment activity. It is necessary to enhance steadiness of the national currency, improve its purchasing power, to take adequate measures aimed at increasing exports and freely convertible currency reserves, the leader of nation said. As for the tasks set before the banking sector, the leader of nation has highlighted that, as before, the main objective is to prevent inflation, to keep that indicator within the fixed limits, not exceeding 6 percent in average. As before, the country’s monetary policy is aimed at preserving the stable exchange rate of manat to foreign currency, said the head of state, having emphasized that credit activity of banks should be intensified to ensure steady economic growth rates of Turkmenistan. As compared to 2014, in the running year, credit funds invested in the national economy’s development should be increased by 20 percent and the volume of loans granted to the private sector s and the population - by 30 percent, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted. Addressing to Vice-Premier B.Hojamuhammedov and the oil-and-gas complex’s leaders the head of state has necessitated accelerating the paces of implementation of the strategic Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, which is of particular importance. In continuation of the subject, the President of Turkmenistan has stated with satisfaction with the ongoing efficient work on the development of the “Galkynysh” gas field located in the east of the country and the construction of the plant for the production of gasoline in Akhal velayat. The East-West gas pipeline and other facilities of the oil-and-gas complex are planned for construction, this will enable to create favorable conditions for the development of the sector’s raw-material base and export potential. Having stressed the need for bringing the production of natural gas up to the level of 83.8 billion cubic meters, the head of state has emphasized that 48 billion cubic meters of gas are planned to be supplied to foreign countries. This year, the volume of oil production should reach 11 million 110 thousand tons. As compared to 2014, the production growth rate should exceed 102.9 percent, the leader of nation said. It is necessary to continue the work on the oil refining industry development through modernization of the Turkmenbashi Refinery Complex and, consequently, to ensure the sector’s progressive advance by adopting the latest technologies in the production through substantial processing of crude oil, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said, having emphasized that the measures should be also taken to step up the production and exports of liquefied gas. Further, the head of state centered attention of Vice-Premier M.Artykov and heads of the investment-construction complex on the priority tasks assigned. Stressing the large scale of the 2015 construction program, the leader of nation has highlighted that 362 large facilities are to be constructed and put into operation; assimilation of nearly US $10 billion is also projected. To improve the housing and social conditions of the rural population, builders should tackle the task on assimilating nearly 5 billion manats. These funds will be spent on building on healthcare, educational and cultural facilities. Besides, they will be invested in the building and reconstruction of infrastructural objects, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. This year, dwelling houses will be constructed at the accelerated rate from state funds and private capital. The effective work on improving the country’s power supply and increasing energy exports will be carried out, the head of state said, having noted to this end, the construction of gas-turbine power stations in Lebap velayat should be launched in 2015, and the power station in Derveze etrap, Akhal velayat should be completed. Putting of these facilities into operation will make it possible to complete the energy system of the country in the eastern direction and create conditions for stepping up the electric power production this year, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized. Then, speaking to the Cabinet Deputy Chairman A.Yazmyradov, the velayat and etrap khyakims, and leader of the agro-industrial complex, the head of state has made special emphasis on further work on implementing the comprehensive program for reforming the agri-sector. The agro-industrial complex of the country should be turned to a highly profitable sector by efficiently realizing its great potential. Cultivation and harvesting of abundant agricultural crops are also important tasks, the head of state said, having noted that this year, 1 million 600 thousand tons of wheat and 1 million 50 thousand tons of cotton crops should be grown and harvested. Livestock production should be expanded in all farms, the leader of nation said, having emphasized, to this end, modern cattle-breeding complexes should be constructed in 2015 countrywide. Expansion of meat, milk, eggs and wool production and achievement of higher economic indices than in 2014 were outlined among the main objectives. At the same time, it is important to increase the production of other agricultural crops, including vegetables, cucurbitaceous crops, grapes and fruits this year. Speaking of the tasks set before the authorities of the Ministry of Water Economy, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has noted that the sector’s activity should be carried out efficiently. The existing water supply facilities should be repaired and new ones, as well as collectors and water lifting installations should be constructed. They will enable to ensure adequate water supply to cities and villages, as well as the agricultural sector, the leader of the nation stressed. Then, addressing to Vice-Premier S.Satlykov and heads of the transport and communications complex, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has stressed that this year nearly 5 billion manats will be allocated for the sector’s development. The potential of the international railway connecting Europe to Asia should be used efficiently, the head of state said, having underlined the need to launch the construction of the Ekerem-Madav railway and complete the section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan railway in the territory of our country. Given the goods transportation volumes within all the ministries, sectoral agencies and the national economy’s private sector, the total volume of goods transportation should be brought to 542.6 million tons, and the total volume of passenger transportation should reach one billion people, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov stressed. It is necessary to construct modern bus terminals in the administrative centers of all velayats, to advance the work on airport construction, to open new local flight routes, the leader of nation said, having emphasized the need for developing the country’s trade fleet and stepping up the construction of the Turkmenbashi international seaport. The leader of nation necessitated taking efficient measures aimed the communications sector development. This year our Turkmenistan’s national artificial satellite will be launched into space, with a glance to its possibilities, the work on developing cellular communications systems, television, computer technologies and Internet in the country should be continued, the head of state said. In the course of the meeting, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has highlighted that upgrading of the fields of higher education and science is an important aspect of state policy, having focused attention of Vice-Premier S.Toilyev and heads of the science, education, healthcare, tourism and sports spheres on increasing paces of the work. Development of the Turkmen language is another very important task, the President of Turkmenistan continued and instructed S.Toilyev to create a special group composed of linguists, to prepare defining dictionary and spelling dictionaries; upon the work completion, to approve and publish dictionaries in bulk issues. To successfully fulfil the task, it is necessary to carry out systematic work on training highly qualified research scientists, postgraduate students and doctoral candidates. Special attention should be given to the preparation of highly professional specialists for all sectors and young scientists, the head of state said. Having focused on the issues the healthcare system development - another major aspect of state policy, the leader of nation centered attention on the need to take adequate measures in this area. At present, the activity in this field is ongoing within the frames of the “Saglyk” State Program, the head of state said, having highlighted that the work specified in the program will be fully completed this year. In that connection, given the present-day requirements, it is necessary to work out and adopt the new “Saglyk” State Program in compliance with international standards as well as to keep on implementing the large-scale reforms in the healthcare system. Touching upon the issues of preparation for the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Ashgabat is to host in 2017, the head of state has necessitated taking comprehensive measures in this trend, having emphasized that training of sportsmen and coaches should be given special consideration. It is necessary to more actively attract young people to sports activities and in the Olympic movement as well as to complete the construction of the second phase of the Olympic Village, the leader of nation emphasized. Addressing to the Vice-Premier M.Yazmuhammedova and the mass media authorities, the head of state has noted that this year there are good opportunities for the creative and professional development and improvement of cultural and art workers’ activity. In this context, special attention should be given to preparation and holding of different international cultural events, including the events to be held on the occasion of declaration of Mary city the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2015, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov stressed. Speaking of the need to improve the publishing business and to develop of the printing industry’ capacities, the head of state commissioned to complete in Ashgabat the construction of the Publishing House to be tooled with the most advanced technologies and put it into operation. The nation’s leader has also stressed that special consideration should be given to the improvement of quality of news programs prepared by the country’s television and radio channels. Speaking of the importance of ensuring the work on strengthening the cultural sphere’s logistics, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has stressed that to this end, a number of cultural-purpose facilities and complexes, including recreational zones and shopping centers should be opened in the administrative centers of velayats. Addressing to Vice-Premier P.Taganov and heads of the trade sector, the nation’s leader has stressed the importance of taking effective measures aimed at creating the trade sector’s modern infrastructure, building new shopping centers and supermarkets countrywide. As noted by President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, the most important task is to bring the private sector’s share in the country’s GDP growth rate up to 65 percent, exclusively of the fuel and energy complex. To render active support to businessmen, special-purpose loans will be allocated in the amount of nearly 300 million manats or US $100 million. Speaking to Chairman of the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union A.Dadaev, the head of state has highlighted that allocated investments should be aimed at supplying the country’s population with meat and dairy products at affordable prices, ensuring efficient work of livestock farms and developing the livestock sector. Further, the leader of nation drew attention of Vice-Premier B. Ereshov and heads of the industrial complex to the industrial strategy’s main aspects, which is focused on the industry’s sustainable development on the innovative basis and achievement of the national economy’s high competitiveness level. Speaking of this, the President of Turkmenistan has highlighted the need to pay special attention the production of import-substituting products. First of all, consideration should be given to production of high-quality output in the processing industry, the services and the transport and communications sectors, the leader of nation continued. Thus, it is necessary to reduce the dependence of the country’s economic growth on raw materials sources and also to tackle the issue of saturation of the domestic market with Turkmenistan-produced products by creating import-substituting industries, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov emphasized. Stressing that the chemical industry is one the sectors ensuring the national economy’s further development, the head of state has highlighted the importance of ongoing construction of the mining-and-processing complex for production of potash fertilizers at the Garlyk potash salts deposit in Koitendag etrap, as well as the carbamide producing enterprise in the town of Garabogaz. In 2015, the fish industry should be brought to the new level of development by using the capacities of the water bodies and ensuring the continuous production cycle, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov stressed. Addressing to the Vice-Premier, Manager of the Presidential and Cabinet Adminstration Office Sh.Durdylyev, the leader of nation has emphasized that khyakims of etraps and Ashgabat city should as soon as possible develop and submit for consideration a 2017 plan for the construction of buildings and facilities in the territories of the within-said etraps. Ashgabat city’s khyakim R.Nurmammedov was assigned to work out a general plan for the construction of buildings and facilities in the capital and submit the draft document the Cabinet of Ministers for approval. Summing up his keynote speech, the head of state has stressed that this year we are destined to implement the large-scale program. Having highlighted that bodies of state administration and executives of all levels will bear special responsibility, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov underlined the importance of ensuring well-coordinated high-level work aimed at successful tackling the tasks assigned.