On May 1, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov conducted a session of the Cabinet of Ministers to sum up the four-month outcomes of the country’s socio-economic development in the current year, to discuss priority objectives of the state programs further realization, drafts of a number of documents, and other important issues of home and foreign policy, as well as to outline short-term plans. After opening the session and reading out the agenda, the head of state gave the floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Gochyev. The Vice-Premier informed that as a result of the measures taken to successfully implement the large-scale development-oriented programs and first of all, “The 2012-2016 Socio-Economic Development Program of the President of Turkmenistan”, high results had been obtained in all sectors of the Turkmen economy, and as a whole, the stable GDP growth rate had been recorded. As compared to the last year’s similar period the production growth rate has made up 109.1 percent. The retail trade turnover has increased by 18.5 percent. The indices of assimilated investments from all financing sources have been characterized by the steady dynamics. The ratio of the macroeconomic indicator to the GDP has made up 37.1 percent. As the Cabinet Deputy Chairman informed, the capital investments assimilated in the period under review had made up 11. 5 billion manats. As compared to the same period of 2014, the growth rate made up 107.1 percent. The reporting period was also marked with the successful implementation of the State Budget. Thus, the State Budget revenues have made up 103. 2 percent implemented, the outlays – by 90.8 percent. In comparison with last year’s similar period, the average salary has grown by 9.5 percent. A draft Resolution “On approving the 2015-2020 Program for improving the employment security system and job creation in Turkmenistan” was submitted for consideration by the leader of nation. Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has stressed that it is necessary to actively introduce new approaches and methods in the activity of the financial-economic sector’s institutions, and expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the processes. The head of Turkmen state commissioned to ensure control over timely tackling of the tasks aimed at the national economy’s diversified development. Signing the within-said Resolution, the leader of nation emphasized special social significance of the Program, and demanded to take all necessary measures for is practical implementation. Then, Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Satlykov reported on the January-April activity of the fields of transport and communications. As reported by the Vice-Premier, on the whole, the transport and communication complex had fulfilled its plan for works and services by 113.8 percent; the growth rate had made up 117.5 percent. According to the Ministry of Railway Transport, the growth rate reached 114. 7 percent. Renovation of railways, engineering and technical facilities, including railway overpasses is well under way in the country. As for the Ministry of Motor Transport, the growth rate of services rendered for the reporting period has made up 139.6 percent. In the sector of goods transportation the indicator has reached 101. 9 percent; in the field of passenger transportation – 100.8 percent. In the January-April period, the growth rate of the works executed by the Ministry of Communications has made up 107. 8 percent. To meet the demand for communication services, 202, 7 thousand telephone points have been provided in the country, and the plan has been fulfilled 2.4 times as much. According to the “Turkmenhovayollary” State National Service, the growth rate of air services has reached 120. 4 percent. This index in the goods and passenger transportation sector has made up 106. 6 and 100.0 percent respectively. As for the State Service of Marine and River Transport, the rate of growth of works executed has made up 130 percent. The report also covered the information on further activities in connection with the launch of the first communication satellite of Turkmenistan – “Turkmen Alem 52°E”. In the after-report comments, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has highlighted that this year is marked with important events, remarkable dates – the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and the “Saglyk” State Program. The city of Mary was announced the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2015. At the same time, this year will go down in the history of independent Turkmenistan as the year of launch of the first national satellite into space, what will accelerate the pace of development of all sectors of the country’s economy, the head of state pointed out. The national artificial communications satellite will become one of the main factors of creating the innovative communications and management systems, the Turkmen leader continued. It will ensure access to high-speed Internet services even in the remotest parts of our country. It will contribute to the quality of work of the digital television and radio channels. Excellent conditions will be created for expanding possibilities of telemedicine. The system will enable to hold international Internet-based conferences. Many opportunities will be offered for the exchange of scientific information. Introduction of a modern electronic documentary interchange system will help to advance efficient methods of management and state administration. The system will cover the country’s remote regions, as well. The launch of the satellite into space can be considered in the light of successful realization of our country’s foreign policy as well. In that context, the President of Turkmenistan focused attention on our country’s initiatives, put forward to the UN, on the issues of ensuring substantial development of the energy and transport-communications sectors, as well as ecological and disarmament aspects. Joint activities at in the field of space at the international level will enable to ensure control more efficiently over supply of energy resources to the world market, the transport and communications system, to prevent natural and man-made disasters, dissemination of mass destruction weapons, as well as to improve environmental protection of vast territories. Having congratulated the session attendees and the entire Turkmen people on the launch of the artificial communications satellite, the Turkmen leader has underlined that the event is not only technological breakthrough for our country, but it is also of ideological and political significance. Turkmenistan has entered space with great objectives and good intentions. In her report, Chairperson of Mejlis of Turkmenistan A. Nurberdyeva centered on the parliament’s activity on elaborating new and improving current legislative acts. In the period under review, 28 laws and 21 resolutions were adopted at Mejlis sessions. The work on new draft legislations is currently under way. In the report-follow up comments, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov drew attention of the parliamentarians to tackling of practical tasks. In that context, the head of state has underlined the necessity of further close interaction of Mejlis, its departments, with electors, public organizations, ministries and agencies. Touching upon the upcoming elections of Gengesh members, the President of Turkmenistan assigned to organize this important socio-political campaign at a high level. The leader of nation also commissioned the Chairperson of Mejlis to intensify the work on improving the country’s administrative territorial division. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov delivered his report on the outcomes of the Ministry’s four-month activity in the context of realization of the 2013-2017 State Foreign Policy Conception of the country. As underlined, Turkmenistan is successfully realizing the strategy of broad constructive cooperation. The visits by the President of Turkmenistan to foreign countries in the period under review, participation of the leader of nation in high-level global forums, as well as visits by a number of heads of foreign countries to our country serve as an eloquent example. On the whole, 185 foreign delegations visited Turkmenistan through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the period. At the same time, 265 delegations of our country were sent to foreign countries. In the January-April period, 72 international events, including conferences, seminars, meetings, and others were held. Bilateral consultations between Foreign Ministries directly contribute to the development of a fruitful dialogue between Turkmenistan and other countries. As noted, 15 consultations and 12 meetings of joint intergovernmental commissions were held. The report also included the information about the preparations for international events scheduled for May. Summing up the report, the leader of nation Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has emphasized that Turkmenistan will continue to steadily implement the constructive foreign policy. At the same time, the head of state stressed our country’s active participation in efforts of the international community aimed to tackle today’s topical issues. In that context, the nation’s leader gave a number of issue-related instructions to the Vice-Premier, including on holding the international events in May at a better and higher level in terms of organization and content. Then, the floor was given to Cabinet Deputy Chairman A. Yazmyradov to report on the four-month results of the activities in the supervised sectors, and the implementation progress of seasonal agri-works. As a whole, the grow rate of production, works and services rendered has made up 100.8 percent in the agro-industrial complex. Particularly, in the Ministry of Agriculture this index has reached 104.5 p c; the Ministry of Water Economy – 110.6 p c; the Ministry of Nature Protection –103.3 p c; the “Turkmengallaonumleri” State Association – 122.2 p c; the “Turkmenobahyzmat” State Association – 102.2 p c; the State Food Industry Association – 108.2 p c; the “Turkmen atlary” State Association – 155.6 p c; the State Livestock Association – 125.3 p c. The report also covered the information about the seasonal agri-works ongoing in the country, including the cotton sowing campaign. The work on tending of winter wheat crops is in progress. A draft Resolution “On purchasing water lifting equipment, electric motors, transformers and spare parts” was submitted for consideration by the head of state. After the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has highlighted that realization of the state programs in the field of agriculture is the most important present-day task. The leader of nation demanded to take all measures to conduct all the spring agricultural campaigns, first of all, the cotton sowing efficiently and as scheduled. Having signed the within-said Resolution, the head of Turkmen state gave a number of instructions to the Vice-Premier concerning further development of the water economy complex. In her turn, Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan M. Yazmuhammedova reported on the activities in the fields of culture and mass media in the period under review. The Vice-Premier also enumerated the international events held in the country and beyond this year. Among them are the activities devoted to the 20th anniversary of Turkmen neutrality, as well as the events, organized within the framework of the program “Mary city is the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2015”. It was informed that to develop international cooperation, widely popularize the national culture, exchange experience, Culture Days of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Armenia, Culture Days of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Arab Emirates in Turkmenistan were organized. Preparations for Culture Days of our country in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and Croatia, as well as the events on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Turkmen neutrality, and announcement of 2015 the Year of Neutrality and Peace in Turkmenistan to be also held in China, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan are under way. Reporting on the activity of theatres, museums and libraries, the Vice-Premier informed that a number of new performances had been produced. The central libraries of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan regularly carry out the work aimed to increase book collections with new printed products. The Turkmen State Publishing Service has produced 113 types of book products since the beginning of the year. On behalf of the Service’s personnel, the Vice-Premier expressed gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov for the excellent conditions provided for their work in the new complex of buildings of the Printing House, which had been recently put into operation. Commenting on the report, the head of state has underlined the importance of improving the work of institutions of culture and mass media, given the innovative technologies and the advanced world experience. Having noted the significance of commissioning the new complex, the head of Turkmen state has stressed the necessity to efficiently use its printing capacities. Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Hojamuhammedov reported on the four-month technical-economic indices achieved by enterprises of the fuel and energy complex. As noted, the growth rate of output of oil and gas condensate has made up 108. 2 percent. The plan for oil processing was fulfilled by 101.5 percent. As compared to last year’s same period, the volume of oil production has increased. The drilling activity has grown 1.6 times as much. The report also covered the information about the work on the installation of gas meters in enterprises, institutions and organizations, as well as in the housing sector. In the after-report comments, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov gave the Vice-Premier a number of concrete instructions related to the introduction of new technologies, attraction of foreign investment to large infrastructure projects, including on the development of new hydrocarbon fields, construction of energy routes and modern gas chemical complexes, as well as re-equipment of oil refineries. Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Ereshov focused his report on the four-month outcomes of the activities in the sectors he is responsible for, as well as the work of the Ministry of Textile Industry on the fulfillment of the cocoon production plan for 2015. As for the Ministry of Industry of Turkmenistan, the work and output of products have made up 122. 5 p c; the growth rate – 115.1 p c. According to the Ministry of Textile Industry, the volume of production for the first four months of the current year has increased by 109.7 percent in comparison with the similar period of last year. The enterprises of the “Turkmenhaly” State Corporation have produced 13, 752 square meters of carpet products; the growth rate has reached 105.8 p c. As a whole, production index by sectors made up 104, 2 %. In accordance with the results obtained in the sector, the total growth rate of output of products, work and services rendered by enterprises of the “Turkmenhimiya” State Concern has risen 2.1 times as much; the planned index has made up 117.3 p c. As for the enterprises of the State Fishery Committee, the production growth rate has increased by 143.6 % percent against last year’s similar period. As informed, to strengthen the raw material stock of the silkworm breeding sector, to fulfil the 2015 cocoon production plan, the work is being conducted in velayats by the “Turkmenyupek” Joint Stock Association of the Ministry of Textile Industry aimed to provide silkworm breeders with high-quality silkworm eggs. At present, cocoons are being harvested in a number of etraps of Lebap velayat. The Ministry plans to build a new modern industrial enterprise in the city of Turkmenabat city, Lebap velayat with a projected capacity of 700 kilograms of silkworm eggs per year. In the comments to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has stressed the need to keep up the high dynamics of the realization of comprehensive sectoral programs. Despite the achievements made, there are also shortcomings, the head of state said, having pointed out the importance of ensuring strict control over the activity of ministries and departments he is in charge of. Special consideration should be given to cooperation with entrepreneurs of the country, establishment of joint enterprises and job creation. For unsatisfactory fulfillment of his official duty and shortcomings in the work, Vice-Premier B. Ereshov was given a reprimand. The outcomes of the work in the social sector were in the center of the report made by Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Toilyev. Thus, in the January-April period, 177 kinds of textbooks and educational aids have been prepared for publication, 65 of them have been printed. Besides, 165 types of electronic learning aids and methodological materials for secondary schools have been sent to the Main Department of Education of Ashgabat and velayats to apply them in the teaching process. Turkmen schoolchildren have also participated in the international intellectual competitions since the beginning of the academic year and won 19 medals. Students of higher education institutions have taken part in two international competitions, having won 12 medals. To promote cooperation in the field of higher education and study foreign experience accumulated in this sphere, Turkmen specialists have visited a number of countries. The report also provided the information about the construction course of 11 objects of the Ministry of health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. During this period of time, 29,619 tourists were rendered services; the growth rate of the index made up 102. 1 percent against last year’s similar period. The growth rate of total revenues from the financial-economic activity of the country’s tourist industry has made up 114. 7 percent, currency receipts – 103.3 p c. According to the plan, the “Health and Happiness” Month was successfully held in the country from April 1 to April 30. On April 2-4, Ashgabat hosted the International Conference on the Asian Games-2017 and the role of Turkmenistan in development of sports for peace, as well as the second stage of sports media forum. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov assigned the Vice Premier and heads of sectoral institutions he is in charge of, to analyze the effectiveness of the measures taken in a number of fields, including in education. This is also a key objective for the sphere of sport, continued the President of Turkmenistan. By now, good progress has been achieved in the field of sport; our sportsmen have performed well at international competitions, the head of state said. However these results are not sufficient to secure a victory in the Asian Games. The nation’s leader expressed deep dissatisfaction with the activity of the State Sports Committee, having addressed S. Toilyev a number of critical remarks. Support and development of young talented people, provision of the system of sports with highly qualified instructors and trainers, as well as other resources are key areas of the work aimed at enhancing prestige of Turkmen sport throughout the world in the context of preparations for the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, the head of Turkmen state emphasized. The outcomes of the supervised sectors’ activity in the period under review were key issues the report made by Cabinet Deputy Chairman, Manager of the Affairs Management Department of the President’s and Cabinet’s Administration Sh. Durdylyev. In particular, the capital’s plan for assimilated investments from all financing sources has been fulfilled by 128.3 percent; from the centralized budget – by 151 percent. The State Budget investments have been implemented by 112 percent. As for the khyakimlik of Ashgabat city, the plan for assimilated investments (from own resources) has reached 272. 8 percent. The plan for improvement (special-purpose receipts) has been implemented by 180.5 percent. Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has emphasized that much importance is attached to realization of the Ashgabat Redevelopment Program. Having centered on the significance of the work on upgrading the capital’s infrastructure, the leader of nation addressed the Vice-Premier and the relevant executives a number of concrete instructions on preparations for Ashgabat City Day in May, having assigned to hold it at a high organizational level. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Artykov made a report on the four-month work outcomes in the supervised sectors and the fulfillment of earlier presidential commissions. Particularly, the production plan for works and services of the Ministry of Construction and Architecture has made up 126.4 percent. As for the Ministry of Energy, the growth rate of output of products, works and services reached 132.4 percent. According to the “Turkmenavtoyollary” State Concern the growth rate has reached 105.9 percent in the period under review. As for the Ministry of Municipal Services, the plan for goods production and works has made 112.8 percent. In the comments to the report, the nation’s leader has noted that the state creates everything necessary to bring the country’s building industry to a higher level. There is a need not only to increase industrial capacities, but also to strengthen organizational measures, aimed to ensure a comprehensive approach to the achievement of a high level of works, executed by local builders. Focusing on the development of road infrastructure, the nation’s leader has stressed that new highway projects are under way countrywide. In this connection, the head of state addressed the Vice-Premier a number of assignments on ensuring the well-coordinated work of the relevant institutions aimed to improve the road transport system. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov also demanded to ensure constant control over uninterrupted operation of all units of communal services. Addressing the session participants, the President of Turkmenistan summed up the reports delivered, having noted that the four-month outcomes testified to the national economy’s progressive dynamics despite negative phenomena in the global economy. Thanks to the timely measures taken in Turkmenistan to ensure sustainable development, high rates of growth have been achieved in all the sectors. The volume of GDP has increased by percent. The volume of investments in different sectors has grown by 7.1 percent. The rate of wages has increased by 9.5 percent. Construction of different-purpose objects (valued at over US $50 billion) is under way in the country, the nation’s leader continued. More than 50 facilities have been built and put into operation since the beginning of the year. As noted, we have had our artificial communications satellite launched into space first-ever in the history of our country. It will provide powerful impetus to accelerated development of communications systems, the Internet and television in Turkmenistan. Speaking of the rapid pace of development of the private sector, the President of Turkmenistan noted that the sector’s share in the industry sector had increased by 18.5 p c; in agriculture –14.4 p c; in construction –18.6 p c. Good results were also obtained in the transport-communications, and trade and services sectors. The achievements made have become possible thanks to our country’s well-considered economic policy, sectoral diversification of the economic complex by stimulating its non-commodity components. Along with the achievements made in some sectors, there are numerous shortcomings, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said, having reminded that they were given consideration at the enlarge Cabinet session held to sum up the three-month outcomes. Concrete tasks aimed to improve the state administration system, efficiently use budget funds, produce import-substituting products and increase exports, were outlined at the session as well. Government members, heads of ministries and sectoral agencies should have a well-defined action plan for tackling of the tasks assigned, the leader of nation stressed, having turned top priority steps to be taken in the near future. Addressing Vice-Premier R. Meredov, the head of state assigned to carry out proper preparations for the upcoming international events to be held in May. The leader of nation has also given commissions concerning the program of celebration of the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, having noted that it is high time to go ahead with the preparations for high-level meetings and a representative international conference to be held within its framework. Special consideration should be given to implementation of our country’s initiatives proposed to the United Nations. The head of Turkmen state drew attention of Chairperson of Mejlis A. Nurberdyeva to the need to adequately prepare for a regular meeting of the Elders’ Council and the election of Gengesh members. Preparation of a draft of the revised Constitution was outlined by the nation’s leader among top priority directions of the parliamentarians’ activity. Assignments were also given concerning the solemn events on the occasion of Constitution Day and Magtymguly Fragi’s Poetry Day to be held in May. We are implementing the large-scale building program, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov continued. New buildings improve the architectural look of the capital, cities and villages of Turkmenistan and provide favorable living environment. Speaking of this, the leader of nation focused on the fact that many of the construction projects are being realized by foreign companies. It is high time to create our own highly competitive national architectural school. Giving the issue-related commissions to Vice-Premier Artykov, the head of state mentioned the work on training talented architects, whose projects would be a success not only in our country, but also abroad, as the important objective. Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Hojamuhammedov was commissioned to ensure control over the activities connected with the development of large oil-gas fields. Special consideration should be given to the development of offshore fields in the Caspian Sea (Turkmen Sector). Having underlined the importance of further diversification of natural gas delivery routes to foreign markets, the head of state has stressed that in addition to the “Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India” gas pipeline, it is necessary to study routes for construction of pipelines to supply natural gas to European countries, and to complete a new line of the gas pipeline to China. Speaking to Vice-Premier A. Yazmyradov, the leader of nation pointed out the slow progress of the agricultural reforms despite considerable support rendered by the state. There are unresolved issues in the livestock sector and weak points in the management structure of water economy and other sectors of the agro-industrial complex. The President of Turkmenistan demanded to work out necessary measures within the shortest time possible to tackle the serious issues specified, as well as present proposals for further development of the agricultural complex, which would be considered at the meeting of the Elders’ Council. Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Satlykov was commissioned to efficiently carry out a range of work for accelerated use of technical capabilities of the Turkmen communications satellite. The President of Turkmenistan also instructed to survey the construction course of all large-scale projects, airports, bridges, the sea port, analyze the state of affairs in situ, and to determine their terms of commissioning. Addressing Cabinet Deputy Chairman A. Gochyev, the leader of nation has pointed out that the work of the ministries and sectoral agencies he is in charge of, does not meet the requirements specified, there are shortcomings in a number of areas of the activity in the framework of the adopted programs. In this connection, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov instructed the Vice-Premiers to conduct a thorough check in the supervised sectors, if there is a necessity for personnel replacements – to propose candidatures for executive positions, and on the whole to ensure the well-coordinated work of the institutions answerable to him. Speaking to Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Toilyev, the head of state has noted that it is a significant period for the education system, and assigned concrete tasks concerning final examinations in secondary schools and completion of the academic year in higher education institutions. The President of Turkmenistan demanded to pay special attention to the issue of sending talented young people to study in foreign countries, and gave instructions on ensuring a high-organizational level of the events in honor of the 20th anniversary of “Saglyk” State Program. Vice-Premier M. Yazmuhammedova was given assignments on the preparations for festive events, including the Week of Culture in Lebap velayat, and the International Art Exhibition to be held within its framework. The activities in honor of the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality should be given special consideration, the head of state said. The head of state outlined a range of priority issues for the mass media, as well. Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Ereshov was commissioned to continue the work on creating a well-coordinated system of ministries, departments and sectoral enterprises of the industrial sector and increase their efficiency. Special consideration should be given to the works carried out jointly with local entrepreneurs, the head of state said. Important tasks are set before the country’s trade complex, the nation’s leader stressed. Vice-Premier P. Taganov (who was on a working trip abroad) was addressed commissions on systematic development of the trade system, increase in exports, and further improvement of the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange’s activity. On the agenda is worthy participation of Turkmenistan in the World Exhibition –“EXPO-2015” in Italy and presentation of our country’s national exposition at it at a high level. A number of other important issues of state life were also considered at the Cabinet session, and the appropriate resolutions were adopted.