On April 3, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov convened an enlarged session of the Cabinet of Ministers to sum up this year’s first quarter work results in the national economy’s sectors and consider a number of other important issues of state life. Addressing the session agenda, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov gave the floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet A. Gochyev to report on the country’s socio-economic development in the first quarter of the running year. The macroeconomic indicators for January-March of 2015 testified to the steady and dynamical GDP growth. As compared to the last year’s similar period, the production growth rate has made up 110.2 percent. High industrial indices have been achieved practically in all sectors of the national economy. In the period under consideration, the retail trade turnover has increased by 16.9 percent, as compared to the same period of 2014. The volume of assimilated investments from all financing sources has increased in comparison with the last year’s similar period. The ratio of the growth rate to GDP has made up 36.5 percent. Next speaker, Chairman of the State Statistics Committee A. Mammedov gave an account of work results and economic indicators in the country’s ministries and agencies for January-March, 2015. As compared to the same period of 2014, high indicators were observed in many sectors. In particular, the three-month production growth rates made up in the percentage term: electric power – 102.9, natural gas – 105, petroleum – 110, gasoline – 100.9, kerosene – 100.4, lubricants – 102.5, liquefied gas – 101.1, polypropylene – 100.2, petroleum coke – 100.4, petroleum bitumen – 118.4, plastic and fiber-glass pipes – 108.7, mineral fertilizers – 192.5, iodine – 103.1, cement – 111.2, nonmetallic building materials – 126.8, cotton – 109.8, cotton fabrics – 110.2 and pharmaceutical products – 108.9. The output of agricultural products, in particular, meat, milk, eggs and vegetables has increased in comparison with the similar period of 2014. As of April 1, 2015, the production growth rates in livestock and poultry was recorded. The volume of construction works, executed has increased by 14.2 percent against the previous year’s similar period. The growth rate in goods transportation by all modes of transport (excluding pipeline transportation) has made up 4.6 percent, and passenger transportation has reached 102.5 percent. Revenues from the services, rendered to the population in the communications sector, have increased by 8.2 percent, as compared to the same period of 2014. In his turn, Minister of Finance M. Muhammedov reported on execution of the State Budget of Turkmenistan, as well as on the January-March work results in the supervised sectors. In the period under review, the country’s State Budget revenues were 104.4 percent, and its expenditures have accounted for 91.2 percent. 77.3 percent of budgetary funds have been invested in the social sphere. The local budget revenues made up 103.7 percent fulfilled and its expenditures – 93.6 percent. The Minister of Finance also centered on the measures taken to promote further development of the insurance activities and stock market, as well as to introduce the national accounting and auditing standards. Then, Minister of Economy and Development V. Abdylhekimov informed about the state of affairs in the sector, he is in charge of, and the implementation progress of the National Program for regions’ development. The volume of assimilated investments from all sources of funding allocated for implementation of the within-said program made up 35.7 percent of the annual plan. This indicator has reached 28 percent in Akhal velayat; 25.5 percent – in Balkan velayat; 37.7 percent – in Dashoguz velayat, 56.6 percent – in Lebap; 33.8 percent – in Mary velayats. In the January-March period, 4 facilities were put into operation; 148 objects are currently under construction. Besides, 91.6 thousand square meters of dwelling were constructed, 228.1 kilometers of water pipes, 44 kilometers of roads, 325.3 kilometers of gas pipelines, 513.4 kilometers of transmission lines, and 604.5 kilometers of telephone network were completed. Next speaker, Bank Management Chairman of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan A. Annadurdyev concentrated on the banking sector’s activity, the steps taken to maintain a stable rate of the national currency. The report included the information about currency incoming to accounts of the country’s ministries and sectoral departments in the current year’s first quarter. As reported, the plan was 101.4 percent fulfilled. Chairperson of Mejlis of Turkmenistan A. Nurberdyeva reported on the national parliament’s activity. In the period under review, one Mejlis session was held, in the course of which 26 laws and 19 resolutions were adopted. Preparation of new legislative acts is well under way. At the same time, the national parliament’s leader informed about the work on improving the Constitution of Turkmenistan, in the frames of which proposals submitted by citizens, state institutions and other organizations are analyzed, considered and classified. The preparatory work for the upcoming election of Gengesh members of the seventh convocation is in progress. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet, Manager of the Presidential and Cabinet Administration Office Sh. Durdylyev made a report on the three-month results of the investment and building activity in Ashgabat, as well as on the ongoing work on the capital’s development. In particular, the plan of Ashgabat city’s khyakimlik (from all financing sources) was 1459.92 million manats; assimilated capital investments have reached 1898.03 million manats. Thus, the relevant plan was 130 percent implemented (growth rate 110.3 percent, as compared to the last year’s similar period). In the frames of the 2015-2016 Ashgabat Development Conception, residential buildings, a number of administrative buildings, markets and shopping centers are being renovated; engineering and communication systems are being upgraded in the city’s etraps. In his report Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet S. Satlykov focused on the results of activity in the transport and communications sector he is in charge of. As the Vice-Premier reported, all in all, the works and services plan in the transport and communication complex for the accounting period has been 112 percent fulfilled (growth rate – 115.8 percent). The overall reconstruction of a section of the Turkmenbashi-Turkmenabat railway has been completed. The accelerated construction of the international railway – Atamyrat-Ymamnazar-Akina is well under way. A railway station has been put into operation in the city of Balkanabat. In this period, 159,000 telephone points, including 148,000 cellular, 4.5 thousand radio telephone numbers, and 6.5 thousand – fixed-line telephone units were installed to satisfy the demands for telecommunications services in the country. Thus, the plan was 2.4 times as much overfulfilled. 637.9 kilometers of communication networks were built within the framework of the National Program for regions’ development. As noted, construction of the Turkmenabat-Farap railway bridge across the Amudarya River, new airports in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat, the International Seaport in Turkmenbashi city, as well as a 12-story apartment building and a five-star hotel in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone is gathering pace. The January-March outcomes of work accomplished in the supervised ministries and agencies, as well as the fulfillment of earlier presidential assignments were key issues the report of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet M. Artykov was centered on. In particular, according to the Ministry of Construction and Architecture the production, works and services plan was 135.5 percent realized. As for the Ministry of Energy, the growth rate in the first quarter of 2015 reached 137.3 percent in production, works and services, power production – 107.7 percent. The growth rate of the “Turkmenavtoyollary” State Concern was 105.8 percent. For the Ministry of Municipal Services the indicator reached by 111.3 percent. Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet B. Ereshov informed about the activity of the industrial sector, he is responsible for, as well on the indicators achieved by the sector in this year’s first three months. Thus, the Ministry of Industry of Turkmenistan fulfilled the production plan by 125.6 percent, the growth rate made up 118.1 percent, against the last year’s indication. The Ministry of Textile Industry fulfilled the production plan by 113.1 percent, the production growth rate made up 101 percent. In the January-March period, the production growth rate of enterprises of the “Turkmenhaly” State Association has reached 112.5 percent. The quarterly plan was 113.6 percent implemented. The production plan of the “Turkmenhimiya” State Concern was 127.1 percent fulfilled (growth rate 228.4 percent). Thus, the output of chemical products has increased 2.3 times as much. As for the State Fishery Committee of Turkmenistan, the overall production growth rate totaled 136.6 percent, in particular, fish production – 144.1 percent, processed products –118.4 percent. Then, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet B. Hojamuhammedov to reported on the implementation progress of the “Turkmenistan’s Gas-and-Oil Industry Development Program for the period till 2030”, as well as on the economic indicators of the fuel and energy complex’s enterprises in the running year’s first quarter. The report was backed up by the following figures: the oil and gas condensate production growth rate made up 110 percent; natural and associated gas – 105 percent; gas exports to foreign countries – 106.5 percent. The oil refining plan was 103.6 percent fulfilled. The output of oil products, including gasoline, polypropylene, lubricant oils and liquefied gas has increased in comparison with the last year’s similar period. Drilling operations have increased by 76.8 percent. The Ruhabat pipe-producing plant has boosted the production of polyethylene and fiber-glass pipes (growth rate 108.3 percent). The three-month outcomes of work in the supervised sector received an extensive coverage in the report of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet S. Toilyev. As the Vice-Premier informed, in the period under review, 164 kinds of textbooks and educational books have been prepared for publication, 53 of which have been already printed. Turkmen schoolchildren have achieved good results in the International Subject Olympiads, having won 1 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze medals. The report also covered the indices of the country’s health care system development. In particular, the production growth rates of enterprises of the country’s pharmaceutical industry made up 149 percent. 11 objects, including 9 health care facilities, a modern storage facility for pharmaceutical products, and a residential building are under construction against the order of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. For the past three months, 54 competitions and 26 mass sporting events have been held in Turkmenistan. Our country’s athletes have taken part in 42 international competitions, having 87 medals (22 – gold, 23 – silver, 42 – bronze). In his report, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet P. Taganov centered on the three-month results of activity in the field of domestic and foreign trade, as well as the national economy’s private sector. The report presented the following figures: as for Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations the trade turnover for January-March totaled 981.1 million manats, in comparison with the last year’s similar period, the growth rate reached 120.9 percent. For the past three months, 59 auctions have been held, and 5,093 transactions valued at 19 billion 509.8 million manats have been registered at the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange. As for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, income growth rate from services has made up 117.2 percent; profits – 139 percent. In the period under consideration, six exhibitions and nine conferences were held with participation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The industrial output growth rate of enterprises of the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union of Turkmenistan has made up 112 percent and agricultural production – 153 percent. The volume of installation and construction work executed by entrepreneurs has increased by 20 percent. At the same time, the growth rate in trade turnover of the Union has reached 131 percent, services rendered to the population – 126 percent. The report of Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet M. Yazmuhammedova was focused on the three-month work results in the field of culture and mass-media. As reported, representatives of our country took part in the events held in the capital of India – New Delhi on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and announcement of 2015 the Year of Neutrality and Peace. Performance of Turkmen art workers took place in Germany and France in honor of the International Novruz Holiday. At present, the preparations for Culture Days of the United Arab Emirates in Turkmenistan, to be held in Ashgabat on April 24-28, as well as for the cultural events to be organized in the People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan on the occasion of Year of Neutrality and Peace are well under way. As the Vice-Premier informed, in the running year’s first quarter, the Turkmen State Publishing Service published 80 kinds of books, including the works of outstanding classical and modern poets and writers. A new building of the Publishing House has been built in the capital. Specialists, who are to service the modern equipment, have been trained in Germany. In the course of the session, the President of Turkmenistan gave the floor to khyakims of velayats. Akhal velayat khyakim M. Nurmammedov was the first to make a report on the work done in the period under consideration, as well as on the state of affairs in the region’s agricultural sector. As was reported, 120 thousand hectares of farmlands have been completely prepared for the cotton sowing campaign. By now, over 8, 407 hectares of farmlands have been planted to the valuable industrial crop. 6,626 hectares have been sown to other agricultural crops. The khyakim also informed that in the course of the ongoing lambing campaign the young stock had increased. As compared to the last year’s similar period, this indicator has made up 101 percent. A ceremony of opening social-purpose buildings of the first phase of construction of the “Taze zaman” village was held in Derveze etrap, the projects of the second and third construction phases are being implemented; the construction of a new settlement in Gyavers gengeshlik, Ak bugdai etrap is under way. Owing to bank crediting, 3, 664 residential buildings are under construction; 1,998 housed have been built. Reporting on the western region’s social and economic development, Balkan velayat khyakim B. Hojamammedov stressed that concrete measures had been taken in the agricultural sector to increase the livestock and poultry population, to ensure sufficient fodder supply in the livestock sector, as well as to boost the production of fruit and vegetable crops, in particular, by building new greenhouses and storage facilities, establishing horticultural farms. The accelerated housing construction is well under way. Under the long-term concessional crediting program 40 one- and two-story dwelling houses have been put into operation. 635 houses are being constructed at present. Besides, six 4-story 95-apartment residential buildings are under construction. At the same time, 16 new industrial facilities have been put into operation in the velayat. The head of regional administration also reported on the steps taken in the frames of preparations for the Elders’ Council session to be held in Balkan velayat this year. The report of Dashoguz velayat khyakim E. Orazgeldiev covered the work done in the first quarter of 2015, as well as the measures taken in the agricultural sector of the region he is in charge of. The khyakim informed that well-organized sowing of cotton, vegetable and other agricultural crops has started in fields of the velayat. The work on tending wheat crops is carried out in strict compliance with agro-technical standards. Focusing on the issues of the revised National Program on improving social conditions of the population of villages, settlements, etrap towns and etrap centers till 2020, the khyakim informed that 20 social- and cultural-purpose buildings and dwelling houses are currently under construction in the region. Reporting on the implementation progress of the Resolution of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov on building a new, modern village in S. A. Niyazov etrap, the head of regional administration informed that residential houses for 500 families are being built. Speaking of the settlement under construction in Kounyaurgench etrap, the khyakim said that new houses would accommodate 400 families. The report of Lebap velayat khyakim M. Joraev was an extensive coverage of social and economic indicators in the region for the first quarter of 2015, as well as the state of affairs in the agricultural complex, including the works ongoing in the livestock sector. As informed, 9 social- and cultural-purpose objects, including 3 health care facilities, 1 school, 2 kindergartens, 2 cultural centers and a sports facility are planned for commissioning this year. Among the region’s largest projects are objects of the transport sector, such as the International Airport, the Turkmenabat-Farab railway and road bridges, the Atamyrat-Ymamnazar-Akina railway, as well as a number of facilities of the chemical, cotton processing and power industries. At the same time, a new 600-family village in Karabekaul etrap and a new 2,013-family settlement in Birata etrap are under construction. Then, the khyakim reported on the seasonal works in the agricultural complex, the agro-technical measures ongoing in wheat fields, preparation for the summer wheat harvesting campaign, as well as on implementation progress of the cotton sowing. By now, 16, 302 hectares of farmlands, (13.6 percent) have been sown. The lambing season is in progress. All in all, 182,343 ewes are expected to produce over168.7 thousand lambs this spring. About 132.4 thousand lambs were born. With the aim to develop the sector, lands were allocated for construction of 7 livestock and poultry complexes. This year, 950 tons of silkworm cocoons are planned to be produced in the velayat. At present, silkworm breeders are busy growing caterpillars. Further, the floor was given to Mary velayat khyakim B. Annagurbanov to report on the work results in the region, as well as on the ongoing seasonal agricultural campaigns. Having informed about the course of construction of a 300-capacity health center in Mary etrap, as well as on 18 social- and cultural-purpose buildings to be commissioned this year, the khyakim notified that a health house and a sports facility had been completed. 685 residential buildings have been built and 60 more houses are under construction owing to bank crediting. Reporting on the agricultural indicators, the head of regional administration informed about the work ongoing in farmlands (200,000 hectares) on handling of wheat crops in strict compliance with agrotechnical standards, the control over mineral and organic fertilizers application, vegetative irrigation of fields, as well as about preparation of agri-machinery for the forthcoming harvest campaign. Sowing of cotton and other agricultural crops is in progress in the velayat. The land treatment measures, the steps taken to enhance the technical level and quality of water facilities and to ensure rational use of water resources are well under way in farmlands of the velayat. Then, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet A. Yazmyradov to report on the three-month results of work in the sector he is in charge of. The Vice-Premier informed that the production, works and services growth rates in the agro-industrial complex made up 100.7 percent. As compared to the same period of 2014, the following figures have been achieved: the Ministry of Agriculture – 108.2 percent, the Ministry of Water Economy –112.8 percent; the Ministry of Nature Protection – 105.1 percent; the “Turkmengallaonumleri” State Association – 129.6 percent; the “Turkmenobahyzmat” State Association – 104.8 percent; the State Food Industry Association – 108 percent; the “Turkmen atlary” State Association –165 percent; the State Livestock Association –141.4 percent. The ministries and agencies of the agro-industrial complex have fulfilled the investment plan by 133.6 percent. The report also covered the information about the lambing campaign, in the course of which livestock farmers had bred over 622,000 lambs. Then, Chairman of the country’s Supreme Control Chamber B. Atdaev reported on outcomes of the checks carried out in departments of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. In particular, a number of shortcomings had been revealed in the work of responsible officials concerning employment of young specialists, as well as relaxation of control by them. The President of Turkmenistan emphasized that efficient work of executives of the relevant structures of organization of work, ongoing in all sectors of the national economy in compliance with international standards, as well as their responsible approach to tackling of the tasks assigned is one of the main present-day requirements. In this connection, the President of Turkmenistan relieved Minister of Education G. Mammedova of the post. Addressing the session and summarizing the work results in different sectors of the national economy, the President of Turkmenistan has noted with satisfaction that the reforms, aimed at further improving the people’s wellbeing are successfully carried out in our independent Motherland. As the leader of nation stressed, over 2,000 large facilities valued at US $50 billion are currently under construction in the country. All the industrial facilities and social-purpose buildings, including over 184, 000 square meters of dwelling (modern dwelling houses of improved accommodation, as well as recreation centers, kindergartens, etc.) have been constructed and put into operation as scheduled. Having centered on the difficult situation in the world economy, the President of Turkmenistan dwelt upon the issues, tackling of which is expected to minimize its negative impact on the national economy. Having stated that in such conditions Turkmenistan has to transform its economic policy, the leader of nation has noted that, today, our country is faced with the necessity to develop the oil industry-related branches. On this basis, working out of the State Program for import-substituting production, and the State Program for increasing exports of Turkmenistan-produced products are of particular importance. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has emphasized that our country’s enormous resource potential should be used efficiently. In this connection, the head of state said, Cabinet Deputies Chairman and khyakims should thoroughly study the issue, and to carry out work on creating the reserve funds, intended to overcome consequences of economic crises. Pending the subject, the leader of nation has highlighted that, although the considerable funds are allocated for the light industry, large industrial and processing sectors, the share of export products in the national economy’s other sectors, excluding oil products, accounts for only US $ 1 billion. In this respect, the head of state spoke of the necessity of working out relevant programs to bring the export-oriented production in other spheres to US $5 billion by 2020. In this context, the head of state outlined a range of top-priority tasks set before senior executives in all sectors. Speaking to Vice-Premier A. Gochyev, the leader of nation expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the executives of the financial and economic sector, having emphasized the need to deeply analyze the shortcomings and to take all measures to improve them. Having defined further work on upgrading the national economy and developing the financial and banking system as a main objective, the head of state stressed the need to take efficient measures for transition to the market economy, reorganization of enterprises of the ministries and sectoral agencies into joint-stock corporations, to give special consideration to training of relevant specialists. Addressing to Chairperson of Mejlis of Turkmenistan A. Nurberdyeva, the leader of nation focused on the tasks assigned to parliamentarians on of the national legislation further improvement. Special consideration should be given to preparation of the new revised Constitution of Turkmenistan, stressed President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov. Turning to the issues set before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the leader of nation has informed that a number of visits of our country’s government delegations to foreign countries, as well as visits of foreign government delegations to Turkmenistan are planned for the running year’s second quarter. At the same time, several international conferences will be held in our country. In this connection, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov stressed the need to ensure a high organization level of the events and to prepare a package of relevant international documents. The head of state assigned Vice-Premier P. Taganov, leaders of the complex, as well as the relevant Cabinet Deputies Chairman to give special attention to create import-substituting industries, in particular, to study the possibilities to set up joint enterprises with foreign firms. It is important to encourage active participation of the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union of Turkmenistan in this work, said the leader of nation. It is also necessary to provide benefits for new enterprises in this field. Having addressed the relevant commissions to Chairman of the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union A. Dadaev, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized that the state would continue to render support to the Union and take all necessary measures to facilitate transition of the national economy to market relations. The head of state assigned Vice-Premier B. Hojamuhammedov and the heads of the oil and gas complex to carry on the work on technical re-equipment of the fuel and energy sector, construction of modern plants and development and placing on production of new hydrocarbon fields. It is necessary to complete the construction of some facilities at the main gas fields in Mary and Lebap velayats in this year’s second quarter. It is important to intensify the work on developing the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea and diversifying energy resources transportation routes, the head of state stressed. The President of Turkmenistan also commissioned Vice-Premiers B. Hojamuhammedov and A. Gochyev to study the issues of improving the oil and gas complex management system, reducing unnecessary spending on maintenance of the fuel and energy complex agencies and enterprises and organization of their activity. Addressing Vice-Premier B. Ereshov and the heads of industrial departments, the leader of nation has emphasized that they are to continue the work on building new industrial enterprises in accordance with the industrialization programs adopted in the country. Fundamental modernization of outdated production facilities should in the center of attention. It is also necessary to take effective steps to create new jobs, study the issue of privatization of some enterprises of the textile industry and other sectors. The head of state assigned Vice-Premier M. Yazmuhammedova and executives of the mass media to prepare and hold the cultural events timed to the national holidays and remarkable dates at a high organizational level, as well as to ensure their media coverage. Special attention should be also given to all-around development of the field of culture on the basis of the Turkmen people’s spiritual values and national traditions, as well as further enhancement of its role in successful realization of the social and economic reforms. Addressing to Vice-Premier S. Toilyev, khyakims of velayats and the leaders of scientific, educational, health care, tourism and sports spheres, the head of state has emphasized that one of the main tasks set before them is the development of mass sports in the country, adequate organization of the sports and Olympic movement, and training of world-class athletes. As for the field of education, science and health care, the large-scale reforms should be continued on the basis of the best world experience, the President of Turkmenistan said. Special attention should be given to training of highly qualified specialists and young scientists for all sectors. Among top-priority tasks set before Vice-Premier A. Yazmyradov, khyakims of velayats and leaders of the agricultural complex, the head of state outlined further work on reforming the agro-industrial complex, having paid special attention to the issues of water supply to farmlands, active introduction of water-saving technologies into the industry, as well as efficient organization of the cotton sowing and grain harvesting campaigns. Speaking to Vice-Premier S. Satlykov and the heads of transport and communications complex, the head of state emphasized that they should continue the work on railway construction and reconstruction, and put the construction the bridges across the Amudarya River and new airports on a fast track. It is also necessary to give special consideration to the measures aimed to reorganize sectoral enterprises into joint-stock companies, to develop the cellular communication system and television, to introduce computer technologies and the Internet, the President of Turkmenistan said. Speaking of high priority tasks assigned to Vice-Premier M. Artykov, heads of the investment and construction complex, khyakims of velayats on implementing the large-scale building program ongoing in the country, the head of state stressed the need to attract private entrepreneurs jointly with other ministries and sectoral agencies, to ensure high-quality and timely construction of new settlements and facilities, in particular, social-purpose buildings. In this regard, the head of state also highlighted the importance of taking effective steps to supply the construction industry with domestically-produced construction materials. The important tasks have been set before the energy industry, whose workers are to continue the measures taken to renovate gas-turbine power stations and construct new power stations and transmission lines. At the same time, the President of Turkmenistan said, the works on construction of high-speed highways and reconstruction of roads should be continued. Having reminded that “A drop of water is a grain of gold” Holiday would be widely celebrated in our country on the coming Sunday, the head of state emphasized that following our ancestors’ wise precepts, the Turkmen people have careful attitude towards water. Water-efficient technologies, scientific achievements and advanced experience are widely used in the country’s water industry. We will continue to carry out the large-scale work to improve the people’s well-being and increase efficiency of the water industry’s activity, the head of state said. Some other issues of state life were considered at the enlarged Cabinet meeting, and the appropriate resolutions were adopted.