On August 14, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov convened an enlarged session of the Cabinet of Ministers to sum up the current year’s seven-month state-of-the-economy results. Khyakims of velayats, representatives of Mejlis, rectors of higher educational institutions, editors of newspapers and magazines, and heads of other institutions took part in the session. The agenda of session included also the personnel issues and work statements of government officials. Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Hojamammedov reported on the state-of-the-economy results for the January-July period of 2015. According to the running year’s seven-month macroeconomic indicators, the GDP has reached 108.7 percent, including the production growth rate in the industrial sector – 104.4, construction – 112.6, transport-communications complex – 111.9, trade – 113, agriculture – 112.2, and service sector – 112.1. Compared with the year-earlier seven-month period, the productivity growth rate is equal to 107.5 percent. Almost all sectors of the economy achieved high production rates. Against the similar period of 2014, the seven-month retail trade turnover volume increased by 19.5 percent. On the average, the wage rate at the large and medium-size enterprises of the country in the period under review increased by 10 percent. The prices for consumer goods and the services rendered to the population remain within the limits prescribed. During the period under review, the upward trend was recorded of the foreign trade turnover. Budgeting for capital needs and funding of projects at the expense of all sources of funding amounted to 27.7 billion manat; the growth rate of this indicator in comparison with the similar period of 2014 is 107.9 percent. Vice-premier informed that within seven months, construction works were completed on the two waste water treatment facilities and 29 social-purpose objects. On the whole, at present, construction is underway of 138 objects and structures; in the progress also is housing construction of 1 million square meters, as well as engineering and communication facilities. According to the seven-month indicators, the amount of investments expended on the capital projects is estimated as 3 billion manat. In compliance with the Guidelines for the Velayats’ Industrial Sector Development, as of now, construction is completed of 141 facilities and construction works on 164 objects are in progress. The reporting period is also characterized by successful implementation of the State Budget. The revenue side of the country’s basic financial plan amounted to 102.4 percent, and expenditure one – 90.1 percent. Compared with the year-earlier similar period, the amounts of currency resources (in the form of taxes) have increased by10.4 percent. In the after-report comments, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has emphasized that to keep the economic growth rates sustainable, what is above all needed is to improve the performance of financial structures and banking institutions. The leader of nation has also focused attention on the fact that according to the seven-month results, some ministries and sectoral agencies failed to fulfill the foreign currency earnings plan. In this regard, the floor was given to the Minister of Energy G. Saryev who reported on the state of affairs in the subordinate sector, substantiating his report with seven-month sectoral indices, the energy sector inclusive. Summarizing the report, the head of state addressed unfavorable comments to the head of the energy industry for manifesting inactivity and inertia in organizing sufficient energy supplies to foreign countries. For improper execution of official duties and shortcomings in the implementation of the foreign currency earnings plan, the Order of the President of Turkmenistan sanctioned issuing of admonition to Minister of Energy G. Saryev. Further, the floor was given to Minister of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan B.Annameredov, who reported on the implementation of the sectoral infrastructure advancement plans over the period under review. Expressing dissatisfaction with the work of railway transport, the leader of nation pointed out a number of shortcomings in this sector’s activities, including non-fulfillment of obligations on the foreign currency earnings plan. In this regard, for improper execution of official duties and shortcomings in the implementation of the foreign currency earnings plan, the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov gave an admonition to the Minister of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan B.Annameredov. Next speaker, Chairman of the “Turkmengallaonumleri” State Association N.Sapardurdyev reported on the results of work conducted in the supervised structures. Expressing dissatisfaction with low production indicators of the structure over the seven-month period, the President of Turkmenistan gave N. Sapardurdyevan admonition for the shortcomings in the implementation of “Turkmengallaonumleri” State Association’s foreign currency earnings plan. Further, the floor was given to Chairman of the “Turkmenpagta” State Concern M.Ataev, who reported on the seven-month results of the subordinate structures’ activities. In the comments to the report, the nation’s leader has pointed out the shortcomings in implementing the foreign currency earnings plan by “Turkmenpagta” State Concern which is assigned an important role in increasing cotton production in the country, its processing and sales at the foreign markets, and gave Chairman of the State Concern M. Ataev an admonition. Addressing the members of the Cabinet of Ministers and all other governmental leaders, the head of state Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov made emphatically clear that inadmissible was to confine themselves to implementing the foreign currency earnings plan. Not the least important to fulfill the plans for output of products. Don’t try to get away with excuses, the head of state warned. Then, Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Hojamuhammedov reported on the progress of the implementation progress of “The Oil and Gas Industry Development Program of Turkmenistan till 2030” and about the seven-month work results of the fuel and energy complex of the country. It was noted that, compared with the previous year’s similar period, production growth rate of oil and gas condensate amounted to 107.8 percent, drilling works – 136.7 percent, budgeting of capital needs – 148.3percent. The vice-premier reported on the results of the Ashgabat meeting with the leaders of several large Japanese companies, within the framework of which the participants discussed the possibilities of implementing new joint projects in the fuel and energy sector and signed the Memorandum of Understanding. The report also covered the results of 22nd meeting of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline construction project Steering Committee which was held in the Turkmen capital. Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov expressed dissatisfaction with the work of vice-premier B.Hojamuhammedov and heads of the oil and gas industry. Demanding to intensify the work on diversification of Turkmen natural gas export flows to foreign countries, as well as on the creation of modern industries producing new products, the head of state gave the vice-premier a number of concrete assignments. Touching upon construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, the President of Turkmenistan has emphasized the importance of practical implementation of this large-scale energy project. The significance of the TAPI project - the future transnational gas pipeline, is much wider of its geographical route. Apparently already now, the gas pipeline can be spoken of as an effective consolidating and stabilizing factor capable in the future to exert positive influence on the situation in Central and South Asia and in the region as a whole, to add stability to the entire system of political and economic relations on the continent. Next, Cabinet Deputy Chairman B. Ereshov reported on the seven-month activities of subordinate structures of the industrial sector of the national economy. According to the Ministry of Industry of Turkmenistan, over the current year’s January-July period, the production plan is fulfilled by 122.5 percent (a 115.1-percent growth rate against similar period of 2014): production of cement– 106.4 percent, non-metallic materials – 130.4percent, claydite and erection reinforced concrete – 116.2 and 107.6 percent, respectively. Implementation of production plan by Ministry of Textile Industry amounted to 109.1 percent. The overall growth rate of production volumes is recorded at 101.1percent, including production of cotton yarn and fabrics to 102.5 and 111.2 percent, ready apparel and knitwear – 106.5 percent, silk – 104.3 percent, footwear and leather products – 100.1 and 100.2 percent, respectively. According to the “Turkmenhaly” State Association, over the running year’s January-July period, aggregate output plan is fulfilled by112.5 percent, the growth rate is 110.8percent. In the period under review, the production growth rate of enterprises (26,000 sq m of carpet products) has made up 102.4 percent. Against the previous year’s similar period, production volumes of “Turkmenhimiya” State Concern have achieved 2.3-time increase. Thus, over the seven-month period of 2015, the volumes of works accomplished and the output produced amounted to 118.6 percent. The growth rate in production of mineral fertilizers – 225.9 percent, technical iodine – 100 percent, carbon black – 104.2 percent, sodium sulfate 115.2 percent. An upward trend is observed at the enterprises of State Fishery Committee, where the production growth rate in comparison with the previous year’s similar period has reached 172.4 percent, including: fishing – 196 percent, fish and processed canned products – 154.1percent. Noting that the dynamically developing national construction materials industry has an important place in the implementation of state programs for import substitution and export of competitive products, the leader of nation Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov focused attention on the organizational aspects, including improvement of management policy and profitability of enterprises, introduction of innovative technologies, application of modern marketing methods. In this regard, the vice-premier was given some specific assignments. Further, Cabinet Deputy Chairman M. Yazmuhammedova reported on the activities of subordinate structures during the running year’s seven-month period, as well as on the development of spheres she is in charge of. The report gave also coverage of the events of international importance, including the ones dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, which were organized in China, India, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Tajikistan. At present, the preparations are well under way for conducting Culture Days of Turkmenistan in Mongolia, as well as creative events in honor of the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality in the Kingdom of Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Swiss Confederation. Since early 2015, the Turkmen State Publishing Service issued 212 titles of book products. The State Committee of television, radio broadcast and cinematography keeps the work going on acquainting the world community with modern Turkmenistan’s achievements in various areas. Highlighting the importance of the sphere of culture and mass media further advancement with a glance to the needs of the new historical epoch and in compliance with world achievements in these sectors, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the domestic mass media. In this regard, the head of state has stated the fact that newspapers and magazines in their materials make numerous and gross errors; poorly covered are actual themes and the changes ongoing today in the country. As an example, the leader of nation referred to unsatisfactory coverage by media of the upcoming V Asian Games in 2017. As the President of Turkmenistan noted, the Games-related advertising materials are released neither in the local press nor in the TV international channels. Touching on the question of publishing-printing activities, the President of Turkmenistan noted that despite putting into operation of the new Printing House equipped with modern technology, its operational capacities are not used properly. The expected qualitative changes are not apparent in printing of newspapers and magazines; many of them often are published behind the schedule. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov relieved Chairman of the State Information Agency of Turkmenistan B.Amansaryev of the post of editor-in-chief of “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper. For this position, the leader of nation has appointed M. Alimova, relieving her of previous post of editor-in-chief of “Mugallymlargazeti”. Accordingly O. Jumalyeva was appointed as the editor-in-chief of this newspaper. For improper execution of official duties and shortcomings, Chairman of the Committee for Protection of State Secrets in the Press and Other Mass Media under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Ya. Yazlyev is given severe admonition, and Chairman of the Turkmen State Publishing Service A. Hudaiberdiev – a reprimand. Cabinet Deputy Chairman M. Yazmuhammedova was given severe admonition for loosening control over the subordinate structures’ work. After announcing the adopted decisions and new appointments, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has signed the relevant documents. The President of Turkmenistan appointed Sh.Ishangulyev as Director of “Turkmenistan” TV channel of State Committee for TV, radio broadcast and cinematography, having relieved Deputy Chairman of the Committee A. Kabaev of temporary duties of the Director of the aforementioned channel. Then, Cabinet Deputy Chairman S.Toilyev reported on the outcomes of the running year’s seven-month activity of the supervised sectors. Over the period under review, 218 names of textbooks and manuals were prepared for printing, and 109 of them have already been released. The talented Turkmen schoolchildren who participated in the International Subject, Project and Internet-Olympiads, won 129 medals - 45 gold, 50 silver and 34 bronze medals; our students in the international intellectual competitions won 106 medals: 18 gold, 43 silver and 45 bronze; Turkmen students were also awarded a number of diplomas and certificates of achieving success and good results. During two-shift summer holidays, 14 Children’s Health and Leisure Centers in Gekdere hosted 13,254 schoolchildren, the resort centers in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone– 5,988 children, 37 children’s health centers in velayats – 3,990 children, and 692 school camps – 48,764 young holidaymakers. At present, entrance examinations keep going in higher education establishments of the country.. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov was reported that four international conferences were held during the reporting period in Turkmenistan. Turkmen scientists prepared a series of monographs and dictionaries, which were published. Celebrations dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the “Saglyk” State Health Program were held at a high level in the country. Vice-premier informed that construction is now in progress of 7 facilities, including 6 medical centers and one residential house. The amount of funds received from the state voluntary health insurance amounted to 112 percent; profit from services rendered and products sold – 123percent, production of pharmaceutical products – 142 percent. The profit in foreign currency earnings has made up 105 percent. As noted, over the period under review, 57, 902 tourists were rendered services; the growth rate reached 106.7 percent. Total profit on the financial-economic activities of the State Tourism Committee of Turkmenistan made up 117.8 percent. Over the seven-month period, Turkmenistan hosted 124 competitions and 70 sporting-mass events. Turkmen sportsmen participated in 97 international sporting events, having won 209 medals: 77 – gold, 52 – silver, 80 – bronze. A draft Resolution on approving the National Development Program for Natural and Exact Sciences in Turkmenistan was also presented for consideration by President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov. Then the Vice-Premier submitted for consideration by the nation’s leader a draft Resolution on approving the Measures Plan for realizing the 2015-2020 National Program of Turkmenistan’s State Youth Policy. After approving the draft documents and signing the relevant Resolutions, the nation’s leader emphasized the importance of implementing the within-said National Programs in the context of our country’s further steady advance in reaching for higher levels of development. In this regard, the head of state gave a number of concrete issue-associated commissions to the Vice-Premier. Then, addressing Vice-Premiers M. Yazmuhammedova and S. Toilyev, and President of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan G. Mezilov, the head of state focused attention on the issue of studying the Turkmen people’s unique historical-cultural heritage and advancing research activities and archeological excavations in our country. As the leader of nation stressed, scientists from many foreign countries are taking part in the activities, on condition they are granted the relevant permissions and provided with necessary conditions. On the one hand, such an approach is fair, the President of Turkmenistan said, having highlighted that our people’s glorious history has left its deep mark in the history of mankind. Therefore, it is essential to take workable steps towards worldwide popularization of the nation’s rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, the nation’s leader continued, foreign scientists, who come to Turkmenistan, express their personal views on the origin of Turkmen people’s cultural values, history and way of life, which, in certain cases, are not in keeping with our generally-accepted beliefs and doctrine. In this connection, the head of state addressed a question to the above-mentioned executives, asking why our scientists give little consideration to the study of the Turkmen people’s history and culture, and what they need to carry out the activity adequately. Interested to know whether that concerns underfinancing or shortage of specialists, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov also asked why the findings presented by foreign scientists upon completion of their research work in our country were not considered by the Ministry of Culture or at the scientific councils of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. At these meetings, the nation’s leader said, it is necessary to confirm the fidelity of research findings, which should also be officially verified by the relevant institutions. Only after those procedures are completed, the head of state said, foreign scientists will have authority to publish their scientific work. Addressing to the relevant leaders, the head of Turkmenistan assigned to consider the issue until the next session of the Cabinet of Ministers, and present a report on the work accomplished. The report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Satlykov was centered on the outcomes of the running year’s January-June activity of the transport and communications sector. As the Vice-Premier reported, on the whole, the transport-communications complex had fulfilled its plan for works and services by 118.7 p c in the reporting period; and the growth rate had made up 120.1 p c. The growth rate of works accomplished by the Ministry of Railway Transport reached 125.7 p c. As for the Ministry of Motor Transport, the growth rate of services rendered totaled 124.6 p c: 103 p c - in the cargo transportation sector; in the passenger transportation sector – 101.1 p c. Over the January-July period, the growth rate of works performed by the Ministry of Communications reached 106.1 p c. To satisfy the demand for communications services, 354.3 thousand telephone numbers, including 331.5 thousand cellular numbers, 5.8 thousand radio telephone and 17 thousand fixed-line telephone numbers were provided in the country; the target output was 2.4 times overfulfilled. In the period under review, telephone stations (with the total capacity of 1,544 telephone numbers) were installed; 1,292 kilometers of telecommunication networks were built up in the framework of the National Rural Development Program. Over the same period, the growth rates of air services rendered by the “Turkmenhovayollary” State National Service reached 118.7 percent. This index in the cargo and passenger turnover made up 100.8 and 100.0 percent respectively. The growth dynamics of works accomplished by the State Sea and River Transport Service made up 130 percent. The indicator totaled 100.1 p c in the cargo transportation sector and 125 p c - in passenger handling. The Vice-Premier also informed about the steps taken by the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan to purchase and install the communications equipment. Having stressed that today much consideration is given in Turkmenistan to overall development and modernization of the telecommunications sector, the nation’s leader has concentrated on the necessity of further improving its activity and achieving the required top quality. As the head of state noted, all the necessary conditions are being currently provided to make the Internet and modern technologies available to every citizen of the country. In the course of session, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov signed the relevant document on authorizing the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan to make a contract for purchasing and installing communications equipment, having commissioned the Vice-Premier to carry out the work aimed to increase the capacity of the local telephone network. Then, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov centered on the issue of creating favorable conditions for holidaymakers in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone. At the same time, addressing the Cabinet Deputy Chairman S. Satlykov, Balkan velayat khyakim D. Durdylyev, Minister of Nature Protection of Turkmenistan B. Annabairamov, Interior Minister of the country I. Mulikov, the head of state has emphasized that despite numerous violations, the Ministry of Nature Protection does not adequately monitor strict adherence to ecological standards, and traffic police fails to ensure careful observance of traffic safety rules. The President of Turkmenistan demanded from the relevant executives to promptly solve the within-said problems and submit a report on the outcomes of the work accomplished. Cabinet Deputy Chairman M. Artykov centered his report on the seven-month work outcomes achieved by the ministries and agencies he is in charge of, as well as on the fulfillment of the earlier presidential assignments. On the whole, implementation of the planned targets for works and services in the construction, energy, and municipal economy sectors is 127.2 p c; the growth rate made up 117.8 p c. Particularly, as for the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, the targets for production, works and services were fulfilled by 124.4 p c; the growth rate reached 116.4 p c. Over the seven-month period of 2015, the growth rate of production, works accomplished and services rendered by the Ministry of Energy made up 129.4 p c; the electric power output – 102.1 p c. According to the Ministry of Municipal Economy, the production and works plan was executed by 112.5 p c. As for the “Turkmenavtoyollary” State Concern, this indicator reached 106.5 p c. over the period under review. In the after-report comments, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of well-coordinated operation of all chains of the communal services system in providing quality-of-life improvements to the population, having thereto assigned the relevant leaders to get the matters under tough control. Then, Chairman of the Supreme Control Chamber B. Atdaev reported on the activity of the institution he is in charge of and fulfillment of the earlier presidential assignments on conducting the checks of work on ensuring cleanness and improvements of the Turkmen capital. Summing up the report, the President of Turkmenistan expressed dissatisfaction with the improper performance of official duties by Ashgabat city’s khyakim R. Nurmammedov and relieved him of the position. The head of state appointed M. Abilov to the post, having relieved him of the post of khyakim of Kopetdag etrap of Ashgabat city. The seven-month activity of the supervised sectors, the ongoing work on the Turkmen capital’s improvement were in the focus of the report made by Cabinet Deputy Chairman, Senior Manager of the Presidential and Cabinet Administration Office. As was informed, budgeting for capital needs over the period under review amounted to 4456, 54 million manat; the plan was fulfilled by 132.3 p c. In accordance with the Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan, 589 different-purpose objects are currently under construction in the city, including 232 buildings and facilities, being constructed against the order of Ashgabat city’s khyakimlik. Over the seven-month period, 24 objects were put into operation; 43 facilities are planned to be launched by the end of the year. Opening ceremonies of new objects - new 1000-seat buildings of the A. Kekilov Teachers’ College, two 600-seat secondary education schools, and two 160-seat kindergartens in Ruhabat etrap - are timed to Knowledge and Students’ Day (September 1). According to the 2015-2016 Ashgabat Improvement Plan, twenty streets will be reconstructed; thirteen of them are under renovation at present. Reconstruction and exterior renovation of the public housing stock buildings, including neighborhoods improvement, are well under way. All in all, 2,273 dwelling houses are planned for reconstruction. As of now, 949 houses have been repaired; 1,192 buildings are now under renovation. Besides, creation of public green areas and landscaping work are in progress in the capital. Stressing the significance of taking further measures aimed at the capital’s landscaping, the head of state pointed out the need to carry out the work on a scientific basis, engaging scientists of the Academy of Sciences and specialists of relevant agencies. In this regard, the head of state has addressed the Vice-Premier a number of concrete commissions. The report of Cabinet Deputy Chairman P. Taganov was an extensive coverage of the seven-month activity of the sectors answerable to him. As was informed, over the period under report, the growth rate of trade turnover of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations made up 114.4 percent. The growth rates of retail and wholesale trade turnover reached 106.3 and 118.5 percent respectively. Over the seven months, 146 transactions were conducted at the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange. During this period of time, 12,659 contracts (35,182,400 thousand manat) were made. The growth rate of services rendered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan totaled 106.7 percent; 15 exhibitions and 14 conferences were held over the period under review. Over the within-said period, the enterprises of the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union of Turkmenistan produced industrial products by 14.3 percent more compared with last year’s indicator. The agricultural output increased by 19.2 percent; the growth rate of assembly works accomplished by local entrepreneurs made up 101 p c; total trade turnover of the Union – 124 p c; the services rendered to the population – 130.6 p c. Summing up the report, the head of state drew attention of the Vice-Premier to the importance of implementing the state development programs in the field of trade and business activity, having given a number of issue-related instructions. Touching upon the Turkmen delegation’s participation in one of the prestigious economic forums – Izmir International Trade Fair, the nation’s leader Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov highlighted that the Fair is expected to facilitate attraction of foreign investments to the country’s economy. The national exhibition pavilion should comprehensively represent Turkmenistan’s achievements in different sectors of the economy, our country’s considerable export and resource potential, as well as its historical-cultural heritage, the head of state said, having instructed the Vice-Premier to adequately organize preparations for the forum. During the session, the President of Turkmenistan relieved Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs A. Gurbanov of his position in connection with his transfer to another post. To the position of Minister, the head of state appointed R. Meredov, having relieved him of the post of Chairman of the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. A. Ainazarov was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Exchange. Reporting on the seven-month activity of the supervised sectors, Cabinet Deputy Chairman E. Orazgeldiev stressed that the production growth rate, works accomplished and services rendered by the agro-industrial complex totaled 100.9 p c. Compared with the year-earlier similar period, the within-said indicator in percentage term was: in the Ministry of Agriculture – 109.8; Ministry of Water Economy – 106.8; Ministry of Nature Protection – 111.1; “Turkmengallaonumleri” State Association – 112.3; “Turkmenobahyzmat” State Association – 102.2; State Food Industry Association – 105.4; State Livestock Association –114.9; “Turkmenatlary” State Association – 110. The Vice-Premier also informed about the implementation progress of the investment program in the agro-industrial complex, as well as about the inter-seasonal agri-works ongoing in the country. A draft Resolution on the production of heavy wheat crop in 2016 was submitted for consideration by the head of state. According to the document, next year, 760,000-hectare land area will be planted to winter wheat to produce 1,600,000 tons of grain. In the report follow-up comments, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov expressed dissatisfaction with the paces of agricultural reforms. As the leader of nation noted, the objective to reduce imports of vegetables into our country from abroad had been assigned last year. However, as it seen from the reports, imports of onions, potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes keep increasing. Some US $50 million have already been expended for purchasing them. Addressing the Vice-Premiers E. Orazgeldiev, B. Hojamammedov and P. Taganov, the head of state demanded to tighten control over expending currency resources and over the range of products imported. The President of Turkmenistan has emphasized that every velayat should produce sufficient volumes of vegetables to secure its food self-sufficiency. The head of state commissioned Vice-Premier E. Orazgeldiev to carry out urgent work on allocating land plots for building greenhouses in the vicinity of large cities. Cabinet Deputy Chairman B.Hojamammedov was instructed to get under control the matters on granting easy credits to those who will express willingness to take up construction of hothouses for growing vegetables. Minister of Internal Affairs I.Mulikov was charged with exercising control since early next year over transporting vegetables and fruits in the territory of the country by railroad and motor transport. Noting that August in Turkmenistan is remarkable for the two important agri-campaigns - wheat sowing and mass cotton harvesting, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has demanded from vice-premier E.Orazgeldiev, velayats’ khyakims and managemers of agricultural complex to take all the required steps to carry out these responsible campaigns in due time and with high quality. The President of Turkmenistan gave his blessing in an organized way on August 19, to start up countrywide the sowing campaign. Emphasizing that due to the efforts of diligent farmers, this year’s cotton crop will be heavy and rich, the leader of nation blessed the beginning of cotton harvesting campaign in Akhal, Lebap and Mary velayats on August 29, and in Dashoguz velayat - on September 6. Having signed a Resolution on production in 2016 of rich wheat crop in Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov gave the management of the agro-industrial complex a number of the Resolution-associated concrete executive instructions. Chairperson of Mejlis of Turkmenistan A. Nurberdyeva informed about the parliament’s activity for the past seven months of the running year. As was reported, over this period, two sessions of Mejlis of Turkmenistan took place which adopted 50 laws and 39 resolutions aimed at improving the national legislative base. Next Mejlis session is scheduled for August 18 to consider some important bills assigned to stimulate further development of economic sectors and other areas of activities. The work on preparing new legislative documents in the fields of civil law, gender issues, notarial and town-planning spheres, and others is nearing completion. The documents for ratification of separate international conventions are also ready. As was noted, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan actively develops international and inter-parliamentary relations. The report of national parliament’s head also covered the work progress with regard to the improvement of our country’s Main Law, pointing out that 47 sessions of the working commission were held to analyze the incoming proposals. The information was presented about the preparations carried out together with the Central Election Committee for the upcoming Gengeshi and Mejlis elections in the two electoral districts to take place on August 16 of the current year. Emphasizing that formation of the modern legislative basis in line with the generally recognized norms of international law is aimed at providing the legal basis for progressive reforms and social-economic transformations ongoing in the country, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov directed attention of the Mejlis head to the need for activating the parliament’s activity. Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Cabinet Deputy Chairman R.Meredov made the report on performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the past seven months in the context of the country’s 2013-2017 Foreign Policy Concept implementations. Over the period under review, our country was visited by 315 foreign delegations through the Foreign Ministry. At the same time, 515 delegations of Turkmenistan were sent to foreign countries. For the accounting period, 135 various international events were organized. Turkmenistan’s legal and regulatory basis of international cooperation was replenished with 140 relative documents. During the period under report, 27 consultations were held between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and foreign departments of other countries aimed at strengthening and expanding fruitful interstate dialogue. A number of sessions of the bilateral intergovernmental commissions for cooperation took place, which were focused on consideration of key issues related to fostering the mutuality-based cooperation in the trade and economic sectors, in the humanitarian-cultural field. It was reported also that the events on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Turkmen state’s permanent neutrality take place in our country and abroad. Numerous articles, television and radio broadcasts, issue-related publications in foreign countries are devoted to that glorious date. Also, 98 international conferences, 15 briefings, 49 cultural and 41 sporting events were also devoted to that occasion. All in all, 372 events and festivities timed to the 20th anniversary of our Homeland’s neutrality were held in Turkmenistan and other countries. Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov gave the vice-premier, Foreign Minister a number of concrete commissions with regard to the organized preparations for main festivities on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, as well as for a working visit of our country’s delegation to New York City (USA) for participation in the 70th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly. Speaking about a symbolical character of the fact that this year is marked by the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, as well as by the 20th anniversary of Turkmen state’s permanently neutral status, the leader of nation has placed accent on the importance of work on informing the world community about the essence of our country’s creative initiatives that reflect our vision of key trends of partnership within the United Nations, having thereupon given a number of relevant instructions. Then, addressing the Cabinet members, the head of state informed about the decision on the government level reshuffle aimed at further improvement of the Government work. The President of Turkmenistan appointed M.Artykov the head of the mission of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, relieving him of his duties as the Cabinet Deputy Chairman. The leader of nation also relieved Cabinet Deputy Chairman Sh. Durdylyev of his duties as the Manager of the Presidential and Cabinet Administration Office of Turkmenistan. In this context the head of state informed that Sh. Durdylyev would be in charge of the ministries and sectoral departments which were under supervision of M. Artykov, as well as Ashgabat city and Akhal velayat. In addition, Vice-premier Sh. Durdylyev would head the Turkmen side of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission for economic cooperation. The head of state appointed the Cabinet Deputy Chairman P.Taganov as the Manager of the Presidential and Cabinet Administration Office of Turkmenistan, who, at the same time, would continue to be in charge of the earlier entrusted ministries and sectoral departments. Due to a transfer to another appointment, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov relieved A. Arabov of his duties as the Director of Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan. The head of state appointed G. Hallyev to this position, relieving him of Deputy Minister of Adalat. During the session, the President of Turkmenistan has noted that what is above all needed today is to carry out the immediate work on realizing the long-term national development strategy that envisions formation of the economy being driven not by recourses, but by high technologies, scientific and technological achievements. For today, this is our main goal, the head of state declared. Addressing vice-premiers B. Ereshov and Sh.Durdylyev, and Chairman of the Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union of Turkmenistan A.Dadaev, the head of state has emphasized that our country possesses the richest nonmetallic material reserves, which are to be efficiently used for fast-track advancement of the job-creating building materials industry. In several years, this, in turn, will result in appreciable reducing of the demand for imported construction materials and the need for inviting foreign workers. Emphasizing that a number of significant events are expected to take place in the life of our country, the President of Turkmenistan charged the responsible executives with starting in-advance preparations for timely launching and laying foundations of new objects on the eve of Independence Day and the 20th anniversary of neutrality, as well as laying. Having reminded that the time is approaching when Turkmenistan’s Elders Council session will start, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has placed emphasis on shaping the agenda of the national forum, as well as preparing the proposals on the related issues and tasks to be tackled in 2016. In this connection, the head of state commissioned the vice-premiers to submit all the prepared issues for consideration by Mejlis of Turkmenistan as soon as possible. The leader of nation instructed Mejlis Chairperson A. Nurberdyeva to summarize these issues and submit the agenda of Elders Council session for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers during its session on August 21. Concluding the session, during which some other questions of state life were also considered and the appropriate decisions were made, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov wished all its participants sound health and great successes in their work for the Homeland’s further prosperity and wellbeing and happy life of the people.