President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov chaired a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reports that the hyakims of the regions and Ashgabat and the heads of military and law enforcement agencies were invited to participate in the government meeting, which took place Turkmenabat. The Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers presented the reports. Deputy Chairperson M. Yazmuhammedova presented the draft State Programme for collection, study and preservation of intangible cultural heritage of 2015-2020 to the President for consideration. The comprehensive programme provides for the involvement of various ministries, departments and town and velayat hyakimliks. The Turkmen leader approved the above Programme and signed the Resolution authorizing to hold the Week of Culture in Mary Velayat in 2016. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the preparations for a visit of the government delegation headed by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Georgia, scheduled for July 2-3. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Gochyev reported on the ongoing measures to raise salaries, pensions, state benefits and scholarships by 10 per cent from January 1, 2016. The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers presented the document designed to improve the system for preferential taxation of entrepreneurs to the Turkmen leader for consideration. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Yazmyradov reported that 1.147 million tons of grain had been harvested throughout the country to date. The Deputy Chairman reported on the progress in drafting the Regulations on water resources management to ensure sustainable water supply. This document sets out specific measures to be taken for the period up to 2020 to ensure effective use of water resources, including the improvement of the water consumption system. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers S. Toylyev reported on the preparations for a regular meeting of the Elders’ Council, which will take place in Avaza Etrap of Turkmenbashi town, Balkan Velayat on September 10. The report on the events, marking 20th anniversary of the Saglyk State Programme, including conferences, seminars and meetings, to be held jointly with the World Health Organization and other UN agencies was presented. The issues relating to the contest among etraps in velayats and towns equal to etrap which have shown the best social and economic performance indicators in 2015 were discussed at the government meeting. The winner will receive the prize of US$ 1 million. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ereshov presented the draft State Programme for the production of electronic equipment in Turkmenistan to the Turkmen leader for consideration. The Turkmen leader provided specific comments and recommendations and instructed to revise the Programme. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Artykov reported on the progress of construction work on the 400MW gas turbine power plant in Serdarabat Etrap, Lebap Velayat. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Taganov reported on the ongoing work on the opening of the representation of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China. The main aim of the representation of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs is to assist Turkmen entrepreneurs in studying trade and economic law of China and the existing standards and procedures and receiving information and consultation on business activities.