President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which reviewed drafts of several documents, and discussed topical issues of state life. The participants of the meeting presented information on preparations for the official visit to Turkmenistan of the President of the Republic of Belarus scheduled for March 29-31, and preparation for the International Sports Congress “Asian Games-2017: International Cooperation in the Sphere of Sport for Peace and Progress” scheduled for April 7th in the Avaza National Tourism Zone. The measures to improve the activities of banking institutions have been reported. Since January 1st 2016 departments, local executive authorities and institutions subordinate to them have introduced the practice of transferring wages to plastic cards, as well as payment for various services through such cards. Information was provided on measures to increase oil and gas production, expand the directions for the delivery of energy resources to world markets, optimize the work of the State Concerns “Turkmengaz” and “Turkmennebit”, and ensure deep processing of hydrocarbons. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of reforms in the oil and gas sector, lagging behind the pace of construction work at enterprises in this sphere, demanding to give suggestions on improving the efficiency of the fuel and energy complex, and speeding up the implementation of the projects envisaged for the Dashoguz velayat. As noted at the meeting, more than 110 children's playgrounds have been fully installed within the framework of activities to improve the architectural and town-planning appearance of Ashgabat, 15 multi-level car parks out of 19 planned for construction have been commissioned. Also, 66 open parking lots were built. The activities for the preparation for the International Conference on Transport and Logistics to be held in the Avaza National Tourism Zone have also been reported. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, noting that the work on the development of local airlines is extremely slow, cited the south of Lebap province and the Garabogaz city of the Balkan velayat as an example where industry is developing rapidly, however, it takes a lot of time to get here. The President of the country pointed to the need to build new airports, emphasizing the expediency of temporary involvement in the transportation of helicopters. The meeting members informed about the organization of the pavilion of Turkmenistan at the international specialized exhibition “EXPO-2017”, which will be held in the capital of Kazakhstan - Astana. Also, information was heard about the ongoing work on setting up the production of netbooks in the country. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov complained about the slow pace of work to diversify and expand the production base of processing industries. “Every year it is necessary to start the construction of new industrial enterprises, establish closer contacts with foreign companies, attracting their investments” - the leader of the nation stressed. The Head of the State submitted proposals on the preparation of badges for honorary titles “Honored coach of Turkmenistan” and “Honored Master of Sports of Turkmenistan”. Also, information was voiced about the preparations for the opening of a multifunctional sports complex in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, and measures for the effective use of this sports facility in preparation for the Asian Games-2017. Progress on the preparation of cultural events scheduled for April 7 in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza” on the occasion of World Health Day has also been presented. Information was heard about the measures taken to introduce advanced technologies into the work of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography. Information was provided on measures to improve relations in agricultural production and improve the efficiency of the industry, efficient use of land and water resources. It was reported that a scientific and practical conference will be held within the framework of the festival ""A drop of water - a grain of gold"" in Ashgabat. The main events are planned to be held on the bank of the Karakum river. There was also information about the preparations for the Turkmen horse race. The Head of State signed the Resolution on the production of rice in Turkmenistan in 2017, according to which the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats plann to sow a total of amount of 18 thousand 300 hectares of rice and provide for production of 81 thousand 600 tons of “pearl grains”. The meeting noted the importance of the Ombudsman's election held on March 20th during the regular session of the Mejlis, whose activities are aimed at protecting human and civil rights and freedoms. Hakims of Ahal and Lebap velayats reported on seasonal agricultural work in the fields of the region. Noting the necessity of observing the agrotechnical norms, as well as the quality and progress of construction works on the facilities being built in the velayats, the President of Turkmenistan gave specific instructions to the hakims in this regard. The meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers also considered some other issues of state life, adopting relevant resolutions.