President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on digital video communications, at which important issues of state life were examined, a number of documents were adopted.
Having announced the agenda, the President gave the floor to the report to the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Myradov, who reported on the work carried out in the institutions of the supervised sphere and the steps taken to further improve the activities of the financial and banking sector.
Information was also heard on the implementation of instructions to strengthen the role of the private sector, stimulate and support entrepreneurs, and assist the development of small and medium sized businesses.
A separate topic of the report was the measures taken to increase the competitiveness of the national economy and the legal regulation of rental relations. In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister reported on the issues of preparing the draft Procedure for the transfer of state property for rent, developed in accordance with the provisions of the Law of Turkmenistan On Leases.
Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the timely implementation of the planned indicators by ministries and sectoral departments should be kept in the spotlight. Priority tasks for the structures reporting to the Deputy Prime Minister were the adoption of effective measures to accelerate the transition to the digital economy and increase investment activity.
Among the relevant areas, the head of Turkmenistan also called the continuation of work to expand the list of electronic banking services, the widespread introduction of innovative technologies. Along with this, the President instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure strict control over compliance with financial discipline by all enterprises and organizations, regardless of ownership.
The main goals of the ongoing reforms are to strengthen the economic potential of the regions, and the country as a whole, create new jobs, improve the social and living conditions of the population, the Turkmen leader noted.
In this regard, the task of paramount importance is ensuring the rational use of the funds allocated to the sectors of the national economy for the successful implementation of state programs, the head of Turkmenistan said. Having emphasized the need to take comprehensive steps to improve the methodology for preparing budget documents, the head of state addressed specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister.
Advisor to the President of Turkmenistan on oil and gas issues Y. Kakaev reported on a number of projects being implemented in the country's fuel and energy sector, as well as on the results of the past eight months of work of foreign partners and the measures taken to enhance international cooperation in this field.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that, being a recognized energy power, Turkmenistan today is consistently implementing its energy strategy, the key aspects of which are increasing the production and export of natural gas, diversifying its supply routes to the world market, where there is a steady growth trend in energy demand.
Along with this, much attention is paid to increasing the output of petrochemical products, including through the creation of modern facilities specializing in the deep processing of hydrocarbons.
Focusing on issues related to the implementation of the Program for the development of the country's oil and gas industry for the period until 2030, the head of state ordered to intensify exploration, industrial development and development of promising deposits of the Turkmen shelf and the Caspian coastal zone. As noted, this region has enormous energy potential, which opens up great opportunities for fruitful interaction with the business community of the world.
The President of Turkmenistan gave a number of instructions regarding the further improvement of investment policy aimed at strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with leading foreign companies with advanced experience and innovative technologies capable of ensuring efficient development of oil and gas fields. At the same time, it was emphasized that projects implemented in the energy sector should meet all environmental safety requirements.
The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Ch. Purchekov, reported to the head of state on ongoing work to reduce seismic risks in earthquake prone zones of our country, as well as on the construction of a new building of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute of the Ministry of Construction and Architecture.
As the Deputy Prime Minister reported, in order to ensure safe social, economic, environmental conditions for the population living in earthquake prone zones of the country, to determine the level of seismic hazard, as well as to reduce the impact of potential earthquakes, the Ministry of Construction and Architecture is working together with the Academy of Sciences.
According to the program Reducing seismic risk in seismically hazardous zones of Turkmenistan, approved by the President of Turkmenistan, the Research Institute of Earthquake Engineering together with the Institute of Seismology and Atmospheric Physics of the ANT is currently conducting systematic work to reduce seismic risks, determine the stability of buildings and structures, and monitor construction in seismic zones.
The Deputy Prime Minister submitted to the head of state for consideration a location map and a layout of the new administrative building of the Research Institute of Earthquake Engineering.
After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need for a responsible approach to the issue of disaster risk management, addressing the Deputy Prime Minister with instructions on this subject.
Nowadays, magnificent buildings are being erected, new urban areas and large settlements are being raised, motorways and steel highways are being built thousands of kilometers long, and transport infrastructure of international importance is being formed. The main thing is not just to build, but to build in high quality, in accordance with international standards and the requirements of environmental and seismic safety, the head of state emphasized.
Giving instructions on the implementation of the Program for the Reduction of Seismic Risks in the Zones of Increased Seismic Activity of Turkmenistan, the President noted the importance of improving public awareness and strengthening the capacity of relevant structures in the field of preventing and mitigating the effects of earthquakes, and developing active international cooperation in this direction.
Having familiarized himself with the presented project of the new building of the Research Institute for Earthquake Engineering, the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed him to finalize.
Next, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on the ongoing work to further improve the enterprises subordinate to the Turkmensenagat agency, as well as on the opening of the Maritime Training Center.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, in order to modernize the industrial sector, in accordance with the conditions of transition to a market economy and attract foreign investment, an analysis of the structure of the Turkmensenagat agency of the Ministry of Industry and Communication of Turkmenistan was carried out. In particular, on the basis of this Agency it is supposed to create joint stock companies of the open type with the participation of a number of structures.
Information was voiced on the ongoing activities to create a Turkmendenizderyayollary agency of the Ministry of Industry and Communication of Turkmenistan, a training center for navigation, equipped with modern equipment and training simulators for the retraining of marine specialists, on the basis of the secondary vocational school of navigation in the city of Turkmenbashi.
Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused on the comprehensive modernization of the material and technical base of the industrial sector, outlining a number of urgent tasks designed to ensure the sustainable development of the country, preserve and strengthen the trends of stable growth of the national economy, and strengthen its competitiveness.
It is the industrial sector that should become the locomotive for other sectors of the national economic complex, since it is the basis for their further development, the head of state emphasized.
In this context, it is necessary to create modern enterprises specializing in the processing of the richest natural raw materials, expand the range of building materials that are not inferior in their characteristics to foreign analogues, actively introduce innovative and digital technologies, the latest achievements of scientific and technological progress and advanced international experience, the President said .
Focusing on improving the existing production capacities of industry, the head of state noted the importance of attracting for this purpose the capabilities of the private sector of the economy, which should increase the efficiency of the entire complex. The President of Turkmenistan pointed out the main directions of modernization of the units subordinate to the Turkmensenagat agency, giving the Deputy Prime Minister the relevant instructions.
The head of state noted that one of the priority vectors of state policy is the creation of a ramified transport infrastructure in the country as a key factor in the economic and social development of Turkmenistan. Large scale projects have been successfully implemented in this area, including the strengthening of the material and technical base of the navy.
A powerful impetus to the development of the domestic transport complex was given by the commissioning in the city of Turkmenbashi of the International Sea Port, which includes ferry, passenger, container and other terminals.
As the head of state emphasized, the ultramodern port complex erected on the Caspian coast opened up new opportunities for the country's active integration into the global economy and is called upon to play the role of a major transit, transport and logistics hub in the region, ordering to continue work to consolidate its position in the international services market.
Taking an active and proactive position in the process of forming qualitatively new relations in the Caspian Sea, our country demonstrates a continued commitment to the implementation of the agreements and commitments made, making a significant contribution to building mutually beneficial cooperation in this strategic region, strengthening friendly ties between the peoples of the Caspian states united by centuries old historical and cultural ties, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted.
Continuing the theme, the head of state emphasized the need to develop cooperation in the Caspian Sea region, conduct marine scientific research, successfully solve the assigned tasks, including training maritime specialists and establish a Maritime Training Center, addressing the Deputy Prime Minister in this regard with relevant instructions.
The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Ch. Gylydzhov, reported on ongoing work to develop the tourism sector in the country based on market relations and fulfilling the instructions of the head of state to effectively involve the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in this industry.
It was reported that to date, tourism enterprises in the provinces and the city of Ashgabat have been privatized in the prescribed manner and a tourism company has been established for the coordinated management of their activities, which is supervised by SPTT.
The functions of the new structure also include preparing proposals for improving the domestic tourism industry, conducting various events in this area, studying, according to the instructions of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, international experience and introducing best foreign practices.
One of the targeted measures in this direction provides for the digitalization of the industry, covering the entire range of services, which will make the tourism business more flexible, adapted to the realities of the modern day and competitive in the digital world.
The modern information environment will make traveling in Turkmenistan more accessible, as well as improve the quality of travel services and the attractiveness of many domestic destinations. At the same time, the digitalization of the industry will allow more efficient use of its recreational resources and simplify business processes, and will contribute to the popularization of the country's tourism product in the foreign market. The established tourism company plans to conclude agreements with specialized foreign institutions and open a number of representative offices abroad.
The Deputy Prime Minister also reported on the state of affairs in the trade sector, areas of activity of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the implementation of measures to provide state support for the private sector of the national economy.
After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused on the further development of tourism infrastructure, stimulating small and medium sized businesses in this area, creating conditions for attracting more foreign tourists and bringing the hospitality and travel industry to the category of highly profitable industries in the country's economy.
In this context, noting that the advancement of modern approaches and technologies in organizing the activities of the new enterprise as the parent and coordinating body in the tourism sector is an urgent requirement, the head of state gave the Deputy Prime Minister specific instructions on this subject.
As noted, today, domestic entrepreneurship has ample opportunities to develop this area, to carry out large investment projects to more fully realize the rich tourism potential of Turkmenistan.
The active involvement of business will contribute to the growth of tourism services exports, and the development of the management system and digitalization of this sector will give it a powerful impetus for diversification, providing wide access to the international public to information on all tourist sites and routes of our country, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov summed up.
The instructions were also given on the use of new organizational tools and intelligent systems in the shopping complex, the formation of digital channels for domestic products to enter foreign markets in order to more effectively engage our export opportunities and increase the country's investment attractiveness.
The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on the modernization of a number of healthcare system institutions, in particular, the International Diagnostic Center, the International Center for Internal Diseases and the International Center Ene Myahri in connection with the need to update their equipment, expand the range of medical services by introducing the most modern technologies and equipment.
To this end, in accordance with the established procedure, a tender was held for the purchase of appropriate equipment and medical supplies from manufacturers or their official representatives, as well as a competitive selection of contractors for technical work in these centers.
The head of state was informed about the practical results of the VIII Turkmen German Health Forum held this month in Ashgabat.
Regular meetings of Turkmen and German colleagues, which are held alternately in both countries, determine current topics and areas of cooperation, joint research and educational projects, contribute to the introduction of the latest technologies and equipment, and the training of scientific personnel and highly qualified specialists.
One of the central topics of the forum this year was the development of digital medicine and the use of high technologies in the healthcare of Turkmenistan. The tasks in this area and comprehensive measures to address them are outlined in the Strategy for the Development of the Digital Health System for 2019 2025, which provides for the equipping of fiber optic communications and the necessary equipment of medical institutions, their computerization and informatization.
All this will help create equal opportunities for the population to use high quality medical services at the level of modern international standards, regardless of their place of residence, and will also help adaptation of society to the conditions of digital communication.
After hearing the report, the President noted the importance of continuous improvement of the healthcare system in accordance with the latest achievements of medical science and advanced developments in the field of medical equipment.
Giving instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister for strict control over the implementation of all the requirements of the contracts for the modernization of these institutions, the head of state emphasized that the main goal of these measures is to create conditions for increasing the quality of medical services and their wide access to the population, the health of which is a priority and responsibility of the state .
Turkmenistan's actively developing international cooperation in the field of healthcare is a multifaceted sphere of activity that occupies a prominent place in our foreign and domestic policy, the head of state said. In this context, the President noted that the traditional Turkmen German health care forum reaffirmed the importance of building active contacts between the scientific and business circles of the two countries, their focus on specific results.
And today, the digitalization of domestic health care is seen as such an important area of joint efforts, the President emphasized, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister to strengthen cooperation in this extremely important area in order to bring Turkmen medicine to new frontiers.
The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdyeva reported on the ongoing work of the supervised sphere and the measures taken to organize high level celebrations in honor of the Independence Day of Turkmenistan.
Currently, in cities and villages of the country, creative meetings, conferences, exhibitions, concerts are held. The parade and other events are planned, which are planned on the occasion of a significant date.
Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered to ensure a high level of holding all the festive events, each of which should be meaningful, informative and in accordance with the national traditions of the celebration.
In turn, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiev reported on the progress of reforms in agriculture and seasonal campaigns in the regions.
As noted, programmatic work is being carried out to implement the decisions adopted at the first meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan on further improvement of transformations in the agricultural sector. In order to increase the efficiency of farmland use by daikhan associations and to attract private producers to the industry, proposals are currently being developed regarding the formation of a special land fund for growing wheat, cotton and other crops under state orders.
Currently, wheat sowing continues in the provinces. Farmers of the Dashoguz velayat began in an organized manner to harvest cotton. Everything is being done to accelerate the pace of suffering, the uninterrupted reception of the harvested raw material and its processing at the ginneries.
Having listened to the report, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of large scale reforms carried out in the agricultural sector aimed at ensuring food abundance in the country, expanding export opportunities of the national economy, as well as the integrated development of regions.
The head of state gave the Deputy Prime Minister a number of specific instructions regarding the further active transition to market relations, the introduction of new forms of land management, and comprehensive support for entrepreneurship.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered that all issues of cotton harvesting, which is of great importance for building the economic potential of the agro industrial complex and providing valuable raw materials for the textile industry, be constantly monitored. No less responsible test for domestic farmers is sowing winter crops, the President of Turkmenistan said, addressing the Deputy Prime Minister specific instructions on this subject.
Reporting on the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on measures taken to develop Turkmenistan's international information activities and expand fruitful interaction with leading world media.
As noted, currently focused work is being carried out with foreign ministries and specialized specialized structures of various countries, as a result of which specific proposals have been prepared on the priority areas of partnership.
In order to fulfill the instructions of the head of state, steps are being taken to strengthen the legal framework for cooperation between domestic and foreign media. Work continues on enhancing information exchanges and establishing contacts with the media of neighboring countries and other states of the region. Measures are being taken to increase the number of foreign media accredited in Turkmenistan.
Along with this, steps are being taken to expand the geography of the domestic media. In improving the activities of national media, great importance is attached to the active use of modern information and communication technologies and Internet resources. In this regard, the expediency of creating an International Information Center was noted, which envisages the use of advanced achievements in this area.
In continuation of the report, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reported on the draft new version of the National Strategy for Turkmenistan on Climate Change, which was submitted for consideration by the head of state.
In this context, it was noted that one of the priority vectors of the foreign policy of our country is invariably cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized structures. Among the most important aspects of this partnership, which is built on a systemic basis, is the environmental sphere.
The constructive initiatives of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, voiced at the meetings of the UN General Assembly, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, the III UN World Conference Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, VII World Water Forum, made a significant contribution to strengthening and developing multilateral cooperation in this important area. in Daegu and other major forums.
Among them, issues related to global climate change should be separately noted. As emphasized, Turkmenistan is one of the first UN member states to adopt the National Climate Change Strategy. This document was adopted on the eve of the RIO + 20 Summit on June 15, 2012, and for seven years has been effectively implemented.
In recent years, the UN has adopted a number of important documents on global development, including the Strategy until 2030 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Taking into account the obligations arising from them, a draft new version of the aforementioned National Strategy of Turkmenistan has been prepared, which provides for the implementation of systemic measures to solve the problems posed in this area.
The development of this document is of international importance, including in the context of the upcoming UN Climate Summit in New York on September 23 this year.
Summing up the report, the head of state noted the need to continue systematic work on the further integration of Turkmenistan into the international information space, strengthening and building up fruitful interaction with foreign media.
The steps taken in this direction should contribute to the active introduction of the latest multimedia technologies, a mutually beneficial exchange of experience, as well as familiarization of the world community with the key vectors of foreign and domestic policies of the neutral Fatherland, wide coverage of significant events taking place in our country, the head of state said, addressing the deputy prime minister , the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs relevant instructions.
Touching upon the prepared draft of the new edition of the National Strategy for Climate Change and, in general, approving it, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of implementing effective measures to educate the public of the importance of this document, aimed at ensuring environmental well being as an integral condition for sustainable development.
Being an active participant in the international dialogue in such an extremely urgent area as ecology, our country, continued the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, advocates for deepening and expanding constructive cooperation in the format of the UN, other authoritative organizations and structures.
Taking an initiative in climate change, environmental protection, environmental management, ensuring global environmental safety, Turkmenistan demonstrates a responsible approach to developing their optimal solutions and fulfilling their obligations, the President said.
All large scale transformational programs and infrastructure projects carried out in our country are closely linked with the environmental component, the introduction of green technologies. In this context, the National Climate Change Strategy is also a real contribution of Turkmenistan to the consolidation of the efforts of the world community to solve the problems on which the future of mankind depends.
Speaking about this, the head of state gave the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister a number of instructions to promote the environmental initiatives of the Turkmen side in the international arena and to strengthen effective cooperation with foreign partners.
The Chairman of the Mejlis G. Mammadova informed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about the activities of the national parliament to modernize the country's legislative base and prepare for the meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty.
In order to support the private sector of the national economy, improve the legislative documents previously adopted in this direction, draft laws have been developed to promote the dynamic development of private business, ensure the innovative nature of the economy, and accelerate the implementation of science and technology in production.
The deputy corps continues to work on the preparation of legislative documents aimed at the further successful implementation of the state policy, programs of socio economic and cultural development of the country.
Together with the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries and relevant sectoral departments, draft documents on the agenda items of the next meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty were prepared.
Stressing that legislative support is an effective tool in solving the socio economic problems of the state, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov urged the parliamentary corps to continue to focus its activities on improving the well being of Turkmen citizens and establishing democratic principles in society.
The head of state emphasized the importance of comprehensive expansion and deepening of partnership in various areas of international cooperation. The President drew attention to the important tasks of holding a meeting of the Hulk Maslakhaty at a high organizational level.
Addressing Deputy Prime Minister R. Meredov, the head of state noted that next year marks the 25th anniversary of the acquisition of a neutral legal status by Turkmenistan. In dedication to this significant event, an international conference should be organized, as well as speeches of our ambassadors abroad, at the UN and other international structures, the head of state said.
Continuing the theme, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed B. Abdyeva, along with other vice premiers, to develop a series of events to mark this anniversary, including round tables, conferences, ceremonial meetings, musical performances, as well as to prepare a procedure for awarding state awards to citizens who deserve them.
All the country's media should actively popularize the basic principles of our neutral foreign policy peacefulness, prosperity, the development of friendly and commercial relations with the states of the world, the head of Turkmenistan emphasized.
Chairman of the Board of the Central Bank M. Annadurdyev was given the task, together with R. Meredov, to prepare samples of the anniversary medal dedicated to the celebration of the 25th anniversary of neutrality.
Soon another significant event will take place. In 2021, we will widely celebrate the 30th anniversary of our independence. Therefore, now it is necessary to begin preparations for this significant event, the President of Turkmenistan said, addressing all members of the government.
In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed M. Annadurdyev and the Chairman of the Mejlis G. Mammadova to prepare samples of the jubilee medal on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan. The most worthy people will be awarded with it, the head of state noted, adding that specific events on the occasion of this holiday will be discussed closer to the event.
Being a member of the United Nations, Turkmenistan strictly fulfills all its obligations, the President said, announcing that today, following our noble tradition, a decree will be signed on granting Turkmenistan citizenship to 863 people who, by the will of fate, turned out to be stateless.
Thus, in accordance with the Constitution of our country, as well as various UN conventions on refugees and human rights, we provide these people with help and support, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized.
In this context, the head of state instructed Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister R. Meredov and Secretary of the State Security Council Y. Berdiev to provide people with citizenship of our country with appropriate passports for a month.
The Khyakim of the velayats were instructed to organize the solemn handing of passports to new citizens of the country and, if necessary, to assist them with employment and on living conditions. This is another striking manifestation of the humanism of our policy, the President noted, and, having signed this Decree, sent it to R. Meredova through the electronic document management system.
At the government meeting, other issues were also considered, on which relevant decisions were made.
Concluding the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on digital video communications, the head of state wished all its participants great success in their work.
Source: EMBASSY OF TURKMENISTAN REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN TASHKENT