Topical issues of the state's life and drafts of individual documents were considered at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which was held by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov via digital video communication system, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov was the first to speak.
Deputy Prime Minister, reported on the draft Resolution “On issues of the Committee on precious metals and precious stones of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan”. The document, prepared according to the instructions of the head of state, provides for the renaming of this Committee into the Foundation of the same name.
The leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was also informed about the work carried out to streamline the issues related to the appellation of origin of goods.
It was noted that the right to use an appellation of origin is protected by the relevant Law of Turkmenistan, adopted in 2019, and is certified by a certificate.
A document confirming that a product is produced on the territory of our country, the special properties of which are determined by natural conditions and ethnographic factors characteristic of a given geographical object, is issued by authorized state bodies approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
The State Service for Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, together with the relevant structures, is working to regulate issues related to the appellation of origin of goods. This will help to increase legal protection of the interests of national producers and consumers.
Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of the measures being taken to modernize the country's banking and financial sector, taking into account modern realities and international standards, and the introduction of market economy mechanisms.
Speaking about the renaming of the Committee for Precious Metals and Precious Stones of the Central Bank into the corresponding Fund, the head of state noted that the new status of this structure is intended to further improve its activities in accordance with the requirements.
Having signed the submitted Resolution, the leader of the nation sent it to the Deputy Prime Minister, instructing him to keep under control the implementation of this document.
Referring to the streamlining of issues related to the appellation of origin of goods, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that the comprehensive programs for the development of the industrial sector and import substitution being implemented in Turkmenistan are aimed at saturating the domestic market with a variety of competitive products. In turn, this determines the importance of the steps taken to ensure legal protection of domestic producers and consumers, guarantee the high quality of goods, as well as increase the volume of their exports, the leader of the nation said, having addressed the Deputy Prime Minister with instructions to continue systematic work in this area.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov reported on the state of affairs in the supervised area and measures for the successful implementation of the “Program for the development of the country's oil and gas industry for the period up to 2030”.
It was reported about the ongoing work on the placement on foreign markets of ECO-93 gasoline produced from natural gas at a plant in the Ahal velayat and the conclusion of corresponding contracts with foreign partners designed for the medium term.
Emphasizing the significant role of the fuel and energy complex in the economy of Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pointed out the importance of systematically strengthening the export potential of the industry's enterprises.
The head of state addressed the Deputy Prime Minister with specific instructions on further diversifying the oil and gas sector, modernizing its infrastructure on an innovative basis, increasing the volume of petrochemical products in demand in the country and abroad.
The leader of the nation also ordered to ensure constant monitoring of compliance with the deadlines for the implementation of major investment projects, including the construction of the transnational gas pipeline Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India.
Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdylyev informed about the work carried out in the areas under his supervision, in particular, the opening of the Information Security and Digital Technologies department in the structure of ministries and departments of the construction and industrial complex.
In order to fulfill the Decree signed by the President of Turkmenistan on August 27, 2020 on the creation of an automated electronic database system in the ministries, sectoral departments and hyakimliks of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat, it is proposed to create a corresponding system within the central offices of the
Ministry of Construction and Architecture, the Ministry of Energy and the State Concern structure.
Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of work on the creation of an automated electronic database system and gave instructions to Deputy Prime Ministers Sh. Durdylyev and B. Ovezov to continue the digitalization process in all structures.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov reported on the state of affairs in subordinate institutions, informed about the measures taken to further improve the work of the agency “Türkmenhowaýollary”.
Having listened to the report, the President of Turkmenistan focused on the issues of widespread introduction of the latest management methods into the management of the aviation sector. In this regard, the leader of the nation instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to strengthen control to ensure the proper level of work of the industry enterprises and compliance with the action plan.
The head of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, stressed that civil aviation is an important component of the domestic transport system, linking the regions of the country and integrating into the international logistics space.
The construction in the velayats of modern, providing air passengers with a full range of services, modern air terminals and runways capable of receiving any type of aircraft is a significant part of the overall strategy for the formation of a developed air transport infrastructure, equipping it with the latest equipment and technology, the President of the country said, giving specific directions.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch.Gylyjov reported on the work carried out to prepare the draft Program for increasing the production of food and agricultural products for 2021-2025.
The Deputy Prime Minister reported that under the leadership of the leader of the nation, important state programs are being implemented in Turkmenistan aimed at ensuring food abundance. In accordance with them, import-substituting industries are being created, and the volume of production is increasing.
In order to strengthen food security, modern livestock and poultry complexes, greenhouses, processing plants are being built, new production facilities are being commissioned.
In addition, fruit trees are being planted, which made it possible to start the production of selected fruits and provide them with the domestic market. In this regard, it is planned to expand the land area for garden plots. Also, modern greenhouses are being erected throughout the country, equipped with water-saving technologies for growing environmentally friendly fruits and vegetables, and refrigerated warehouses are being commissioned for their storage.
Within the framework of the Program for increasing the production of food and agricultural products for 2021-2025, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country plans to implement 88 projects, which will not only provide the domestic market with high-quality products, but also increase the volume of its exports.
In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a draft of the relevant Program for consideration by the leader of the nation.
Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the huge role assigned to the non-state sector of the national economy in ensuring food abundance in the country, steadily increasing its industrial and export potential.
Noting the need to continue the large-scale work begun on import substitution, intensification of agriculture, the development of processing industries and an increase in the range of competitive products produced in Turkmenistan, the head of state addressed specific instructions to Vice-Prime Ministers Ch.Gylyjov and E. Orazgeldiev.
The leader o f the nation also gave instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister on further modernization of the shopping complex, studying and fully meeting consumer demand for food products, improving the culture of customer service.
Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Geldinyyazov reported on the work on the further development of the sphere of science, in particular, preparation for admission in 2021 to postgraduate studies for an academic degree, as well as to clinical residency.
In accordance with the Decree of the head of state on ensuring the training of highly qualified specialists and scientific personnel in Turkmenistan, as well as state financial support for scientific projects, proposals of ministries, departments, scientific institutions and universities on this issue were analyzed.
As a result, the number of people who will be admitted to postgraduate studies and clinical residency in 2021 was determined.
After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that science, which plays a huge role in the innovative development of the country, must always keep up with the times, for which every effort should be made for its further accelerated development.
The consistent implementation of significant programs adopted in the country will give a new dynamic to the improvement of this area, will allow the formation of an effective, sustainable and cost-effective digital scientific system based on IT technologies, and achieve a close interface between science and production in accordance with the best world experience.
Emphasizing the importance of training a galaxy of young talented scientists specializing in the most demanded areas, the head of state instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to create all conditions to stimulate the craving for knowledge, increase the intellectual potential of young people, and acquire professional skills.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported to Head of State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the preparation of cultural events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan and the Day of Poetry of Mahtumkuli Fraghi.
It was noted that in honor of the opening of a new majestic monument in one of the beautiful corners of Ashgabat, perpetuating the memory of Mahtumkuli Fraghi, online events with the participation of foreign cultural figures and masters of art were planned jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Cultural events, including meetings with poets, translators and researchers, literary readings, conferences, are planned to be held at the monuments of Mahtumkuli Fragi, installed in different countries of the world, associated with the life and work of the classic of Turkmen literature.
Video recordings of these events will be presented during the celebrations on the occasion of the Day of Culture and Art Workers, as well as the poetry of Mahtumkuli Fraghi.
Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of the events in honor of the great Turkmen poet and thinker, planned in the year of the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Motherland, held under the motto “Turkmenistan is the Motherland of Peace and Trust”.
As the leader of the nation noted, translations of the works of Mahtumkuli Fraghi into various languages, as well as monuments installed in many countries, testify to the deep reverence and study by the peoples of the world of the rich literary heritage of the outstanding representative of Turkmen classical literature. The work of the great poet - philosopher, who glorified enduring universal human spiritual values and humanistic ideals, is relevant and contemporary.
Events with the participation of representatives of foreign countries will become an important contribution to the popularization of the literary and philosophical heritage of Mahtumkuli and, in general, to mutual understanding of the peoples of the world, the head of state said, giving the Deputy Prime Minister specific instructions on organizing all the celebrations at the highest level, scheduled on the occasion of significant dates.
Speaking about the celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Turkmen capital this year, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered to create a variety of film products, as well as organize thematic exhibitions and creative competitions.
Modern white marble Ashgabat is our pride, a visiting card of sovereign neutral Turkmenistan, a city that we are improving with great love, making it comfortable for people's lives. All this should be reflected in the jubilee events, the leader of the nation said, giving the Deputy Prime Minister specific instructions.
In turn, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiev reported on the preparations for spring sowing in the regions of the country. A draft Resolution “On zoning of agricultural crops and production of products by velayats in 2021” was presented to the head of state for consideration.
By concluding contracts with producers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection will purchase their products at a negotiated price, as well as, in accordance with agro-technical standards, provide the farmer with high-quality cotton seeds and technical service, irrigation water and mineral fertilizers.
In the country, the total area of agricultural land allotted for the cultivation of various crops will be 1,393,120 hectares.
After listening to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pointed out the importance of further increasing the production of vegetables, fruits and melons in the country, which is designed to help meet the demand of the population for high-quality, environmentally friendly agricultural products.
At the optimum time, cotton sowing should be carried out, proper care for winter wheat should be provided in order to harvest rich harvests of these crops this year, the head of state ordered, noting the need for timely agrotechnical measures, the introduction of advanced experience and the use of scientifically grounded crop rotation.
Having signed the Decree on the placement of crops in accordance with the soil and climatic conditions of the velayats, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent it to the Deputy Prime Minister for the electronic document management system, giving appropriate instructions.
The Chairperson of the Mejlis G. Mammedova informed about the legislative activity of the national parliament, measures taken to improve the legal basis of the socio-economic reforms carried out in the country, democratization of the Turkmen society and innovative development.
As noted, new bills are currently being developed in the Mejlis. Together with the Central Commission for Holding Elections and Referenda in Turkmenistan, hyakimliks of velayats, election commissions of velayats and the city of Ashgabat, preparations are underway for the election campaign of the Halk Maslakaty of Turkmenistan.
In order to observe the conduct of elections on a democratic basis, on the proposals of political parties, public associations and groups of citizens, the CEC registered observers. Activities were also carried out to popularize and explain the historical significance of this important social and political event.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused on the priority areas of the Mejlis's work, aimed at improving political culture in the country, strengthening civil institutions and democratic values.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the measures taken to create an Interdepartmental Commission for the development of the National Program of Turkmenistan for the Aral Sea for 2021-2025 and control over its implementation.
In this context, it was noted that one of the key vectors of the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan, carried out under the leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is the development of multilateral international cooperation on strategically significant aspects of the global agenda. At the same time, the issues of climate change, environmental protection, rational nature management and ensuring environmental safety are of particular importance.
Constructive initiatives put forward by the leader of the nation in these areas are gaining full support from the world community. For the purpose of their practical implementation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is carrying out proper work.
Currently, Turkmenistan has joined 20 international conventions and multilateral documents in the field of ecology and environmental protection, five of which - last year. In turn, this forms a solid legal basis for further effective interaction at the national, regional and international levels in these areas.
Among the initiatives put forward by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the aforementioned areas, proposals for solving problems related to the Aral Sea and the ecological situation in this zone are of particular importance. In order to implement them, a draft Concept of the UN Special Program for the Aral region was prepared in 2019. This document was presented in the course of multilateral consultations held in Ashgabat in December of the same year in accordance with the Resolution of the UN General Assembly.
At present, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, the draft Resolution on the creation of the above-mentioned Special Program has been submitted for consideration by the member countries of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). It is planned that it will be considered during the regular session of ESCAP in April 2021.
On behalf of the leader of the nation, in order to continue systematic work to eliminate the negative factors resulting from the drying up of the Aral Sea, the Concept of the National Program for the Aral Sea was developed together with the relevant ministries and sectoral departments of the country. It defines the main directions of measures to be taken at the national level to improve the socio-economic and environmental situation in the Aral region.
The concept covers such urgent tasks as creating favorable living conditions for the population, improving the management and use of water resources, forming forest zones, protecting biodiversity.
Measures are envisaged to improve economic well-being in the Aral Sea region, create a special industrial zone, including the development of agriculture and the introduction of modern land use methods.
Among the designated areas are the construction of residential and social facilities, the practical use of innovations and technologies in the field of the environment, research and development and improvement of methods for increasing the environmental awareness of the population.
Based on this Concept, for the development of the National Program of Turkmenistan for the Aral Sea for 2021-2025 and control over its subsequent implementation, it is proposed to create an Interdepartmental Commission, which will operate on a permanent basis. In this regard, a draft resolution was submitted to the head of state for consideration.
After listening to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that our country pays great attention to solving the Aral Sea problem and takes an active position in cooperation within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, which is a platform for interstate cooperation to overcome the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, the nature of which goes far beyond our region.
As the head of state noted, for the successful solution of the tasks set in this direction, the support of the world community, an integrated international approach, active participation of the United Nations in this work are required, which is the reason for the initiative of Turkmenistan to develop a UN Special Program for the Aral Sea.
Contributing in every way to building up a fruitful partnership to address priority issues of the Aral Sea problem, implementing large-scale national programs and projects in the economic, social, humanitarian and environmental spheres, our country seeks to realize the existing solid experience and creative potential for the common good.
Speaking about this, the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the submitted Resolution and sent it to the Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Foreign Ministry, giving instructions on organizing the effective activities of the Interdepartmental Commission for the development of the National Program for the Aral Sea for 2021-2025.
Continuing the report, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reported on the preparations for the opening ceremony of the International Year of Peace and Confidence, proclaimed by the Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, adopted at the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan.
Noting the significance of this event, the head of state stressed that neutral Turkmenistan is invariably committed to multi-vector cooperation with the UN, which initially has the character of a strategic partnership. Aware of the importance of restoring and establishing a culture of peace and trust as a basis for building constructive, balanced relations in the global dimension, our country has come up with a proposal to declare 2021 the International Year of Peace and Confidence.
This initiative was supported by the world community, which was reinforced in the well-known Resolution of the UN General Assembly. Turkmenistan will continue to make a concrete contribution to the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized, instructing to hold the upcoming ceremony at a high organizational level.
Then the Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister reported on the preparations for the next meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, scheduled for January 30 this year. The agenda will include a wide range of issues related to activities carried out in the framework of cooperation with this largest specialized UN agency, as well as those planned for the current year.
Thus, proposals will be considered for nominating several national monuments for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the systemic nomination “Silk Road: Corridor Zaravshan-Karakum”.
These are historical and cultural objects that have become the subject of research during prospecting and exploration expeditions undertaken by specialists of the National Directorate of Turkmenistan for the Protection, Study and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments and the State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Ancient Merv” in cooperation with experts from the Institute of Archeology of the University of London (Great Britain) along the Amul-Merv branch of the Great Silk Road.
In this context, the monuments located on this caravan route were examined - the Amul fortress, the Mansaf fortification, the Konegala, Akjagala, Gyzyljagala caravanserais, the at-Takhmalaj site, the medieval city of Kushmeikhan, which are worthy candidates for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by the above-named nominations.
Today, the Great Silk Road, in which Turkmenistan initially occupied a central place, is considered as a unique historical and cultural phenomenon, taking into account the enormous impact this ancient caravan route had on the development of international trade relations, economy and culture of a number of Asian and European countries.
In his popular in our country and abroad book “Turkmenistan - the heart of the Great Silk Road”, an honorary doctor of a number of foreign scientific and educational centers, professor, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, using the methods of scientific analysis of specific information, authoritative documentary sources, archaeological and architectural monuments, ethnographic materials, assesses the most important role of our country as a key link in the Great Silk Road”, which had a huge impact on the development of all mankind.
The historical phenomenon of this medieval route, which since antiquity has linked dozens of states with trade, information and cultural contacts, is considered in the book not only in the context of the history and spiritual heritage of the Turkmen people, but also the future of our country, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
The revival of this important route is of great importance in the context of modern globalization and integration processes, which are largely facilitated by large-scale projects initiated by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov aimed at forming a transcontinental transport and logistics infrastructure bringing countries and peoples closer together.
In order to nominate the Zaravshan-Karakum corridor, the relevant work is being carried out on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the preparation of the final version of the package of documents on the proposed sites, which, in accordance with international requirements, must be submitted to the UNESCO World
Heritage Committee in due time. The issue of including the Zaravshan-Karakum corridor of the Great Silk Road in this prestigious List is planned to be considered at the next meeting of the Committee, which will be held in September 2021.
In addition, the agenda of the Commission meeting includes a proposal to nominate Ashgabat to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. They will also discuss the steps taken and the upcoming work to create UNESCO Chairs in domestic universities and to include some of the country's secondary schools in the network of UNESCO Associated Schools.
After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that, being a full member of UNESCO, Turkmenistan is actively developing cooperation with this authoritative UN structure specializing in education, science and culture, making an effective contribution to strengthening effective international partnership in this direction.
As the Turkmen leader stressed, having joined the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, our country is systematically carrying out large-scale work to preserve for future generations historical and cultural values, which are both a national heritage and an integral part of world civilization.
In Turkmenistan, special attention is paid to the unique monuments located on its territory, comprehensive measures are being taken to protect and restore them, as well as to widely popularize them in the world. A number of unique historical and cultural sites are included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, next in turn is a comprehensive nomination of monuments located along the main routes of the legendary Great Silk Road.
Speaking about this, the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the significant role of the National Commission for UNESCO in the further development of long-term bilateral cooperation, instructing to hold its next meeting at a high organizational level and continue work to expand fruitful ties in traditional and emerging new areas.
Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council Ch. Amanov reported on the measures taken by the military and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace, tranquility and stability in the country.
In addition, it was reported about the recent celebration of the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland, as well as the progress of military reform.
After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that sovereign Turkmenistan will always be committed to its neutral status and high principles of humanism and good-neighborliness, on which the country's Military Doctrine is based.
As the leader of the nation emphasized, the state will continue to pay attention to strengthening the material and technical base of power structures, will create all conditions for the performance of service and a decent life for the valiant defenders of the Fatherland.
Noting the importance of the upcoming anniversary date - the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to thoroughly prepare for a worthy meeting of this holiday.
Then the leader of the nation summarized the tasks facing the Government, the main of which is to ensure a consistently high level of GDP growth in the anniversary year.
As the head of state emphasized, for this purpose, all leaders should develop steps aimed at achieving this level and reducing the impact of negative trends in the world economy.
Addressing the members of the Cabinet of Ministers, the leader of the nation noted that it is necessary to take the necessary measures to ensure the stable development of the national economy and reduce possible economic damage. To create all conditions for achieving sustainable monetary circulation and maintaining a stable macroeconomic state.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov demanded to accelerate work on the creation of production facilities for the production of import-substituting products within the country and to increase the volume of exports of domestic products, which are in great demand both in the domestic and foreign markets.
As noted, it is necessary to keep the intdealing with issues related to the labor market. Taking into account the emerging situations, ensure the creation of labor funds and targeted management of them.
It is necessary to modernize the national statistical system and determine the types of statistical reports - to generalize them and reduce those that are overdue and no longer of great importance. Take measures for the transition to a digital system of work, using world experience in this area.
The meeting participants were also tasked with ensuring strict control over the financing of industrial and social construction projects, the delivery of which is scheduled for the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Motherland.
Head of State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of accelerating the introduction of modern banking services and electronic payments. As it was emphasized, it is necessary to expand the system of non-cash payments, to create conditions for a stable circulation of money. By increasing confidence in the banking system and its attractiveness, ensure the efficiency and timely return of issued loans.
It is necessary to simplify the procedure for attracting and issuing cash deposits to individuals and legal entities of the private sector, and also to revise the payment for services in order to create competition between banks.
The members of the Government were given the task to monthly check the foreign exchange receipts of the industries and their impact on the foreign trade turnover of our country.
It is necessary to implement a set of measures to attract funds, loans and grants from international financial institutions (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Asian Development Bank) to support small and medium-sized businesses.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also instructed to strengthen work on the development of other sources of investment through public-private cooperation based on mixed financial principles.
Drawing the attention of the audience to the incipient influence of the “fourth industrial revolution” on the political, economic and social systems of the national economy, the Turkmen leader instructed, taking this fact into account, to approach the solution of relevant issues in all sectors in a new way.
Considering the regulatory role of the state, the members of the Government were given the task to ensure the development of market bodies and methods in full. Develop effective measures to privatize state-owned facilities.
As the head of Turkmenistan noted, at present, the share of the non-state sector in the gross domestic product (GDP) is 70 percent. In this regard, it was indicated to take all measures to create favorable conditions for the development of the non-state sector of the economy and in 2021 to bring the share of this sector in the structure of GDP to 70.6 percent.
