New facilities at the Galkynysh gas field will significantly increase the volume of Turkmen gas exported abroad. This was announced by National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council), Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during the ceremony to launch the fourth phase of the field's development.

"The new facilities will significantly increase the volume of natural gas exported abroad, which will create favorable conditions for the further development of our country and a significant improvement in the standard of living of our citizens," he said.

Within the framework of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh development, construction has begun on a facility for processing 10 billion cubic meters of marketable gas per year, as well as production wells of similar capacity. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is the general contractor for the state-owned concern Türkmengaz.

The project covers the full cycle of work – from drilling gas wells to constructing gas collection, purification, and processing facilities, laying gas pipelines, and building infrastructure. Upon completion, 1041 jobs will be created.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also noted that the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline has been in operation for approximately 17 years and is making a significant contribution to China's economic development. He added that Turkmenistan views China as a strategic partner in the oil and gas sector.

The Galkynysh field, located in the southern Mary region, is one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world. Its comprehensive development began in December 2009.

It was previously reported that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov launched construction on the fourth stage of the Galkynysh gas field development.