President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held the first meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in the coming year using the digital video communication system, the agenda of which included priority issues of state life, the state news Agency of Turkmenistan reports.

The President first gave the floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Myradov, report on the state of Affairs in the supervised sector, in particular, on the operation of the financial, economic and banking spheres.

The work of subordinate ministries and departments is aimed at successfully implementing the tasks related to ensuring sustainable macroeconomics and digitalization in the country. Much attention is paid to the privatization of state property, the development of foreign economic activity, attracting foreign investment, and support for private entrepreneurship.

Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused on the need to control the implementation of national and sectoral programs, adjust plans for the development of industries, the formation of the digital economy, as well as international standards in this area.

Noting the importance of accelerating the process of privatization of state property, the President stressed that this work is designed to promote further economic growth of the country, as well as the development of entrepreneurship.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov reported on the state of Affairs in certain sectors of the fuel and energy complex, the implementation of The program for the development of the country's oil and gas industry for the period up to 2030.
The draft Resolution "on approval of volumes of oil products for domestic consumers of Turkmenistan for 2020" was submitted to the head of state for consideration.

Commenting on the report and stressing the important role of fuel and energy complex in the economy of Turkmenistan, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the planned expansion, production and refining of oil and natural gas, production of petrochemical products in demand domestically and in world markets as well as expansion of its range.

The head of state ordered to intensify work on the introduction of resource-saving technologies, to keep under constant control the implementation of major infrastructure projects designed to strengthen the export potential of energy sector enterprises.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Purchekov reported on the ongoing development of the national budget and regulatory framework and improvement of the pricing system in construction.

Developed a number of documents, providing training relevant agencies, ministries and departments of the state classifier of construction materials, monitoring of pricing in construction, technical documentation, on the basis of which will create the state register of rules and prices.

As the President stressed, today the construction complex is focused on the implementation of large-scale state programs on industrialization, creation of modern transport infrastructure, production of import-substituting products and increasing the volume of exports, housing construction, transformation of regions.

Along with this, such important tasks as increasing the competitiveness of the domestic construction industry, strengthening its production and scientific and technical potential, expanding the range of construction materials made from local raw materials, and introducing effective forms of management are being solved, the head of state said.

As it was noted, in order to maintain a high rate of development of the industry, it is necessary to conduct a well-thought-out price policy for raw materials, which will allow to use the available capacity productively, and increase the profitability of construction enterprises.

A session on digital video continued with the report of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet B. Ovezov, reported on the preparation of the draft Decree "On the establishment of an inter-branch Commission for the development of the digital economy in Turkmenistan".

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, a list of documents has been developed in accordance with the concept of digital economy development in Turkmenistan for 2019-2025. The Agency "Turkmenaragatnashyk" of the Ministry of industry and communication is proposed as the authorized body for the development of the digital economy in our country.

A regulation on the inter-Sectoral Commission has been developed, which is proposed to include representatives of ministries, departments, hyakimliks, institutions and enterprises, regardless of ownership, as well as private entrepreneurs.

After hearing the information, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that the Concept of development of the digital economy for 2019-2025 is aimed at improving the efficiency of the national economy and the social sphere through the widespread use of information technologies.

The head of state noted that the Agency "Turkmenaragatnashyk" of the Ministry of industry and communication performs an important part of the work on promoting digitalization and provides the functioning of smart networks, including the elaboration of legislative support for the regulation and expansion of the national network space, the range of Internet services. It is necessary to study and master best practices, focusing on the creation of a digital model based not only on the import of ready-made solutions, but also on its own scientific and technological potential.

In this context, the importance of work on strengthening the material and technical base and training of specialized specialists, improving their skills was noted.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov reported on the work on improving the trade industry, expanding the digital coverage of retail sales of goods.

In order to implement the measures envisaged by the "concept of digital economy development in Turkmenistan for 2019-2025" and improve the trade services provided to the population at the current level, including through the activities of online stores, a draft "rules for remote sale of goods" has been prepared.

This project was developed in accordance with the legislation of Turkmenistan in the field of consumer protection and trade activities, as well as the legal regulation of the development of Internet services, and agreed with the relevant ministries and departments.

The functioning of online stores in the retail system will have a positive impact on improving the quality of services to the population, the formation of competitive market relations.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that e-Commerce is one of the most important components of the modern digital environment.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on activities in the fields of science and education in connection with the introduction of intelligent systems and the latest information and communication technologies (ICT) in the context of ongoing reforms to diversify and digitalize the national economy.

In particular, there was information about improving the performance of educational and scientific institutions of the country, training and opening of new areas of specialization in ICT, to study the best world experience in this field.

The digital economy requires a new level of professionals, the head of state stressed.

As it was noted, the successful implementation of any national project or state programs implies a strong human resource component, including management. The digital economy is designed to raise all branches of the national economy to a high level, to promote the realization of the intellectual potential of the nation.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdyev reported on the work to promote the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The Deputy Prime Minister informed that this year it is planned to organize a number of international cultural events in order to familiarize the world community with the history and achievements of our country.

To promote national culture, the sites of international forums and screenings held both in our country and abroad are widely used. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, a corresponding program of events is planned.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the sphere of culture and mass media in covering the country's modern achievements and the importance of the ongoing work to promote the policy of positive neutrality, based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, equality of interests, expanding partnership with the world's States and major international organizations, consolidating efforts for peace and sustainable development.

The Turkmen leader focused on the need to make this activity targeted, and utilize the media to familiarize the world community with the culture of the Turkmen people.

In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to take all measures to prepare and conduct the upcoming cultural events at a high organizational level.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev reported on the ongoing seasonal field work in the regions.

It was noted that in preparation for the spring sowing in the velayats, plowing, leveling and washing irrigation of land allocated for cotton and other agricultural crops are continuing. Agricultural machinery is also being prepared for the upcoming campaign. Seed harvesting is carried out at cotton gins. Along with this, winter wheat is being cared for.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to pay maximum attention to increasing the yield of wheat and cotton, timely and high-quality agricultural activities, improving the reclamation status of land, and providing water for irrigation.

The head of state also addressed a number of specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister on the introduction of advanced management methods in the agricultural sector and comprehensive support for business initiatives.

Continuing the meeting, the President called the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of foreign Affairs R. Meredov via direct digital video link, who reported on the proposals for Turkmenistan's accession to international conventions and other acts this year.

In order to ensure the active participation of Turkmenistan in international conventions and other documents, the foreign Ministry is carrying out relevant work on a systematic basis. Currently, our country is a party to 152 multilateral international instruments. These include 133 conventions adopted by the UN and its specialized agencies.

With the support of the head of state in recent years, Turkmenistan, relying on its neutral status, has joined international conventions and treaties on priority areas of foreign policy, including energy, transport, environmental protection, etc.

Today, the country is carrying out large-scale work related to the implementation of these documents. Turkmenistan has created a modern legislative framework that takes into account the best achievements of world practice and serves the goals of political and legal, socio-economic, cultural and humanitarian development of the country.

As you know, this year will mark the 25th anniversary of the international recognition of the neutral status of Turkmenistan. The year 2020 is being held in our country under the motto "Turkmenistan is the homeland of Neutrality".

On December 6, 2019, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Approved a large-scale program of celebrations and events in the country and abroad on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. The relevant work is currently being carried out.

The Deputy Prime Minister and foreign Minister presented to the President proposals for Turkmenistan's accession to international conventions and multilateral documents in a number of areas in 2020.

In the economic sphere – It is the United Nations Convention on international settlement agreements, which is an instrument for promoting international trade and promoting mediation as an alternative and effective method of resolving trade disputes.

In the field of transport – the European agreement on international highways, which provides for the creation of an international road system in the region where the activities of the UN Economic Commission for Europe are carried out.

In the field of environmental protection-the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants, which provides for the cessation of the use of persistent toxic substances-organic pesticides. As well as the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol on substances that Deplete the ozone layer, aimed at consistently reducing the production and consumption of substances that harm the environment.

In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, the Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions is designed to create conditions for the free interaction of different cultures and strengthen international cooperation in this area.

In the intellectual field-the patent law Treaty, which provides for the improvement of the process of consideration of national patent applications and patents.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of further participation of Turkmenistan in solving global issues. As it was noted, Turkmenistan takes constructive initiatives on the global agenda, especially in such topical areas as politics and diplomacy, ensuring peace, security and stability, achieving the SDG, creating effective mechanisms for regional and global energy security, forming a system of sustainable transport, promoting economic, humanitarian and environmental projects.

Over the past period, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, the General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted more than a dozen Resolutions on these topics. At the suggestion of our country, a special Resolution of the UN General Assembly declared 2021 the International year of peace and trust.

Chairman of the Mejlis G. Mammedov informed about the activities of the Parliament to modernize the legislative and legal framework of the country.

The Deputy corps is engaged in the development of new and improvement of existing legal acts. The Mejlis works closely with the relevant structures to strengthen the legal framework of the ongoing reforms in the country and the implementation of social and economic development programs. At the same time, special attention is paid to the compliance of the adopted laws with the generally recognized norms of international law, and to the strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties.

Steps are being taken to legally support the Concept of development of the digital economy in Turkmenistan, as well as digital education, which are key factors of the state's progress.

The head of Turkmenistan stressed the need for further systematic work of the national Parliament on legislative support of transformation processes, development of economic, scientific and cultural spheres, systematic improvement of social and living conditions of the population, protection of human and civil rights and freedoms.

They also noted the importance of expanding international cooperation and inter-parliamentary relations.

Summing up the results of the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused the attention of the members of the government on the priority tasks facing them.

Instructed to ensure a high organizational level of preparation of events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the neutral legal status of Turkmenistan, the President noted that the festive celebrations should reflect the achievements of our country, constructive international cooperation based on good-neighborly relations, the principles of peace and positive neutrality.

Focusing on the key tasks of implementing the accepted Concepts of development of the digital economy and the digital education system in Turkmenistan, the head of state demanded to pay great attention to improving the activities of the national economy, speeding up the process of transition to the digital system.