President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers using the digital video communication system.

The meeting summed up the results of the work of economic sectors over the past month, considered topical issues of state life, the state news Agency of Turkmenistan reported.

Moving on to the agenda, the head of Turkmenistan was the first to call the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, M. Meredov, via direct video link. The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the results of the supervised areas for January.

It was noted that the plan for oil and gas condensate production was fulfilled by 109.7 percent, for oil refining by 107 percent, for gasoline production by 103.5 percent, for diesel fuel by 107.2 percent, and for lubricating oils by 103 percent. The growth rate of liquefied gas production was 135.5 percent, production of natural and associated gas-106.1 percent, and export of "blue fuel" - 104.2 percent.

After hearing the report, the President focused on the tasks of progressive development of the oil and gas industry, strengthening its production and scientific and technical potential.

In this context, the head of state pointed out the importance of introducing advanced technologies into the oil and gas sector. Specific instructions were given to modernize the industry's infrastructure and increase the capacity of oil and gas chemical plants that produce products that are in demand in the country and on the world market.

The Turkmen leader instructed to take appropriate measures to sustain performance, but also to keep under constant control the progress of the gas pipeline project Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiev reported on the results of the activities of the supervised industries in January 2020, as well as on the ongoing seasonal field campaigns in the velayats.

In General, the rate of growth in the volume of production, work performed and services in the agro-industrial complex was 110.4 percent. For the Ministry of agriculture and environmental protection, this figure reached 109.4 percent, for the State water management Committee-129.8 percent, and for the State Association "Türkmen atlary" - 103.5 percent. The investment development plan was completed by 120.2 percent.

These days, vegetation irrigation of crops and fertilizing is carried out on wheat fields. In addition, farmers started planting potatoes and onions, as well as preparing areas for planting vegetables and melons.

After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan focused the Deputy Prime Minister's attention on the issues of providing irrigation water to farmlands. Stressing the importance of ensuring strict control over the conduct of seasonal agricultural work on time, the head of state addressed a number of instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdylyev reported on the activities in the construction and industrial, energy complexes, the State concern "Türkmenhimiýa" and the capital's administration for January 2020.

The production plan for the Ministry of construction and architecture for the period under review was implemented by 102.2 percent, with a growth rate of 102.5 percent. According to the Ministry of industry and construction, the plan was completed by 104.3 percent with a growth rate of 108.2 percent. It was reported that the increase in the production of reinforced concrete and glass products reached the level of 105.5 and 100.5 percent, respectively, and expanded clay-100.1 percent.

The growth rate of the total volume of products produced, works performed and services rendered by the Ministry of energy was 124.2 percent, and the plan was implemented by 150.3 percent. In January, 2 billion 471 million 210 thousand kilowatt-hours of electricity were generated, the plan was fulfilled by 126.1 percent at a growth rate of 115.1 percent.

For the State concern "Türkmenhimiýa", the volume of products produced during the period under review was 129.5 percent. The overall growth rate for the industry was recorded at the level of 240.4 percent.

According to the hyakimlik of the city of Ashgabat, the plan for works and services performed by 112 percent with a growth rate of 105.8 percent.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused the Deputy Prime Minister's attention on the importance of monitoring the implementation of a large-scale urban development program, the construction of social facilities in cities and villages, as well as taking measures to stimulate investment activity in this area.

They stressed the need to continue working on increasing the output of import-substituting products, attracting entrepreneurs to this area, creating joint ventures and additional jobs.

In this regard, the President ordered urgent measures to bring an industrial complex to a new level, to ensure the profitability of the company and was addressed to the Vice-Premier instructions on the development of electric power industry and the industry's transition to digital system.

In addition, it is necessary to continue work on the further improvement of Ashgabat and the development of urban infrastructure. Comprehensive modernization of engineering and technical systems and the establishment of a clear and coordinated activity of public services are of great importance for creating the best living conditions for the population, the President stressed.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov reported on the results of the activities of the ministries and departments of transport and communication in January this year. During the specified period, they fulfilled the production plan by 113.3 percent with a growth rate of 113.1 percent.

The growth rate for the Agency "Türkmenawtoulaglary" was 127.4 percent, the Agency "Türkmendemirýollary" - 102.4 percent, the Agency "Türkmenhowaýollary" - 115.1 percent, the Agency "Türkmendeňizderýaýollary" - 205.2 percent, the Agency "Türkmenaragatnaşyk" - 107.8 percent.

The growth rate in cargo and passenger transportation by road, rail, air and sea transport is 102.7 and 101.2 percent, respectively.

Over the past period, in order to meet the demand for communication services, 16.5 thousand telephone points were installed in the country, while the plan was fulfilled by 109.9 percent.

After hearing the information, the President stressed that our initiatives to revive the great silk road and develop regional and transcontinental routes require the creation of a strong material and technical base for the transport sector, in particular, rail transport. 

In this context, referring to the development of the railway network, the head of state pointed to the need to modernize the industry infrastructure and introduce the latest technologies.

At the same time, attention was focused on the quality of services in the field of passenger and cargo transportation in all modes of transport, as well as in providing modern types of communication. The development of the transport sector will continue to be among the priorities of our policy, the head of state said.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov reported on the work carried out in the trade sector and the private sector of the economy in January 2020.

According to the Ministry of trade and foreign economic relations, the increase in the total volume of trade turnover for this period amounted to 5.8 percent. The total volume of goods produced by the Ministry of textile industry and the State Association "Türkmenhaly" increased by 12.5 percent over the same period: cotton fabrics-17.5 percent, sewing and knitting products-43.8 percent, carpets and carpet products-24.8 percent.

The state commodity exchange held 22 trading sessions in January, during which 2 thousand 404 contracts were signed. Total revenue increased by 25.8 percent.

According to the chamber of Commerce and industry, the volume of services provided increased by 46.9 percent, and the profit increased by 51 percent.

Enterprises of the Union of Industrialists and entrepreneurs produced 5.7 percent more industrial products in the first month of the year, and 17.2 percent more agricultural and food products.

After hearing the report, the head of state noted the existing opportunities for increasing trade turnover, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister to work out the issues of increasing exports of textiles and carpet products. Instructions were also given to expand business ties.

The President stressed the importance of forming a modern structure of the shopping complex and noted that the state will continue to support entrepreneurship.

In addition, emphasizing that, in accordance with the events planned this year on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the status of permanent neutrality, all products produced in the country must have the trademark "Turkmenistan-the homeland of Neutrality", the head of state addressed the Deputy Prime Minister relevant instructions in this regard.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdyeva reported on the results of the supervised sphere in January. Since the beginning of the year, various creative meetings, exhibitions, and competitions, theatrical performances, musical celebrations, and other events have been organized under the program for the development of the cultural sphere of Turkmenistan for 2019-2025.

Working trips were organized for specialists of the Ministry of culture and the Academy of Sciences in order to collect and further study folklore material and information about the traditions and customs of the Turkmen people. Information about the country's success, creative events, and historical and cultural values is regularly posted on the websites of the Ministry and its subordinate institutions.

Since the beginning of the year, the Turkmen state publishing service has published 32 types of books. On the pages of printed publications, on TV and radio channels, activities were carried out to highlight the country's achievements in various fields.

In the Association "Turkmenfilm" named after Oguzkhan continued work on producing a variety of films.

Drawing attention to the fact that the sphere of culture is one of the strategic directions of the state's policy, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the country's progress largely depends on the contribution of creative workers to it.

The need to intensify and diversify work in the field of culture, search for new talents, and make better use of advanced methods and digital technologies in organizing media activities was emphasized.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet P. Agamyradov, reporting on the performance of supervised sectors for January, informed the President that during this period, work was conducted on creation in educational institutions of the Fund of electronic information, including educational, the formation of a single educational network on the platform of the Centre for innovative information of the Ministry of education.

In accordance with the plan, 10 types of educational literature were published during the reporting period. At international subject and project Olympiads, Turkmen schoolchildren successfully performed, winning 7 medals – 1 gold, 1 silver and 5 bronze.

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister reported on ongoing activities to implement the Work plans for 2020 signed by the Ministry of education of Turkmenistan, the Children's Fund and the UN population Fund. The report continued with information about the implementation of 346 scientific works in research institutes and higher educational institutions of the country.

Innovative methods of treatment and diagnostics, digital technologies are being introduced in the healthcare sector, and new medical facilities are being built.

In the field of sports, preparations for the 2020 summer Olympic games in Tokyo and international tournaments to be held in Ashgabat are continuing.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of improving the education system in accordance with the latest scientific achievements and advanced developments in the field of digitalization.

Turkmenistan's actively developing international cooperation in the fields of science, education, health and sports is a multifaceted field of activity that occupies a prominent place in our foreign and domestic policy, the head of state said.

Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the results of the foreign Ministry's activities in January. As noted, during the period under review, purposeful work was carried out to develop fruitful cooperation in various fields.

On January 14, an international conference "Turkmenistan and international organizations: cooperation for peace and development" was held in Ashgabat with the participation of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. 12 bilateral documents were signed during the forum.

Last month, the delegation of our country took part in the international conference "Green Central Asia" at the level of foreign Ministers of the region, Afghanistan and Germany, held in Berlin (Germany). The forum's agenda included topical issues related to environmental issues.

During the reporting period, 22 foreign delegations visited Turkmenistan through the Ministry of foreign Affairs. At the same time, 46 Turkmen delegations were sent abroad. 30 different events were organized to strengthen constructive interaction with all interested foreign partners. Since the beginning of this year, 6 international documents have been signed.

Last month, the fourth meeting of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Hungarian Commission on economic cooperation was held in Budapest, and the ninth meeting of the joint Turkmen – German working group was held in Ashgabat, where bilateral business forums were held.

The Deputy Prime Minister and foreign Minister also informed about the results of the working visits of the Turkmen delegation to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of India and the regular C5+1 Ministerial meeting held in Tashkent in early February.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that our country will continue to develop traditionally friendly relations and multifaceted mutually beneficial partnership-both with neighboring countries and with countries located in other regions of the world, and strengthen effective ties with reputable international organizations.

In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the foreign Ministry were instructed to continue working on the implementation of the existing impressive potential for cooperation that meets the common interests.

Speaking about the importance of the promotion and consistent implementation of the constructive initiatives of Turkmenistan, the President noted that our country will continue to promote positive developments in regional and global dimension to achieve sustainable development Goals in the name of universal progress.

Focusing on the theme of celebrating the 25th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality status, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave specific instructions to ensure a high organizational level of events dedicated to this date.

Then the Chairman of the Mejlis G. Mammedova informed about the work of the Parliament on the modernization of national legislation. As noted, this week's meeting of the President of Turkmenistan with Mejlis deputies was an important event in the country's social and political life. The tasks defined in the program speech of the head of Turkmenistan on improving the legal framework of the state serve as the main reference point for work in this direction.

The Mejlis has prepared a plan of legislative activity for 2020. These days, the working groups continue working on a number of new legislative documents. Meetings of the Constitutional Commission have been held, and work is being carried out to prepare the constitutional Law and draft laws on amendments and additions to existing legal acts.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the need for the Mejlis to work systematically to ensure legislative support for the transformation processes in the life of the Turkmen state and society, and to expand cooperation with parliamentary friendship groups of foreign countries.

It is necessary to intensify work on the ground, continue meetings with the public, and inform the people of the importance of the measures taken to improve the country's Basic law, the head of state stressed.

Then the President of Turkmenistan called on the direct video communication Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov and at the same time all the participants. The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the macroeconomic indicators of the national economy for January this year.

As reported, at the end of the period under review, GDP grew by 6.3 percent, including in the industrial sector by 4.1 percent, in construction – by 0.3%, transport and communications sector by 10 percent, trade by 11.1 percent, agriculture at 3.1 percent and services by 7.7 percent.

Compared to the same period last year, production increased by 5.8 percent for all ministries and industry departments in January this year. According to the results of the first month, the volume of retail trade turnover in comparison with the corresponding period of 2019 is 19.1 percent higher, and foreign trade turnover is 4.3 percent higher.
During the specified period, the revenue part of the State budget was executed in the amount of 1.9 billion manats, and the expenditure part-1.1 billion manats. The average monthly wage for large and medium-sized enterprises in the country increased by 9.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the implementation of the measures outlined in the new version of the National program for the transformation of social and living conditions of the population.

Summing up the report, the head of state focused the Deputy Prime Minister's attention on the priority tasks facing the institutions of the sphere he oversees. At the same time, the emphasis was placed on the need for strict control over the implementation of planned indicators by ministries and industry departments, as well as the activities outlined in The program for socio-economic development of the country for 2019-2025.

Further progress of the economy, increasing investment activity, and improving the quality of life of the population are the strategic goals of our policy, the Turkmen leader stressed. The implementation of the concept of digitalization is also one of the most important areas, the President said, addressing the Deputy Prime Minister with relevant instructions.

We defined the tasks that we are facing this year at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers devoted to the results of last year, as well as at a recent meeting with deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the head of state said, addressing all members of the government.

Now we all need to take an active part in the implementation of the country's social and economic development Program in 2019-2025. We should prepare well for the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality and the 30th anniversary of independence. All celebrations should be organized at the highest level, the head of state stressed.

When formulating priorities for the next period, the President focused on the preparation of the National rural program for the period up to 2025.

Significant holidays for our country should be remembered for the construction and commissioning of new structures, the Turkmen leader noted, adding that the Deputy Prime Ministers who oversee a particular velayat will have to report on the implementation of this Program at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, and the regional Hyakim will have to report on each working meeting via video link.

It is necessary to continue the policy of transition to digital system, increasing the volume of production of import-substituting and export-oriented products, said the President, giving instructions for attracting investments into the economy, increase of volumes of receipt of foreign currency funds, improve the system of public administration.

At the same time, it is important to keep the execution of the State budget under strict control and reduce unforeseen and managerial expenses, the Turkmen leader said. The monetary and financial systems should widely implement market methods, take effective measures to diversify the economy, increase the share of the private sector and ensure its active role in the country's economy, the head of state said.

Speaking about the challenges in the oil and gas and agricultural sectors and demanding more effective approaches from their leaders, the President noted that in order to stabilize the situation in these sectors, it is important to continue searching for new methods of organizing production activities.

Instructed to ensure a high level of preparation for events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral legal status, the head of state said that the festive celebrations should reflect the successes of our country, constructive international cooperation based on good-neighborly relations and principles of peace.

Focusing on the key tasks of implementing The concepts of development of the digital economy and digital education system in Turkmenistan, the President of the country demanded to pay great attention to improving the activities of all sectors of the national economy, speeding up the process of transition to the digital system.