The President of Turkmenistan held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in the format of a videoconference, where topical issues of state life were discussed and a number of documents were adopted, the state news Agency of Turkmenistan reports.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Gadyrgeldy Mushshikov was the first to be called by direct video link. He reported on the state of Affairs in the supervised sphere and the steps being taken to maintain the pace of development of the national economy.

Reporting on the results of the work carried out within the framework of improving the certification system for export products, the Deputy Prime Minister submitted to the head of state draft Resolutions "On approving the List of types of insurance for which legal entities of Turkmenistan can conclude contracts with foreign insurance companies" and "On invalidating the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan No. 14594 of February 5, 2016 "On approving the List of export products subject to certification when exported outside the customs borders of Turkmenistan".

As reported, these documents were prepared jointly with the Main state service "Turkmenstandart", the State customs service and relevant industry departments, as well as agreed with a number of other structures in accordance with the established procedure.

After hearing the report, the President stressed that in recent years’ certification has played an important role in addressing key issues related to trade and industrial relations between States, as well as cooperation in the field of quality standards. Modern trends in the international business environment require bringing the mechanisms of economic activity of all participants into line with the realities of the time.

At the same time, great importance is attached to the quality level of services and products offered, as well as to a competent strategy of interaction with potential customers and partners, the leader of the President continued, noting the need for further improvement of work in this direction. After signing the Resolutions, the head of Turkmenistan sent them to the Deputy Prime Minister for the electronic document management system, instructing him to monitor the implementation of these regulations.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Myratgeldy Meredov reported on the measures taken to improve the activities of the country's oil and gas complex, strengthen the production and resource potential of the oil and gas industry, train highly qualified specialists for the industry, improve the professional level of employees, as well as organize scientific research in the oil and gas sector in accordance with modern requirements.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that the effective use of the country's hydrocarbon resources, which has huge reserves of these riches, determines the dynamic development of the national economy both in terms of creating new industries specializing in deep processing of oil and gas, and in expanding the export routes of Turkmen energy carriers to world markets.

Noting that all this opens up great opportunities for investment and productive cooperation with representatives of foreign business circles, the head of state gave the Deputy Prime Minister instructions to diversify the partnership with foreign companies operating in Turkmenistan – “Petronas”, “Dragon oil”, “China national oil and gas Corporation”, “Kawasaki”, “Sojitz”, “TOYO”, “Mitsubishi”, “ITOCHU”, “LG”, “Hyundai”, “Eni”, “Mitro International”, “Petrofac”, “TATNEFT”,  “Rönesans Holding” and others.

Focusing on the strengthening and modernization of the scientific base of higher and secondary professional educational institutions, research institutes, as well as the training center that are part of the oil and gas complex, the importance of intensifying work on the introduction of new technologies, digital management systems and world best practices, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed a number of specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister.

As it was noted, today one of the main tasks is to improve the organization of training of engineers, drillers, geologists and specialists for various production areas in the fuel and energy sector, since the level of technological development of the industry in the world, the diversification of the oil and gas industry carried out in our country impose new requirements to this.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave instructions to the Vice-Premier on the organization of this activity, emphasizing the importance of staff training at special courses, using the capabilities of the basic departments of the International University of oil and gas and its branch in the Balkan velayat, secondary professional schools of the state Concern "Turkmengaz" and "Turkmennebit" in Mary and Balkanabat, and training centers opened by foreign companies operating in the country.

In turn, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Esenmyrat Orazgeldiev reported on the ongoing seasonal field work in the velayats, including the care of wheat. These days, in accordance with agrotechnical standards, fertilizing with mineral fertilizers and vegetation watering of winter cereals are performed. Along with this, if necessary, preventive measures are taken to control weeds, timely identification of agricultural pests.

It was reported that cotton sowing has started in the Akhal, Balkan, Lebap and Mary velayats, and Dashoguz farmers are preparing to join this campaign.

Maintenance companies and daikhan associations take planned measures to ensure the smooth operation of agricultural machinery, and scientists and experienced specialists are sent to velayats to conduct local consultations on obtaining a rich crop yield.

The President of Turkmenistan gave the Deputy Prime Minister a number of instructions to increase the pace of seasonal work, material and technical support for cotton farmers. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on the importance of improving the culture of agriculture as an integral factor in the successful development of the agricultural sector.

The head of state ordered to keep under constant control issues related to the creation of conditions for increasing the production of fruits and vegetables and melons. Priority attention should also be paid to the care of seedlings that were planted during the recent national gardening campaign, the President stressed.

As the head of state noted, the basis for successful transformations in the agricultural sector is its modernization and technological re-equipment. For this purpose, the state regularly purchases modern machinery and equipment from leading world manufacturers. In this regard, the President pointed out the need to organize proper work of centers for maintenance of equipment and improve the system of professional training of personnel for rural areas.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council Ch. Amanov informed about the state of Affairs in the accountable structures, comprehensive measures taken to implement military reform and ensure stability in the country. Issues related to the implementation of the President's instructions to strengthen the material and technical base of the Armed Forces and train highly qualified specialists for law enforcement agencies were highlighted.

Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused on the Military doctrine of Turkmenistan, which is purely defensive in nature. This strategy was developed taking into account the current military and political situation in the world and fully meets the key principles of state policy, the head of state continued, noting that the tasks facing the military and law enforcement agencies require each leader to take a responsible approach to the assigned task.

An important component of this work are carrying out actions for Military-Patriotic education of personnel, increase of professionalism of the staff officers, equipping of power structures, logistical means, as well as addressing issues related to creating favorable conditions for military service and life.

The Turkmen leader instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of the state security Council to prepare for the upcoming meeting of the State Security Council following the results of three months of this year.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Shamuhammet Durdylyev reported to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the state of Affairs in the supervised areas, measures taken to modernize the power industry's capacities.

The electric power industry plays a significant role in the accelerated industrialization of Turkmenistan, the dynamic development and increase of the export potential of the national economy. Purposeful work is being carried out to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to both existing and newly commissioned industrial and social facilities in the country.

Within its framework, modern gas-turbine power plants, power lines, electric distribution substations are being built in the regions, and the system of energy supply and lighting for the capital, other cities and localities is being updated.

One of the main conditions for reliable supply of electricity to consumers is an increase in the production capacity of the energy industry, timely repair and reconstruction of electric power facilities. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister made a proposal to establish the production of necessary spare parts and power equipment at the enterprise of the Ministry of industry and construction.

The Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to continue to pay special attention to strengthening the material and technical base of the industry, and to systematically increase the volume of electricity exports.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramgeldy Ovezov reported on the state of Affairs in the supervised structures, the implementation of tasks assigned to them. The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the measures taken to modernize the fleet of all types of transport, rolling stock and, in particular, railway, and improve the services provided for cargo transportation.

After hearing the report, the President stressed that the development of transport communications is one of the priorities of state policy. The national transport strategy is based on the idea of reviving the great silk road, which for many centuries passed through the territory of Central Asia. In modern conditions, this transcontinental highway is designed to contribute to the realization of the impressive economic potential of Turkmenistan and other States in the region.

Restoring the historical role of the Great silk road is of great importance in the context of achieving the UN goals of sustainable development, strengthening cooperation between the peoples of Europe and Asia on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and trust, the Turkmen leader said.

Our country actively supports the creation of the international transport and transit corridor "Lapis Lazuli", which, running through the territory of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, will help to strengthen productive cooperation in a wide geo-economic space, including the regions of Central and South Asia, the Caspian and black sea basins, and the Mediterranean.

International initiatives of our country, which were announced at the sessions of The United Nations General Assembly and other high-level forums, are aimed at strengthening and developing mutually beneficial trade and economic ties, taking into account the new realities and demands of the time, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted.

The relevance of constructive proposals that have received broad support from the international community is clearly demonstrated by the relevant Resolutions on transport issues adopted by full consensus by the UN General Assembly. It is also noteworthy that Turkmenistan was elected to the Bureau of the inland transport Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) for the period 2019-2020, the head of state stated.

Providing reliable transport transit, Turkmenistan pays great attention to equipping the railway industry with modern equipment. And this opens up great prospects for further increasing the volume and expanding the geography of transit transport of goods and passengers.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also focused on the work of the Agency "Turkmen Railways", emphasizing the need to modernize and further strengthen the material and technical base of this sphere, addressing a number of specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Chary Gylyjov reported on the activities of the supervised structures, and also presented to the head of state the newly developed draft "Procedure for conducting exchange auctions for the sale of commercial products of the trade complex abroad".

This document was prepared in connection with the entry of the Ministry of textile industry and the state Association "Turkmenhaly" into the trade complex of the country and is aimed at actively promoting domestic textile and carpet products in the foreign market, regulating related procedures. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the project takes into account the recommendations and proposals made earlier by the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Then there was a report on the implementation of the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan to ensure the needs of the population with a wide range of food products and the stability of prices for them. To effectively address these issues, an appropriate inter-Industry Commission was established to develop measures to increase the capacity of import-substituting enterprises, support and encourage local producers, and effectively use their capabilities.

Along with this, the list of necessary imports of food products has been studied and work is underway to import them, create sufficient stocks and storage, as well as to form their affordable cost. In order to improve the work of the Intersectoral Commission, a number of proposals were prepared, which were submitted to the head of state for consideration, including on its composition.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the expansion of import substitution and increasing the country's export potential, the development of competitive industries is aimed at strengthening the stability of the national economy, its self-sufficiency and independence, taking into account the processes of globalization. The state provides all the necessary conditions and opportunities for this.

Having approved the proposals, the President signed Resolutions "On improving the procedure for conducting exchange auctions for the sale of commercial products of the trade complex of Turkmenistan to foreign countries" and "On approving the composition of the inter-Industry Commission for further increasing the provision of food products and regulating exports and imports in Turkmenistan".

Sending their Deputy Prime Minister for the electronic document management system, the head of state instructed to continue the systematic analysis of the internal market and external market for flexible marketing strategies that meet the needs of domestic and foreign consumers.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahargul Abdyeva reported on the use of digital technologies in improving the activities of the State Committee for television, radio broadcasting and cinematography.

As noted, the Committee has created a Council whose main task is to control all stages of the creative process of creating appropriate products. The work of this structure, which includes experienced mentors and specialists, is optimized by using the capabilities of the digital system, including the internal network.

In connection with the introduction of digital technologies, the state Committee for television, radio broadcasting and cinematography and its subordinate primary professional school are training highly professional personnel, as well as retraining specialists. Classes are held according to a special program, and at the end of the training, students will be issued appropriate certificates.

It is also planned to use the capabilities of the digital system in the advertising activities of this Department, which will significantly improve the quality of services provided.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of using digital technologies to the maximum extent possible in the work of the state Committee for television, radio broadcasting and cinematography, which open up great opportunities for preparing modern media products, improving their artistic level and quality of design.

The key requirement in organizing effective broadcasting is the professionalism of all specialists of this system and, of course, a creative approach, the head of state said, giving the Deputy Prime Minister specific instructions.

Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Purli Agamyradov was called to the video link, who presented the draft Program for the transfer of science to the digital system in Turkmenistan in 2020-2025 with a Plan of measures for its implementation to the President.

As noted, the Academy of Sciences has prepared this project in accordance with previously given instructions, guided by the tasks outlined in the program of socio-economic development of the country until 2025.

According to the developed plan, in the coming years it is planned to bring to new level research activities in the country, the relationship between science, education and production, to provide scientific, technical and intellectual support for the transformation of the national economy.

Plans have also been drawn up to develop active interaction between the country's research institutions, as well as international cooperation, using the latest information and communication technologies.

As stated in the report, the implementation of the developed program will allow creating an effective, sustainable and cost-effective digital scientific system based on IT technologies; achieving a close interface between science and production in accordance with world best practices; and scientifically substantiating the management of various sectors of the economy.

The introduction of new technologies will also contribute to the creation of software for research and development, active involvement of young people in science, engineering, and technological entrepreneurship.

After hearing the report, the head of state noted that dynamically developing Turkmenistan, which is actively integrating into the international economic, cultural and technological space, has been and remains an active supporter of attracting innovations to various spheres of life.

Focusing on the importance of digitalization of all sectors of the national economy, the President instructed to take appropriate measures to make more effective use of the potential of domestic scientific institutions, to stimulate the development of modern information and communication technologies.

After signing the relevant Resolution, the head of state sent the document to the Deputy Prime Minister on the electronic document management system and gave instructions on the implementation of this Program.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported on the issue of our country's accession to international environmental protection documents.

In this regard, it was noted that one of the key vectors of the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan is cooperation with the UN and other authoritative organizations, including in the environmental sphere and the field of ecology.

At the same time, great importance is attached to strengthening and expanding the relevant legal framework. Systematic work is being carried out to ensure our country's active participation in international conventions and other multilateral instruments.

Currently, Turkmenistan is a party to 20 multilateral international instruments in the above-mentioned field. In order to implement constructive initiatives of the head of state aimed at implementing environmental diplomacy, as well as further development of partnership within the United Nations and its specialized structures, the Deputy Prime Minister and foreign Minister voiced a proposal to join our country to a number of multilateral documents.

These include the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals (Bonn Convention), which entered into force in 1983, and the Agreement on the protection of Afro-Eurasian migratory wading birds adopted in 1999, developed under the patronage of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), as well as the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol on substances that Deplete the ozone layer, adopted in 2016.

Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the issues of environmental protection and environmental security are directly linked to the achievement of global sustainable development Goals. Taking an active position in developing balanced solutions, our country is taking concrete initiatives aimed at enhancing fruitful regional and international cooperation in this topical area, including in the format of the United Nations and its specialized agencies.

As it was emphasized, the environmental aspect is an integral part of the state policy of Turkmenistan, where special importance is attached to the careful attitude to nature and the rational use of its riches, the wide introduction of advanced "green" and resource-saving technologies.

Having ratified a number of important UN environmental conventions, our country demonstrates a serious and responsible approach to fulfilling its obligations, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said. The implementation of all large-scale national transformation programs in the economic sector and social sphere is closely linked to the environmental factor as a key condition for the well-being and improvement of the quality of life of people.

To this end, the current legal framework is being systematically improved. Taking into account the commitments arising from the important UN documents adopted in recent years, a new version of the national climate change strategy was approved last year.

Putting forward environmental diplomacy as one of the priority vectors of its foreign policy, neutral Turkmenistan makes a significant contribution to strengthening international cooperation in the environmental sphere.

Speaking about this, the head of state approved the proposal to join our country to the above-mentioned multilateral documents, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the foreign Ministry to continue working in this direction on a systematic basis.

The speaker of the Mejlis Gulshat Mammedova informed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about the current activities of the national Parliament to modernize the legislative framework of the state, legal support for the ongoing transformations in the country. It was noted that the working groups of the Mejlis continue to work on draft laws related to judicial and Executive bodies, scientific and creative activities, international cooperation, etc.

Deputies actively carry out information and educational work on the ground to explain the essence and significance of the ongoing constitutional changes, new legislative documents and, in General, in various areas of the progressive policy implemented by the head of state.

Noting that the legislative activity of the Mejlis is an effective tool for the successful implementation of a socially oriented strategy of state construction, constitutional and other structural reforms in our country, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of working to modernize the national legislative base.

The meeting also considered other important issues of state life, on which appropriate decisions were made.

At the end of the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the digital video communication system, the head of state said that the next meeting of the Government will be held in an expanded format online, during which the results of the country's industries and its socio-economic development for the first quarter of this year will be discussed.