President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in the format of a videoconference, where the results of the Government's work for the first quarter of this year were summed up, the state news Agency of Turkmenistan reports.

The meeting heard reports of Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of individual ministries and branch departments, hyakims of the city of Ashgabat and velayats, assessed their activities, and discussed important issues of socio-economic development of the country.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov reported on macroeconomic indicators for the first quarter of this year. High results in the leading sectors of the national economic complex are achieved thanks to cardinal transformations successfully implemented under the leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

According to the analysis of the implementation of planned tasks by ministries and industry departments of the country during the period under review, GDP increased by 6.3 percent. Compared to the same period last year, overall production increased by 5.3 percent.

According to the results of three months, the volume of retail trade turnover in comparison with the corresponding period of 2019 increased by 19.8 percent, and foreign trade – by 6.1 percent.

The average monthly wage for large and medium-sized enterprises in the country is 10.1 percent higher than in the same period last year.

As part of the implementation of the program of the President of Turkmenistan for socio-economic development of the country for 2020-2025.since the beginning of the year, 14 of the 259 objects envisaged for construction and reconstruction have been completed, 139 are under construction and installation works, and the rest are being prepared.

Reporting on the results of the analysis of the proposals of the Ministry of agriculture and environmental protection, as well as the Ministry of industry and construction, the Deputy Prime Minister reported that a number of objects under the jurisdiction of these structures will be transferred to private ownership through direct (targeted) implementation.

Chairman of the State Statistics Committee S. Velbegov reported on the economic indicators achieved by the country's ministries and industry departments in the three months of 2020. In particular, it was reported that compared to the same period in 2019, an increase in the production of many types of products was provided.

During the period under review, high results are observed in the non-state sector of the economy. In General, 64.7 percent of the production structure is accounted for by private businesses.

Then Minister of Finance and economy E. Annamuhammedov reported on the results of the first quarter of this year.

As of April 1, the implementation of the revenue part of the State budget of the country amounted to 104.8 percent, and the expenditure part – 90.3 percent.

The implementation of the Investment program for 2020 for the period under review amounted to 12.1 percent. 48.5 percent of the developed capital investments were directed to the construction of production facilities, 51.5 percent – social and cultural facilities.

At the same time, there was a report on the progress of the work defined in the new version of the National program for the transformation of social and living conditions of the population of villages, towns, cities and etrap centers for the period up to 2020.

Summarizing the report, the President instructed Vice Premier G. Mushshikov daily to monitor the state of the economy as well, judging from the current situation, in the shortest possible time a detailed analysis is expected in the current year results of socio-economic development of the country.

At the same time, it was ordered to prepare proposals for the revision of the State budget and budget expenditures and submit them to the Cabinet of Ministers for consideration.

Special emphasis was placed on the need to develop and adopt rapid and medium-term measures to reduce the negative impact on business activities in our country due to the instability in the global economy due to the coronavirus epidemic. At the same time, the importance of implementing practical steps to ensure the sustainable development of sectors of the national economic complex was emphasized.

They also gave instructions to expand the program of lending to small and medium-sized businesses, to make a list of enterprises that need to be granted benefits for deferred payment of taxes and loan arrears.

Noting the need to find additional sources of financing for the implementation of the planned plans within the framework of state and national programs, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed to work out the issue of attracting investments to the economy and to responsibly approach the tasks set.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet M. Meredov reported on the results of the supervised sectors in the first quarter to implement the Program of development of the oil and gas industry for the period up to 2030.

It was reported that the plan for oil and gas condensate production was fulfilled by 109.8 percent, oil refining by 106 percent, gasoline production by 116.4 percent, diesel fuel by 105.9 percent, polypropylene by 110 percent, and investment development by 104.8 percent.

The growth rate of liquefied gas production was 110.3 percent, production of natural and associated gas-104.4 percent, and export of "blue fuel" - 102.1 percent.

Adviser to the President of Turkmenistan on oil and gas issues Y. Kakayev reported on the state of Affairs in the fuel and energy sector and the creation of conditions for enhancing international cooperation in this direction.

Addressing the heads of the oil and gas sector, the head of state noted that despite the fact that the main indicators in the oil and gas sector were achieved in the first quarter, the growth rates of some of them decreased in comparison with the same period last year.

It is necessary to take urgent measures and carry out appropriate work to successfully solve the most important tasks set for this complex, as well as to adapt the production activities of concerns to the situation associated with a decrease in prices for hydrocarbon resources in the world, the head of state stressed.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed to accelerate the development of oil and gas blocks of the State concern "Türkmennebit" located on the Turkmen shelf of the Caspian Sea, increasing their investment attractiveness, and establish cooperation with specialized foreign companies.

An important task is to maintain high production growth rates for the State concern "Türkmengaz". In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan indicated that in order to expand the opportunities for exporting natural gas and gas chemical products, new markets should be explored, as well as to ensure the planned receipt of funds in convertible currency from the sale of domestic products.

The head of state ordered to analyze the economic feasibility of planned construction of gas chemical complexes and prepare appropriate proposals.

Specific instructions were also given regarding the full and timely completion of work on the exploration of new oil, condensate and ore deposits, provided for by the plans of the State Corporation "Türkmengeologiýa".

Touching upon issues related to the operation of the Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries, the head of state said that it is necessary to carefully study the international markets of oil products and determine the list of the most popular ones based on marketing research.

In the current situation, when there was a decline in prices for these products, we should look for more profitable markets for its sale, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov reported on the results of the activities of the ministries and departments of transport and communications in January-March.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, during the period under review, the production plan of the supervised complex was completed by 111.5 percent with a growth rate of 109.7 percent.

The growth rate for the Agency "Türkmenawtoulaglary" was 110.7 percent, the Agency "Türkmendemirýollary" – 117 percent, the Agency" Türkmenendeňizderýaýollary "– 161.3 percent, the Agency" Türkmenaragatnaşyk " - 111.4 percent. During the reporting period, proper work was also carried out by the Agency "Türkmenhowaýollary".

The plan for cargo and passenger transportation by road, rail, air and sea transport was fulfilled by 108.5 and 100.8 percent, respectively.

Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that as a result of restrictions related to countering the spread of coronavirus infection in the world, air transport is experiencing serious difficulties. In this context, the head of state pointed out the need to consider in detail the financial capabilities of the supervised structures.

Due to the termination of air traffic and reduced cargo flows, agencies may have questions regarding the performance of production tasks. Speaking about this, the President instructed the Deputy Prime Minister, together with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov, to analyze the situation that may develop before the end of the year, and to prepare proposals for taking measures to delay the payment of taxes or loans taken by agencies, as well as to support them.

Deputy Chairman Of The Cabinet Of Ministers Ch.Gylyjov reported to the head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the results of the work of the supervised trade and textile industries, the business sector for the first quarter of 2020.

According to the Ministry of trade and foreign economic relations, the total volume of trade turnover increased by 18.4 percent compared to the same period last year. At the same time, the increase in retail turnover is 18.7 percent, and wholesale turnover is 18.3 percent.

The volume of products produced by enterprises of the Ministry of textile industry increased by 5.8 percent.

The total volume of production for the State Association "Türkmenhaly" increased by 21.3 percent.

Over the past three months, the state commodity exchange has held 62 trading sessions and concluded 7,224 contracts. According to the chamber of Commerce and industry, the volume of services rendered increased by 2.2 times, and the profit - by 45.5 percent.

According to the Union of Industrialists and entrepreneurs, industrial production increased by 9.6 percent in January-March, and agricultural and food production increased by 66.3 percent.

Addressing the heads of the shopping complex, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that one of the most important tasks today is to ensure the stable operation of the trade system. The state of Affairs in this sphere should be kept under constant control, and if necessary, additional steps should be taken to create sufficient stocks of essential goods, including food products, the head of state ordered.

Instructions were given on supervising the business sector. In particular, the President of Turkmenistan instructed to urgently develop measures to support private manufacturing enterprises and make appropriate proposals.

First of all, they should be aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial activity of citizens, preventing the reduction of the number of jobs, as well as creating new employment opportunities, the head of state stressed.

For improper performance of official duties, weakening of control over the activities of subordinate ministries and departments, the head of state declared Deputy Prime Minister Ch. Gylyjov a severe reprimand with the last warning about the correction in the shortest possible time of the shortcomings.

Further, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdylyev.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was informed that in January-March, the implementation of the plan for the production and provision of services in the construction and industrial complex amounted to 117.4 percent, the growth rate – 121.6 percent.

According to the Ministry of construction and architecture, the plan for the work carried out in three months was completed by 106.2 percent, with a growth rate of 106 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Ministry of industry and construction completed the production and work plan by 104.6 percent. The growth rate is 104.4 percent.

132.7 percent of the planned works and services were performed by the Ministry of energy during the reporting period. The growth rate of indicators in this structure compared to the results of the first quarter of last year was 128 percent.

In January-March, the plan for electricity production was fulfilled by 117.3 percent, and the plan for its export by 283.9 percent.

The growth rate for the works performed and services provided in the hyakimlik of the city of Ashgabat is equal to 120 percent. The plan for January-March was fulfilled by 110 percent.

Addressing the Chairman of the State concern "Türkmenhimiýa" N. Nyyazlyev, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that even taking into account the current adverse factors in the global economy, namely, the coronavirus pandemic and serious problems on the stock markets, the fall in world prices for oil and gas, the work of the management of this industry causes significant complaints.

The decline in the rate of production of mineral fertilizers at many plants does not allow the formation of necessary reserves, which does not create conditions for making up for losses incurred by the economy and ensuring macroeconomic stability.

For improper performance of official duties, serious shortcomings in the work, the President announced to the Chairman of the State concern "Türkmenhimiýa" N. Nyyazlyev a strict reprimand with the last warning about correcting the shortcomings as soon as possible.

In connection with the difficult situation in the world economy, Deputy Prime Minister Sh. Durdylyev was instructed to review plans for the construction of new buildings scheduled for commissioning in the year of the anniversary of the neutrality of Turkmenistan, and select only the most necessary objects for social and household purposes. The construction program, taking into account the amendments, should be submitted for consideration at the next meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the head of state said, giving appropriate instructions.

At the same time, despite the difficulties that have arisen in the world, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the need to continue building the energy ring inside the country, the electricity and communication system Turkmenistan - Afghanistan-Pakistan. In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to work on attracting as much investment as possible in the construction sector and industry.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on the results of the activities of the supervised areas in the first quarter of this year.

Reporting on the work done, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that one of the important events was the opening of the innovation information Center of the Ministry of education, established in January this year in accordance with the Decree of the head of state.

During the period under review, schoolchildren and students successfully performed at international Olympiads and design competitions, winning prizes. Over the past three months, 45 types of textbooks have been published.

In order to further develop cooperation with major international organizations in the field of education, appropriate work was carried out during the reporting period. The Program of transferring the science sphere to the digital system in Turkmenistan in 2020-2025 has been approved.

During the reporting period, cooperation with leading foreign research centers was carried out in order to enhance international partnership.

Reporting on the state of Affairs in the health sector, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that during the designated period, the national program for healthy nutrition of the population for 2020-2025 was approved.

Within the framework of cooperation with international organizations, the Ministry of health and medical industry has been working with major United Nations entities.

Turning to the development of sports, the Deputy Prime Minister said that during the reporting period, 27 domestic competitions and 19 mass sports events were held in the country.

After hearing the report and addressing the Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the Minister of health and medical industry, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that as soon as it became known about the outbreak of coronavirus infection in China, the government of Turkmenistan took preventive measures, which ensured its absence and spread in our country. Sanitary and quarantine supervision has been strengthened at the State border, and thermal imagers are being used.

Air traffic is restricted with China, as well as with other countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation. Our compatriots and students have been returned to their Homeland from abroad.

Citizens who arrived from other countries were subject to medical control. It was decided to temporarily suspend the visit of foreigners to our country.

Instructing to continue to closely monitor the epidemiological situation in foreign countries, the head of Turkmenistan instructed to make appropriate amendments to the restrictive measures if necessary. All our decisions are aimed solely at preserving the health of citizens, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed, noting that this work should be carried out around the clock.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdiyeva reported on the results of the activities of the supervised areas over the past three months.

Since the beginning of the year, various cultural events have been organized, including exhibitions, creative competitions and meetings, concerts dedicated to holidays and significant dates, as well as other events provided for in the program for the development of the cultural sphere for 2020-2025.

Since the beginning of the year, the Turkmen state publishing service has published 86 types of books. The country's achievements in various fields were highlighted on the pages of printed publications, TV and radio channels.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused the attention of Deputy Prime Minister B. Abdiyeva and the heads of TV and radio channels and print media on the issues of improving the level of preparation of TV and radio broadcasts, as well as periodicals.

In this regard, the head of state stressed the importance of using the capabilities of TV channels, in particular, "Ýaşlyk", in the educational process, including distance learning in school and University programs, conducting lessons on computer literacy, the introduction of a digital system in the economy and other areas.

As it was noted, information opportunities should also be widely used in awareness-raising on sanitation issues and measures taken in our country to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the results of the foreign Ministry's activities for the first quarter of the year.

During the period under review, in the context of implementing the foreign policy strategy of neutral Turkmenistan and fulfilling the instructions given by the head of state, relevant work was carried out to develop fruitful cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats, including through international organizations.

In March this year, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Relations between the foreign ministries are developing on a regular basis. Consistent efforts are also being made to build up mutually beneficial trade and economic partnership and fruitful humanitarian and cultural contacts.

After hearing the report and stressing the importance of being aware of all the events taking place in the world, the head of state instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the foreign Ministry to submit proposals for holding various international events with the participation of Turkmenistan.

In continuation of the topic, the head of state noted that we should also pay due attention to the appeals of citizens who have remained abroad for one reason or another, and provide them with the necessary assistance, entrusting it to the embassies of our country.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State security Council Ch. Amanov reported on plans to implement the instructions given by the Supreme Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the country, in particular, on the establishment of points of control over the observance of public law and order in the country.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the key conditions for social stability are ensuring law and order. In this context, the head of Turkmenistan instructed to organize points in the most densely populated areas of the capital and regions, which will be entrusted with monitoring the observance of public order.

District inspectors and representatives of the public order and road supervision service of the Ministry of internal Affairs should be on duty at these points around the clock.

The President defined the main tasks of their work as strengthening the rule of law, increasing the level of personal and property security of citizens, providing first aid if necessary, conducting educational work, etc. The head of state also ordered to equip these structures with modern communication facilities and advanced technologies.

Chairman of the Mejlis G. Mammedova informed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about the activities of the national Parliament since the beginning of this year. During this period, one session was held, at which 17 laws and 4 Resolutions of the Mejlis were adopted.

During this period, work was carried out to prepare a draft constitutional law "On amendments and additions to the Constitution of Turkmenistan". Weekly meetings of the working Committee are held, where proposals received in this regard are analyzed.

In the course of events organized in ministries, departments, educational institutions of the country, as well as in publications in the media, the significance of the ongoing constitutional reforms is widely disclosed.

In order to increase international cooperation, meetings were held with foreign ambassadors. Parliamentarians took part in seminars dedicated to the implementation of state programs and the study of best practices in the field of lawmaking.

After hearing the information, the President stressed the need to monitor the process of discussing and studying proposals on the published draft of the constitutional law "On amendments and additions to the Constitution of Turkmenistan", continue working on preparing its final version, as well as organizing the next meeting of the Constitutional Commission.

Then the President of Turkmenistan heard reports from the heads of administrations of the capital and regions.

Hakim of the city of Ashgabat Y. Gylyjov reported conducted in January-March of current year the works on beautification of the capital.

There was a detailed report on the development of investments, the state of Affairs on the buildings and facilities being built, scheduled for commissioning on the occasion of national holidays, as well as on preparations for holding sports events in honor of the upcoming world health day.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the special importance attached to the implementation of the urban development program, the creation of a unique image of the main city of the country, and the improvement of the standard and quality of life of the people of Ashgabat.

It was also instructed to strengthen supervision of the progress of work on all objects being built for the anniversary date, paying special attention to strict compliance with deadlines and quality standards of construction.

Touching upon the theme of celebrating world health day on April 7, within the framework of which a mass bike rides and cultural and sports events are planned on the health Path and sports grounds of the capital, the President noted the importance of the work carried out in this area to strengthen the physical health of Turkmen citizens.

In turn, the hyakim of the Akhal velayat Y. Gurbanov reported on the results of work for the first quarter of the year, measures implemented to implement the National rural program, as well as on the progress of seasonal agricultural campaigns.

Pointing to the need for organized sowing of cotton and care for wheat, strict compliance with established agro technical standards, the head of state noted the importance of practical implementation of advanced achievements of branch science in the cultivation of various crops.

Along with solving priority tasks in the agro-industrial complex, issues of improving the social infrastructure of the velayat should also be under constant control, the head of state stressed, addressing a number of specific instructions to hyakim.

Reporting on the results of work for January-March, the Governor of the Balkan velayat T. Atakhalliyev reported on the state of Affairs in the region's economy, the pace of investment development in the framework of the National rural program.

Noting that the quality of the sowing campaign largely depends on the receipt of a generous harvest of "white gold", President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered to ensure timely resolution of relevant organizational issues.

In this regard, emphasis was placed on the importance of proper care of wheat in compliance with all agro technical standards. It is necessary to take appropriate measures to widely introduce modern technologies in the agricultural sector, increase the production of crop and livestock products, the head of state said.

Specific instructions were given to the hyakim to monitor compliance with the terms and quality of construction of objects being built in accordance with the program of socio-economic development of the velayat, aimed at improving the standard of living of the population, creating modern infrastructure in the region.

Then hyakim of Dashoguz velayat N. Nazarmyradov reported on the results of the work carried out in the region for three months of the year, including agricultural activities, current indicators of spring sowing and wheat care, as well as on the implementation of the National program for the transformation of the village.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed instructions to hyakim on the care of winter wheat, performing seasonal work in accordance with agro technical standards, including sowing cotton. The head of state ordered to take all necessary measures to organize agricultural campaigns in strict accordance with the schedule.

Then the hyakim of the Lebap velayat Sh. Amangeldiev reported on the work performed in the region in the first quarter of the year, as well as on the implementation of the National rural program. In particular, it was reported on the progress of cotton sowing, steps taken to care for winter cereals and increase the number of livestock.

The President drew attention to the need to monitor the implementation of important agricultural campaigns, actively use advanced technologies and the best domestic experience in the field of agriculture. Separate instructions were given to increase the pace of construction works at the facilities of the province.

Addressing a number of instructions to hyakim on the implementation of the National rural program, the head of state also ordered to prepare at a high level for the upcoming holiday in honor of the Turkmen horse.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of the reforms being carried out in the region, the President declared Sh. Amangeldiev was reprimanded for improper performance of official duties and shortcomings in his work.

Then hyakim of Mary velayat D. Annaberdiev reported on the progress of seasonal agricultural campaigns. A report was made on the steps being taken to develop animal husbandry, first of all, to increase the number of small cattle.

Summing up the report, the President of Turkmenistan instructed hyakim to keep the focus on the performance of work on wheat fields in compliance with established agro technical standards and the progress of cotton sowing, the quality of which depends on the growth of crops and the successful implementation of planned obligations.

The head of state noted the need for proper organization of livestock farms. After inquiring about the state of Affairs at large facilities being built on the territory of the velayat, the President instructed to speed up the pace of construction carried out within the framework of the National program for the transformation of the village.

Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiev reported on the results of the activities of the supervised industries over the past three months, reforms in agriculture and seasonal field work being carried out in the regions.

In General, in the agro-industrial complex, the growth rate of production volumes, work performed and services compared to the same period last year was 117.4 percent.

According to the Ministry of agriculture and environmental protection, this figure reached 118.7 percent, the State water management Committee – 103.3 percent, and the State Association "Türkmen atlary" – 103.6 percent. The investment development plan was completed by 131.8 percent.

These days, farmers are working on wheat fields in accordance with agricultural standards. Cotton sowing continues in the velayats, all necessary measures have been taken to conduct this campaign in the optimal time, ensure the smooth functioning of agricultural machinery, and provide farmers with high-quality seeds.

Addressing Deputy Prime Minister E. Orazgeldiev, hyakims of velayats and heads of the agro-industrial complex, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized the tasks they face.

We have two major tasks ahead of us-wheat harvest and cotton harvesting, which we need to prepare for in the best possible way, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

The head of state ordered to expand the area for the cultivation of vegetables, potatoes and other crops, to increase their production, reducing the import of agricultural products. As it was emphasized, the domestic market should be provided with products of its own production.

Tackling the subject of improving productivity in the industry and achieve further sustainable development, the President of Turkmenistan pointed out that we should strengthen the pace of work on implementation in the agro industrial complex electronic control system.

The head of state instructed to take urgent measures to develop animal husbandry and increase the number of livestock in the velayats, as well as to ensure the proper organizational level of the livestock campaign.

It was noted that in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the Ministry of agriculture and environmental protection, together with other relevant services, should take protective measures to combat the inhabitants of the desert – rodents and insects that can spread infections.

Stressing the importance of the national holiday of the Turkmen horse, which is celebrated annually in our country on the last Sunday of April, the head of state ordered to prepare for it in the best possible way.

Then, addressing the participants of the meeting and focusing on the results of the first quarter, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that they show that despite the spread of coronavirus infection in the world and the decline in the global economy, our country continues to develop in accordance with the adopted programs. During the reporting period, GDP growth has remained at 6.3 percent since the beginning of the year, and wages have increased by 10 percent.

Construction of large industrial and social facilities, including new settlements, residential buildings, recreation and health centers, schools, kindergartens, etc. continues in Turkmenistan.

As the head of state noted, according to the adopted plans, deep reforms are being implemented in the fields of science and education. Production is being modernized, a market economy is being formed, and oil and gas fields are being developed. Major projects such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan energy and communication systems and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India transnational gas pipeline are being implemented. Other international projects are also being prepared for implementation.

The policy of support for the private sector and broad involvement of entrepreneurs in the implementation of economic reforms has been consistently implemented. We also continue to improve the political system of our sovereign state. Changes to the Basic Law are being discussed throughout the country, and various events are being organized in this regard.

Addressing the participants of the meeting, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that, as is known, the current situation in the world is very difficult. International experts from various agencies predict a downturn in the global economy this year, due to the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

In this context, the President pointed out the need to take appropriate additional measures to preserve existing production facilities and jobs. Sustainable development of the national economy should be achieved by high growth rates of domestic production and increasing the level of industrial self-sufficiency, reducing imports and increasing exports. At the same time, one of the most important areas is the support and development of small and medium-sized businesses.

The tasks set for the current year were determined at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers following the results of last year, as well as in the Program of socio-economic development of the country for 2020-2025. They require us to do a lot of work, the head of state said. So we must work hard.

It is necessary to give additional impetus to state programs for import substitution and increasing the volume of exported products, and to maximize the huge potential available in the sectors. The Turkmen leader stressed that the solution of these tasks depends on our conscientious work.

During the meeting, other important issues of state life were also considered, and appropriate decisions were made on them.