President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in videoconference mode, where topical issues of state life were discussed.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov was the first to be called by direct video link and reported on the state of Affairs in the supervised area.

Reporting on the implementation of the instructions, the Deputy Prime Minister reported on the steps being taken to maintain high rates of socio-economic development of the country, as well as to further improve the activities of institutions in the financial and economic sector.

Then the Chairman of the Central Bank M. Annadurdiev reported on the ongoing work to improve the availability of financial services for the population, small and medium-sized businesses, increase the volume of deposits of citizens and lending to economically profitable projects in the leading sectors of the country's economy.

After hearing the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that systematic measures should be taken to maintain a steady pace of socio-economic development of the country. At the same time, it is important to constantly improve the mechanisms that stimulate the processes of diversification of industries, expanding the list of competitive domestic products and their exports.

To achieve this goal, it is necessary to study global trends and their impact on the Turkmen economy, strengthen the stability of the national financial and economic system, the head of state stressed, instructing the Vice-Premier to increase attention to the expert-analytical and organizational activities of subordinate structures.

Speaking about the priority tasks of the banking sector, the head of state noted that the reduction of cash turnover and the introduction of non-cash payment tools based on modern technologies, including payment cards, are now among the promising areas of work of credit institutions.

In this regard, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the regulatory regulation of financial transactions carried out using such methods, the head of Turkmenistan noted, addressing specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the Central Bank.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov issued separate instructions on ensuring strict control over the timely implementation of the measures outlined in the digitalization Concept and the country's socio-economic development Program for 2020-2025.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov reported on measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic consumers with energy resources and increase the export potential of the fuel and energy complex. In this direction, work is underway to identify natural storerooms rich in oil, "blue fuel" and gas condensate, as well as to increase the volume of hydrocarbon production at existing fields.

In this regard, the State concern "Türkmengaz" has announced an international tender. Based on the results, the most profitable commercial offer of foreign partners for increasing the productivity of a number of gas wells at the Döwletabat field was determined. Based on the results of the tender, it is planned to conclude a corresponding contract.

Then the President called the state Minister – Chairman of the state concern "Türkmengaz" M. Archayev, who reported on the activities of the structure headed by him, the steps taken to increase the volume of natural gas production and improve the work according to the requirements of the time.

Summing up the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the need to continue the systematic modernization of the industrial infrastructure and diversification of the domestic fuel and energy complex, increase the capacity of the extractive and processing sectors, and produce various types of high-quality oil and gas chemistry products that are in demand in the domestic and world markets.

In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the state concern "Türkmengaz" were given instructions to continue cooperation and exchange experience with all interested foreign partners, including in the field of increasing the productivity of oil and gas wells, stimulating investment activity, and implementing new joint projects.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiev, reporting on the progress of seasonal agricultural work in the regions of the country, said that these days everywhere is actively sown cotton.

In the fields with winter wheat, fertilizing with mineral fertilizers and vegetation irrigation are carried out. Along with this, there is an active preparation for the grain harvest season. On the land allocated for potatoes, onions, other crops and melons, careful care of crops is carried out, as well as other agro technical measures according to the approved schedule.

Then the Chairman of the State water management Committee G. Baijanov presented a detailed report on the video conference on saving the Aral Sea between Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

As noted, during the online discussion, special attention will be paid to priority areas of interstate cooperation, including the development and implementation of a long-term strategy for the rational use and management of water resources, environmental protection and other relevant topics.

Addressing the Deputy Prime Minister, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the need for the most responsible approach to conducting seasonal agricultural campaigns and activating the work being carried out in the country's fields.

Noting the importance of developing fruitful international cooperation to develop mutually agreed solutions to priority issues related to the Aral Sea, the head of state stressed the need for broad involvement of all mechanisms and levers of water diplomacy for this purpose and gave appropriate instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the water management Committee.

Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdylyev was summoned to the video link and reported to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the fulfillment of the instructions previously given by the head of state regarding the laying of roads, internal and external engineering systems in the new modern administrative center of the Akhal velayat.

As reported, the Ministry of construction and architecture held a phased tender for the selection of contractors for the design and construction of water supply, irrigation and Sewerage systems, rainwater and mudflow diversions, as well as internal and external roads, which resulted in the selection of the best, experienced local enterprises and prepared relevant proposals.

All submitted projects were analyzed by the Interdepartmental Commission for determining the cost of projects of buildings and structures under construction and reconstruction in Turkmenistan, which made its conclusions. Construction work is planned to start this month and complete the first stage in September next year. Putting the object into operation is scheduled for December 2022.

Then the Minister of construction and architecture R. Gandymov reported on the work on commissioning of cultural, social and industrial facilities with high quality and on schedule, as well as the steps taken to improve the activities carried out.

After hearing the reports, the head of state noted the great importance attached to the construction of the new administrative center of the Akhal velayat, and instructed the relevant managers to keep its construction under constant control, in compliance with the terms and quality of work.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet B. Ovezov reported on the implementation of the digital system to the Agency "Türkmenawtoulaglary", where, as in other sectors of the transport complex of the country, consistent effort to implement development Program of foreign economic activities of Turkmenistan in the years 2020-2025 and Concept development of the digital economy.

For this purpose, the Agency" Türkmenawtoulaglary " plans to create an information database of local vehicles arriving from abroad and following transit, providing transport services both on the territory of Turkmenistan and on international routes.

Tracking their movement will be carried out using GPS control and appropriate software for analyzing the temporal and spatial coordinates of objects. The project is planned to be implemented in stages.

At the first stage, digital tracking systems will be installed on passenger taxis and buses plying in the capital and velayats, which will allow monitoring their location, speed of movement and compliance with the traffic schedule, fuel consumption, time spent on technical operations, etc.

At the second stage, digital tracking will be provided for cargo transport moving through the territory of our country. At the third stage-domestic vehicles that carry out international transport, which will make it possible to control their movement and issue electronic permits to cross borders. An electronic road map and a centralized information base will also be created, which will include all information about incoming and next-transit foreign vehicles.

This project will be implemented by “Türkmentehnogurluşyk” CJSC of the “Türkmenawtoulaglary” Agency until October 1, 2020.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also called the Chairman of the Agency "Türkmenawtoulaglary" O. Sukhanov by video link, who reported on the state of Affairs in the Agency and the ongoing work on the introduction of digital technologies in its activities.

After hearing the reports and stressing that the control of vehicles, including the analysis of their technical condition, route and location, can improve the safety of transportation and business efficiency in General, the head of state gave instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of "Türkmenawtoulaglary" to improve the quality of services in this area.

Connecting to the monitoring system of vehicles that carry out passenger and cargo transportation across the country, and converting the transport management system to modern digital technologies will open a new page in the development of Turkmenistan as a major transport hub of the region and continent, the President said.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylydzhov reported on the creation of a virtual exhibition of export-oriented goods and services, as well as the ongoing work on organizing a review dedicated to the achievements of the carpet, textile and trade sectors of Turkmenistan, presenting relevant proposals. 

It was noted that today virtual exhibitions are widely distributed on the Internet, becoming an effective mechanism for developing international business relations, foreign trade, and expanding trade turnover.

As part of the digital exhibition, electronic data on enterprises and organizations, goods and services, and economic success will be presented to a wide range of users using advanced technologies and electronic images. This format provides a number of advantages, including virtually unlimited time and space for all interested users to access information about the range of products produced in Turkmenistan.

It is proposed to develop a virtual exhibition of export goods in coordination with the chamber of Commerce and industry and place electronic expositions of various industries and representatives of the private sector.

This format of the review allows its participants to significantly save financial, time and labor resources, and will also help support small and medium-sized businesses.

The head of state also called the Minister of textile industry R. Rejepov, informed about the measures taken to create new production facilities aimed at both import substitution and increasing the export potential of the industry. 

After hearing the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the Congress and exhibition activities are one of the most powerful tools of international trade, economic and investment cooperation.

Speaking about the project to create a virtual exhibition of export goods of Turkmenistan, the President stressed the relevance of such information, which meets the Concept of developing the country's digital economy and makes it possible to significantly expand the geography of trade partnership.

It will also help to familiarize the international business community with the results of large-scale reforms in Turkmenistan, the process of industrialization and modernization of the domestic industry and services, said the head of state addressed to the Vice-Premier concrete instructions on ensuring appropriate levels of new Internet sites.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that a wide range of high-quality textiles made of natural cotton and silk fabrics, as well as handmade Turkmen carpets are produced in our country on the basis of the latest technologies.

For more active promotion of these products in foreign markets, appropriate advertising and information support is needed. In this context, emphasizing the importance of the virtual exhibition of export goods of Turkmenistan, the head of state noted that it should reflect the opportunities of our country in this direction.
Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdiyeva reported on the ongoing work to translate Newspapers and magazines into electronic format.

As noted, in accordance with the concept of digital economy development, new tools, models and technologies are being introduced into the work processes and organizational structures of the media.

The presented project, developed taking into account world practice, will provide wide opportunities for rapid familiarization with the materials of periodicals, news and other information. The presence of a separate electronic Fund for each publication will allow you to conduct online and subscribe to their mailing lists at the individual choice of readers.

After familiarizing the head of state with the possibilities of the new system, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that its implementation will also significantly reduce the cost of paper and other printing products.

After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan stressed that the transfer of printed periodicals from traditional paper media to electronic form and Internet versions is one of the important directions of digitalization of the Turkmen mass media, the purpose of which is to bring them to the level of modern standards.

The introduction of a digital system in this area will not only significantly save time and material resources for printing, but, most importantly, increase the level of awareness of the international community about the life of our country and its achievements, ensuring the availability of information on various types of receiving devices.

In this regard, the Turkmen leader noted the need to study and master the best international experience, improve the work of all industry structures through the active introduction of new media technologies.

The head of state gave the Deputy Prime Minister specific instructions on how to organize work in this direction at the current level.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov, who was called by video link, reported on the ongoing work on the development of the scientific and educational sphere.

As noted, in recent years, systematic steps have been taken to comprehensively modernize the education system. Special emphasis is placed on the introduction of new training standards and world-wide innovative teaching methods. This is primarily the goal of the digital education system development Concept, which provides for the active provision of educational institutions with advanced computer and multimedia equipment and the necessary electronic resources.

Speaking about the importance of the ongoing work to improve the national education system, the President stressed that the fundamental reforms initiated in this most important area serve as the best guarantee of getting a good education for Turkmen youth that meets the requirements of the time and high international standards.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the ongoing work on the further development of cooperation between neutral Turkmenistan and international organizations.

At present, practical steps are being taken to implement the initiatives of head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to expand cooperation in this direction, announced at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly and the International conference held in Ashgabat on January 14 this year.

In this regard, special importance is attached to the strategic partnership with the United Nations. As you know, on March 14 this year, Turkmenistan and the UN signed the framework program for cooperation in the field of sustainable development for 2021-2025. On its basis, work is carried out on the preparation of Country programs with UNDP, UNICEF, and the UNF for the designated period. In April-May, it is also planned to hold appropriate consultations with the above-mentioned institutions.

An important aspect in the development of relations with the Community of Nations is to increase cooperation with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and the Economic and social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Together with these structures, interaction in various areas is carried out on a systematic basis.

In particular, much attention is paid to the modernization of transport infrastructure in the Eurasian space, as well as the creation and effective operation of transit and transport corridors, which is guided by the policy of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

In this context, on April 14 this year, in cooperation with the UN / ECE, it is proposed to hold a working meeting in the MFA building with the participation of representatives of ministries and industry departments of our country. Its main goal is to discuss the issues of Turkmenistan's accession to 8 international documents aimed at strengthening effective partnership in the field of transport.

One of the main vectors of cooperation with the UN and its structures is also interaction on climate change, environmental protection, environmental management and environmental security.

In order to enhance contacts in this direction, it is necessary to further develop the partnership with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), which has its headquarters in Nairobi (Republic of Kenya).

In this regard, it is proposed to appoint a Permanent representative of Turkmenistan to the UN office in Geneva at the same time as the Permanent representative of our country to UNEP, which will be an effective step to strengthen cooperation with this large structure.

Within the framework of partnership with international organizations, an important place is also given to the implementation of the course to increase the trade and export potential of our country. Here, special importance is attached to interaction with the world trade organization (WTO).

In order to study the issue of Turkmenistan's accession to the WTO in 2019, a special government Commission was created. As a result of its meetings, as well as consultations with representatives of the above-mentioned organization and international experts, it was stated that our country's participation in the WTO as an observer as a first step will create optimal opportunities for the modernization of the national economy. In order to discuss this issue and prepare relevant data, it is proposed to hold a regular meeting of the Commission on April 15.

It is also necessary to activate relations with specialized international organizations in the field of introduction of modern technologies and innovations in all sectors of the economic complex. Cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) opens up new opportunities for this.

In this context, the proposed 16 April to conduct a digital video conference with participation of representatives of WIPO, a number of ministries and departments of Turkmenistan on the exchange of experience in the field of copyright protection, higher education in the basics of intellectual property, other relevant issues.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that by developing constructive cooperation with authoritative international organizations, our Motherland makes a significant contribution to the common efforts to strengthen peace and security, ensure prosperity and progress in the regional and global dimensions.

As the head of state noted, the strategic nature of the partnership with the UN and its leading specialized agencies, with which close contacts have been established, joint projects in socio-economic, humanitarian, environmental, legal and other areas have been successfully implemented and implemented.

A clear example of the effectiveness of this long-term interaction is the adoption by the UN General Assembly of Resolutions initiated by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which demonstrate the importance of our country's neutral status, as well as those related to ensuring energy security and strengthening effective cooperation in the field of transport.

The initiatives of the Turkmen side on a wide range of partnership issues aimed at achieving sustainable development Goals are supported and recognized by the Community of Nations.

Stressing that our country will continue to actively develop multi-vector cooperation with the UN and other international organizations, the head of state approved the proposals, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the foreign Ministry to continue the relevant systematic work and ensure a high organizational level of all planned events.

Concluding the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the digital video communication system, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished all participants good health and success in their work, the state news Agency of Turkmenistan reports.