President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by video link, where the results of the work of the national economy sectors for four months of the year were summed up, the state news Agency of Turkmenistan reports.

Opening the meeting, the head of state simultaneously summoned Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov, Minister of Finance and economy E. Annamuhammedov and Chairman of the Central Bank M. Annadurdyev via direct video link.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the macroeconomic indicators for January-April 2020. As reported, the country provides stable development of the national economy and creates the necessary conditions for the effective use of public funds.

During the reporting period, the GDP growth rate was 6.3 percent. Compared to the same period last year, the growth rate of production is provided at the level of 5.5 percent.

The volume of retail trade turnover increased by 19.8 percent compared to the same period last year, and foreign trade turnover – by 1.5 percent.

In January-April of this year, the revenue part of the State budget was fulfilled at the level of 104 percent, and the expenditure part – 95.5 percent.

The average monthly wage for large and medium-sized enterprises in the country increased by 10.4 percent.

During the specified period, the volume of capital investments disbursed from all sources of financing amounted to 7.3 billion manats.

Within the framework of the National rural program, 107 social facilities, 35 water treatment complexes, more than 220.2 thousand square meters of housing, as well as engineering systems were built within four months. In total, 845.6 million manats were disbursed.

The Deputy Prime Minister also informed about the analysis of the expected results of socio-economic development of the country for the current year in connection with the current situation of the world economy, conducted jointly with the relevant ministries and departments.

Then the Minister of Finance and economy E. Annamuhammedov reported on the results carried out from the beginning of the year work in financial and budget system, and the implementation of the Program of President of Turkmenistan on socio-economic development of the country in the years 2020-2025 and programs of development sectors.

Then the Chairman of the Central Bank M. Annadurdyev reported on the comprehensive measures taken within four months to successfully implement the monetary policy, the ongoing modernization of the electronic infrastructure for providing services, and the expansion of the list of banking products.

Summing up the reports, the President noted with satisfaction that overall economic indicators indicate stable development. At the same time, one of the most urgent tasks is to monitor the impact of ongoing processes on the economy of our country.

Pointing out that the activities of banking institutions are not organized at the proper level, the head of state ordered to take steps to reduce cash turnover and introduce non-cash payment tools.

Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov, adviser to the President of Turkmenistan on oil and gas issues Y. Kakayev and the state Minister – Chairman of the State concern "Türkmengaz" M. Archayev were summoned by direct video link.
The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the implementation of the oil and gas industry development Program for the period up to 2030 and the results of the supervised industries for four months.

It was reported to the head of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov that the plan for oil and gas condensate production was fulfilled by 108.9 percent, oil refining-by 104.1 percent, gasoline production-by 124.2 percent, diesel fuel-by 106 percent, polypropylene – by 140.4 percent.

The growth rate of liquefied gas production was 114 percent, and natural and associated gas production was 102.3 percent.

Then the adviser to the President of Turkmenistan on oil and gas issues Y. Kakayev reported on the work to improve the activities of the fuel and energy complex of the country, the implementation of a number of major investment projects, as well as to enhance international cooperation in the energy sector.

In turn, the state Minister – Chairman of the state concern "Türkmengaz" M. Archayev reported on the main indicators of the development of the country's gas industry, on the planned measures to further increase the production of "blue fuel", the production of liquefied gas and gas chemical products produced by enterprises subordinate to the concern.

After hearing the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that based on the results of four months, the main production indicators for the oil and gas complex correspond to the planned annual plans, indicating the key areas of work to ensure growth rates in this sector.

As the head of state pointed out, first of all, it is necessary to increase the volume of production and processing of hydrocarbon resources, modernize production facilities and infrastructure in General.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiev, Minister of agriculture and environmental protection M. Bayramdurdiev and Chairman of the State water management Committee G. Baijanov were called to the digital video link.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the results of the activities of the supervised industries for four months and the seasonal agricultural work carried out in the regions of the country.

For the agro-industrial complex, the growth in total production was 118.1 percent. This figure also reached 118.1 percent for the Ministry of agriculture and environmental protection, 118.8 percent for the State water management Committee, and 103.7 percent for the state Association "Türkmen atlary". The investment development plan was completed by 138.9 percent.

Then the Minister of agriculture and environmental protection M. Bayramdurdiev reported on the state of Affairs in the supervised structures and measures for technical re-equipment of the industry, the introduction of digital technologies.

Chairman of the State water management Committee G. Baijanov reported on the implementation of the instructions of the head of Turkmenistan to ensure the rational use of water resources.

Summarizing the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave the Deputy Prime Minister a task to monitor how agro technical measures are carried out when caring for crops and noted the importance of comprehensive preparation for the harvest of bread, as well as increasing the production of vegetable crops.

Then the President of Turkmenistan simultaneously called the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov and the chairmen of the agencies "Türkmendemirýollary" - A. Atamyradov and "Türkmenaragatnaşyk" - H. Hudaykuliev.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the results of the activities of the ministries and departments of transport and communications in January-April. During the period under review, the production plan of the structures of the supervised complex was completed by 107.7 percent with a growth rate of 108.5 percent.

The growth rate for the Agency "Türkmenawtoulaglary" was 105.9 percent, the Agency "Türkmendemirýollary" – 122.6 percent, the Agency "Türkmendeňizderýaýollary" – 144.9 percent, the Agency "Türkmenaragatnaşyk " - 111 percent.

The plan for cargo and passenger transportation by road, rail, air and sea has been fulfilled by 108.4 and 100.3 percent, respectively.

Then the Chairman of the Agency "Türkmenaragatnaşyk" H. Hudayguliyev reported that large-scale work is being carried out to digitalize subordinate structures and equip them with advanced technologies.

In turn, the Chairman of the Agency "Türkmendemirýollary" A. Atamyradov reported on the measures taken to improve the quality of services provided to passengers.

Summing up the reports, the head of state instructed to strictly monitor the work of transport enterprises and agencies, as well as take appropriate measures in connection with the current difficult situation in the world. Special emphasis was placed on the need to provide the entire rural population with broadband Internet by the end of this year.

During the meeting, the head of state simultaneously called the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdylyev, Minister of construction and architecture R. Gandymov and Minister of industry and construction production S. Berdimuhamedov.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the results of the work of the supervised industries for January-April this year, as well as on the draft Resolution on approving the list of large industrial and social facilities to be completed and put into operation in 2020 and 2021.

It was reported that during the period under review, the implementation of the plan for the production of products and services in the construction and industrial complex amounted to 115.1 percent, the growth rate – 119.6 percent.

According to the Ministry of construction and architecture, the implementation of the plan for the work carried out in four months amounted to 106.6 percent with a growth rate of 106.5 percent.

The Ministry of industry and construction has completed the production and work plan by 105.6 percent. The growth rate is 105.7 percent.

During the reporting period, the Ministry of energy's plan for production, works and services was fulfilled by 125.3 percent. The growth rate of indicators in this structure was 126.5 percent.

According to the State concern "Türkmenhimiýa", the plan for the production and provision of services was fulfilled by 121.2 percent, the growth rate was recorded at the level of 147.3 percent.

The growth rate for works performed and services provided in the hyakimlik of the city of Ashgabat is 102.5 percent. The plan for January-April was completed by 117.3 percent.

In continuation of the report, the Deputy Prime Minister reported that a number of proposals have been prepared for facilities and structures, the commissioning of which is timed to the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.

Then the Minister of industry and construction S. Berdimuhamedov reported on the creation of new and modernization of existing industrial enterprises.

After hearing the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pointed out that not enough attention is paid to the implementation of construction programs and pointed out that the production of construction materials and especially cement does not meet the required volumes.

The President instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of industry and construction to increase the volume and further improve the quality of cement – an important building material needed in the country's new buildings. Specific instructions were given to create high-tech enterprises.

Then a direct video link at the same time was caused by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov, Minister of trade and foreign economic relations O. Gurbannazarov and Minister for textile industry R. Rejepov.

Reporting to the head of state on the results of the work of the supervised industries for four months of this year, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the total volume of trade turnover for the Ministry of trade and foreign economic relations for the reporting period increased by 19.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

The volume of products produced by enterprises of the Ministry of textile industry from January to April exceeded the previous year's similar figure by 3.3 percent. The output of the enterprises of the State Association "Türkmenhaly" increased by 19.5 percent.

During this period, the state commodity exchange held 85 trading sessions and concluded 9,342 contracts. According to the chamber of Commerce and industry, the volume of services rendered in the four months of this year increased by 93.4 percent. During the reporting period, 2 exhibitions and 5 conferences were held.

Enterprises of the Union of Industrialists and entrepreneurs increased their production of industrial products by 11.3 percent, and agricultural and food products by 62.4 percent.

Then the Minister of trade and foreign economic relations O. Gurbannazarov reported on measures to ensure the domestic market with the necessary products and on the activities of the supervised structures.

In turn, the Minister of textile industry R. Rejepov reported on the work of the industry.

After hearing the reports, the President instructed to continue increasing the volume of production of consumer goods and gave the heads of trade instructions on the formation of a modern system and the introduction of new approaches.

Continuing the meeting, the head of state simultaneously called the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdyeva, the Minister of culture A. Shamyradov and the Chairman of the State Committee on television, radio broadcasting and cinematography N. Garlyev.

Reporting to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the results of the activities of the supervised areas from January to April this year, the Deputy Prime Minister said that various cultural events were held, including those dedicated to holidays and significant dates.

In order to collect, further scientific study and popularize folklore material, specialists from the Ministry of culture and scientists from the institutes of the Academy of Sciences were sent on business trips to velayats. The country's achievements in various fields were highlighted on the pages of print and Internet publications, TV and radio channels.

The first floor for the report was given to the Minister of culture A. Shamyradov, who reported on the measures taken to modernize the activities of subordinate institutions, the introduction of digital technologies.

In turn, the Chairman of the State Committee on television, radio broadcasting and cinematography N. Garlyev reported on the ongoing work to improve the level of preparation of TV and radio programs, improving their subject matter.

Summarizing the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that the topic of the 25th anniversary of neutrality should be widely covered on TV, radio channels and in the press, as well as use the opportunities of the media in the educational process. It is also necessary to step up work on translating printed publications into electronic format, the head of state noted and gave a number of instructions.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on the results of the activities of the supervised areas for 4 months of this year. At the same time, the head of state called the President of the Academy of Sciences S. Toylyev and the Minister of education M. Geldiniyazov to a direct digital video link.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, during the period under review, consistent work was carried out to implement the concepts of digitalization, to improve the teaching of foreign languages, and educational and methodological collections and electronic dictionaries were prepared. The innovation information Center of the Ministry of education has been created.

It was reported that 58 types of textbooks and manuals were published during the reporting period. Schoolchildren and students of the country who took part in international Olympiads, design competitions and intellectual Internet competitions were awarded various medals and corresponding diplomas.

Reporting on the state of Affairs in the field of health, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that during the period under review, construction of a number of new modern facilities in this area continued.

Turning to the issues of sports development, the Deputy Prime Minister reported that in January-April, 30 domestic competitions and 32 mass sports events were held in the country. Russian athletes took part in 11 international competitions, where they were awarded 39 medals.

Then the head of the Academy of Sciences S. Toylyev reported on the steps taken to further develop the national science and strengthen its material and technical base. Then the Minister of education M. Geldiniyazov reported on the work being done to improve the national educational system.

Summing up the reports and addressing the Deputy Prime Minister, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that very soon the country's schools will start their final exams, as well as complete their studies at universities.

It was noted that children's health and entertainment centers should be properly prepared for the summer season. In addition, all schools should prepare new textbooks on the digital system and organize appropriate classes, the head of state said, stressing that the main role should be assigned to the Academy of Sciences.

Special attention should be paid to the development of a distance learning system for students of higher education institutions and secondary educational institutions. It is also necessary to carry out proper work to introduce a new form of higher education in the relevant legislation, the President of Turkmenistan stressed.

The head of state reprimanded Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov for improper performance of official duties and weakening of control over the activities of supervised ministries and departments.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, foreign Minister R. Meredov reported on the results of the foreign Ministry's activities in January-April.

In the context of implementing the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan, consistent work was carried out in January-April to develop fruitful cooperation in the bilateral and multilateral format, through reputable international organizations.

During the period under review, 35 foreign delegations visited our country through the foreign Ministry. At the same time, 83 delegations of Turkmenistan were sent abroad.

During the reporting period, 109 conferences and meetings were held in our country together with foreign partners.

Regular inherent in the contacts between the foreign ministries. Systematic work is also being carried out to develop and build up the country's foreign economic relations.

After hearing the report and addressing the Deputy Prime Minister, head of the foreign Ministry, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave specific instructions for holding various international events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality.

During the meeting, the head of state signed a Decree on the appointment of A. Bayramov as the Consul General of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation (Kazan).

Then the speaker of the Mejlis G. Mammedova was called to a live video link and informed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov about the activities of the national Parliament to modernize the country's legislative base.

In 4 months of the year, 18 Laws of Turkmenistan and 9 Resolutions of the Mejlis were adopted, aimed at providing legal support for the socio-economic transformations being carried out in the country.

Work was underway on the draft 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.

Currently, preparations are underway for the holiday-the day of the Constitution and the State flag of Turkmenistan. The Mejlis, together with public organizations and the Ministry of foreign Affairs, is preparing for the upcoming thematic conferences dedicated to the country's state symbols on May 14 and 16.

The head of state noted the need to further control the process of discussion and study of proposals on the published draft of the constitutional Law.

Then, by direct video link, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State security Council Ch. Amanov reported on the tasks assigned to the military and law enforcement agencies.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of unswerving adherence to the provisions of the Military doctrine, which is based on the status of positive neutrality and is exclusively defensive in nature.

Continuing the meeting in the format of a videoconference, the President of Turkmenistan stressed that the results of the four months demonstrate that the verified activities of the Government, along with sufficient volumes of internal and external reserve funds, have allowed us to maintain high GDP growth rates. However, the situation in the global economy continues to be very difficult.

As it was noted, we are currently able to resist negative phenomena that affect the functioning of air and land transport in international relations, sending products, tourism, money transfers and financial flows.

Based on these reasons, we expect a reduction in domestic production. The sharp decline in oil prices in the world should also be taken into account, the head of state said. It is expected that the current situation may be even more unfavorable than it was during the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, as well as the fall in oil prices in 2014-2015.

According to the forecasts of the Asian Development Bank, the situation with the current sharp decline in the level of GDP in Central and Western Asia in 2021 will slowly begin to improve, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted.

As in previous crises, monetary policy, with a stable economy, faces a lack of money to meet needs. In such situations, the main task of the Government is to compensate for emerging economic losses and create reserve funds to ensure macroeconomic stability.

Therefore, the head of Turkmenistan stated, we have to significantly reduce the expenditures of the state Budget and the expenditures of state organizations and companies. At the same time, we must fully and timely fulfill all socially important obligations to citizens, as well as to support entrepreneurship.

Speaking about this, the Turkmen leader pointed out that all Deputy Prime Ministers should prepare proposals to reduce state budget expenditures and re-examine all construction programs, except those of social significance. In this context, the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers were instructed to submit proposals for the preparation of a new budget based on the results of the first half of the year.

It is also necessary to change the direction of spending public funds, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said in the continuation of the topic. The funds received as a result of spending cuts should be directed to economic and financial support for enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, and the creation of a mechanism for improving the financial system. And, most importantly, to provide medical institutions with medicines, protective equipment and diagnostics, and timely financing of quarantine expenses.

At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen efforts to increase export volumes and keep food security issues in the spotlight. Special control should be exercised over the prices of food products, ensuring the abundance of these products in the markets and stores of the country, the head of state stressed.

Then the President noted that tomorrow, May 9, Turkmenistan will widely celebrate a significant date – the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the great Patriotic war of 1941-1945.

Congratulating everyone on the holiday, the head of state said that on May 9 in front of the memorial complex "Halk hakydasy" (people's memory) there will be a solemn military parade dedicated to this significant date, and in the evening a festive salute will be given.

Concluding the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the digital video communication system, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished the participants good health, family well-being and success in their work.