The results of the work of the branches of the national economy for five months of the year, as well as other priority issues of state life were discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, which was held by video link President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This is reported by the state news Agency of Turkmenistan.

The first report on the macroeconomic indicators for January-May was made by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of G. Mushshikov. It was reported that during the period under review, all sectors have achieved steady growth.

According to the results for January-May of this year, the GDP growth rate was 6.2 percent. Compared to the same period in 2019, production increased by 4.7 percent.

Reporting on the volume of retail trade, the Deputy Prime Minister said that in comparison with the same period last year, this figure increased by 19.6 percent. For five months, the revenue part of the State budget was fulfilled at the level of 100.3 percent, and the expenditure part – 94.1 percent.

The average monthly salary increased by 10.5 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Salaries, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships were funded in a timely manner.

As part of the work outlined in the new version of the National rural program, since the beginning of the year, construction of social facilities, housing, and engineering systems has been carried out.

Reporting on the results of the analysis on improving the activities of institutions in the oil and gas sector, the Deputy Prime Minister presented relevant proposals to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for consideration.

At the same time, the Chairman of the Central Bank, M. Annadurdyev, was called to a direct video link and reported on the work carried out by credit institutions, as well as on the steps taken to improve their activities and expand the range of services provided.

After hearing the reports, the head of Turkmenistan focused on the priority tasks facing the complex overseen by the Deputy Prime Minister. Due to the adverse factors that are currently taking place in the world economy, the country's economic indicators are also declining, the President continued, ordering together with other Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers to start developing a Program for 2020-2021. Its main tasks should be a dynamic way out of the current state, as well as ensuring the achievement of pre-crisis macroeconomic indicators, the head of state noted, ordering that this Program be considered at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The document should provide for capital investment for the development of various sectors of the economy and support for exports. At the same time, investments in healthcare and social security should remain a priority, the Turkmen leader stressed.

In continuation of the topic, the head of state noted the need to take effective measures to create production facilities for import-substituting products and increase the output of export-oriented goods. As part of the transition to the digital economy, the activities of financial and banking institutions should be radically analyzed, the President said.

Acceleration of the process of privatization of enterprises and objects of state property and their transformation into joint-stock companies were identified as one of the main directions. Demanding to keep the issues related to the delay in payment of wages in the center of constant attention, the head of state instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to analyze the causes of such situations and take concrete measures to promptly solve this problem.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Meredov reported on the results of five months of work carried out in the supervised areas within the framework of the oil and gas industry development Program for the period up to 2030.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported that the plan for oil and gas condensate production was fulfilled by 108.3 percent, natural and associated gas-by 100.4 percent, oil refining – by 102.5 percent, gasoline production – by 109.2 percent, and diesel fuel – by 103.6 percent. The growth rate of liquefied gas production was 118 percent, and the developed investments-121.5 percent.

After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan addressed specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the stable operation of the industry's enterprises, the effective use of their resource base and export potential, and the development of international cooperation in these areas.

As it was emphasized, it is necessary to improve the structure and management system of the production units of the complex and attract investment for the construction of new facilities and planned major projects, and return funds to the produced products.

Noting that prices for oil and petroleum products have significantly decreased on international markets, the President ordered to define a strategy for selling these products to foreign consumers.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiev reported on the results of the activities of the supervised industries for the period under review and ongoing seasonal agricultural work.

For the agro-industrial complex, the growth in total production was 117.4 percent. According to the Ministry of agriculture and environmental protection, this figure reached 118.2 percent, the State water management Committee – 110.2 percent, and the State Association "Türkmen atlary" – 103.8 percent. The investment development plan was completed by 137.9 percent.

Grain harvesting has started in the Akhal, Lebap and Mary velayats, while the Balkan and Dashoguz velayats are currently preparing for the harvest of grain, which will begin on June 12.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov submitted a draft Resolution "on the purchase of chemical products for agricultural crops".

After signing the relevant Resolution, the head of state sent it to the Deputy Prime Minister on the electronic document management system, giving the appropriate instructions.

Further, noting that farmers are starting to harvest grain in large quantities, the President of Turkmenistan pointed out to the Vice-Premier that the harvest should be carried out in a short time and without losses. It is also necessary to ensure the smooth operation of equipment in the fields and make timely payments to tenants.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov reported on the results of the activities of the supervised industries for five months. In January-May, the production plan for the transport and communication complex was completed by 102.1 percent with a growth rate of 102.8 percent.

The growth rate for the Agency "Türkmenawtoulaglary" was 101.4 percent, the Agency "Türkmendemirýollary" - 118.4 percent, the Agency" Türkmendeňizderýaýollary " - 132.5 percent. The corresponding work was carried out by the Agency "Türkmenhowaýollary".

The plan for cargo and passenger transportation by road, rail, air and sea transport was fulfilled by 101.8 and 100.6 percent, respectively, and for cargo turnover - by 102.9 percent. The growth rate for the Agency "Türkmenaragatnaşyk" reached 109.5 percent.

Summing up the report, the President stated that the transport sector, as well as other major sectors of the economy, is currently experiencing difficulties due to the coronavirus epidemic in the world and forced restrictions. In such difficult conditions, domestic transport companies continue to work smoothly and achieve reliable communication, the leader of the nation continued.

As noted, the main task until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is to ensure stable financial condition and continuous financing of these enterprises. It is necessary to support transport companies so that they have the means to pay salaries and fulfill financial obligations, the President of Turkmenistan stressed, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister to analyze the situation and take appropriate measures in this direction.

The next to report on the results of work in the supervised industries for five months of this year was the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdylyev.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported to the head of state that the growth rate of products produced by the complex during the reporting period was 119.7 percent, and the planned plan was fulfilled by 113.4 percent.

According to the Ministry of construction and architecture, the growth rate was 107.3 percent, and the plan for completed works was completed by 107.1 percent.

The growth rate for output and work performed during the reporting period for the Ministry of industry and construction is 107.4 percent, and the plan was completed by 106 percent.

From January to May, the growth rate of production, work performed and services rendered by the Ministry of energy reached 120.9 percent. The plan was completed by 115.8 percent.

In five months, the State concern "Türkmenhimiýa" completed the plan by 124.4 percent. The growth rate was 151.6 percent. In addition, during the reporting period, the growth rate for works performed and services provided in the hyakimlik of the city of Ashgabat amounted to 102.6 percent. The plan was completed by 108.1 percent.

After hearing the report, the President instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to speed up the work on analyzing the state of Affairs at the supervised enterprises and preparing proposals to bring them into proper condition or privatize them.

The head of state also indicated that special attention should be paid to the implementation of domestic and international projects in the field of electric power and gave the Deputy Prime Minister specific instructions.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov.

According to the Ministry of trade and foreign economic relations, the total volume of trade turnover increased by 23.6 percent compared to the same period last year. At the same time, the increase in retail turnover is 19.3 percent, wholesale-27 percent.

The volume of products produced by enterprises of the Ministry of textile industry increased by 2.3 percent. The total volume of production for the State Association "Türkmenhaly" increased by 18.8 percent.

Over the past five months, the state commodity exchange has held 104 trading sessions and signed 11 thousand 201 contracts. For the chamber of Commerce and industry, the volume of services provided increased by 54 percent.

According to the Union of Industrialists and entrepreneurs, industrial production increased by 13.1 percent in January-May, and agricultural and food production increased by 32 percent.

After hearing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed to further increase the production of consumer goods, addressing specific instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister in this regard.

The head of state gave instructions to stimulate business activity, in this regard, ordering to develop further measures for state support of the private sector of the economy and submit relevant proposals.

It is necessary to provide financial and logistical support for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, enterprises specializing in tourism, the head of state stressed.

At the same time, the President of Turkmenistan instructed to activate the work of private agricultural companies engaged in the production of agricultural products, the construction of industrial cold storage of fruit and vegetable products.

Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Abdiyeva reported on the results of the activities of the supervised areas for five months of this year.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported on various cultural events, including exhibitions, meetings, creative competitions, propaganda and explanatory actions, song and music celebrations, as well as other activities provided for in the Program for the development of the cultural sphere of Turkmenistan for 2019-2025.

The Internet sites of the Ministry of culture and subordinate institutions regularly publish information about the country's achievements, thematic events, and national cultural values.

Addressing the Deputy Prime Minister, the head of state noted that the activities of mass media, in particular, broadcasting, do not meet the requirements. The President instructed to speed up the work on converting printed periodicals to electronic format, to train specialists, staff editorial offices, and systematically continue to cover important issues of the digital economy in the media.

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to pay attention to the preparation of more interesting programs for young people in connection with the beginning of the summer holiday season, as well as to conduct events related to the proclamation of this year's motto "Turkmenistan-the homeland of Neutrality".

In turn, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers P. Agamyradov reported on the results of work in the supervised industries for five months of this year.

As it was reported, in accordance with the requirements for the upbringing of a well-educated, modern-technology, physically strong generation, comprehensive measures were taken to improve the education system and teaching methods, enrich the content of educational programs and textbooks, and improve the skills of teachers.

In accordance with the resolutions of the head of state, the innovation information Center of the Ministry of education was established, and the "Program for improving the activities of preschool institutions in the field of early development and improving the preparation of children for school in Turkmenistan for 2020-2025" was approved.

As part of the development of the digital education system and the teaching of foreign languages, advanced teaching methods, scientific achievements and innovative technologies are widely introduced. All conditions have been created to restore the health of citizens in the country's health resorts in the summer.

Turning to sports, the Deputy Prime Minister said that in order to prepare the national team for the XXXII summer Olympic games, which are planned to be held in 2021, training sessions were organized in the capital's Olympic town.

After hearing the report, the President pointed out the need to organize the upcoming entrance exams to higher and secondary specialized educational institutions, as well as thorough preparation for the new academic year, by the beginning of which all educational institutions should be carried out cosmetic or major repairs.

In connection with the onset of school holidays, it was instructed to ensure control over the organization of meaningful summer recreation for children in health centers of the country.

The head of state also demanded to carefully prepare for the planned meeting of the Government with education workers, where the next measures to improve the national educational system will be discussed.

The President instructed to ensure public control over the course of entrance exams in domestic universities, as well as to work out the issue of sending particularly gifted young Turkmen citizens to study in foreign countries, organize new lessons in all schools regarding the digital system, and the Academy of Sciences should take a leading role in this matter.

Then President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov called the Minister of sports and youth policy D. Gulgeldiev to a direct video link, and a number of serious complaints were made against Him due to the unsatisfactory management of the entrusted structure.

As noted, despite the existence of a solid sports base in the country, not enough attention is still paid to the training of athletes. Also, many issues related to youth policy are not resolved, especially in the velayats.

Despite the abnormally hot weather conditions, sports events are held in open areas, which, of course, can negatively affect the health of athletes.

In this regard, the head of state informed about the decision to release D. Gulgeldiev from his post for serious shortcomings in his work, as well as taking into account repeated reprimands.

The Deputy head of this Ministry, G. Agamyradov, is responsible for the temporary performance of the duties of the Minister of sports and youth policy.

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

In the context of implementing the foreign policy strategy of neutral Turkmenistan, consistent work was carried out to develop constructive cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats, both at the interstate level and through reputable international organizations.

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

Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that by implementing a foreign policy based on the principles of positive neutrality, peacefulness and "open doors", our country makes a significant contribution to strengthening fruitful partnership in the regional and global dimensions.

Turkmenistan will continue to develop friendly relations and multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation at the interstate level, expand constructive dialogue with authoritative international organizations, the head of state said, giving specific instructions.

Then the Deputy Prime Minister and foreign Minister reported on the development of Turkmenistan's international activities in the field of intellectual property. In this regard, steps are being taken to enhance interaction with specialized structures such as the world intellectual property organization (WIPO) and the Eurasian patent organization (EAPO).

As noted, in order to protect national interests in this area, the state service for intellectual property of the Ministry of Finance and economy was established in 2013 on the initiative of the President of the country. 

In August 2015, the program for the development of the intellectual property system in Turkmenistan for 2015-2020 was approved, on the basis of which new legal acts were adopted, and organizational measures were carried out. Important projects have also been implemented in this direction, and measures have been taken to increase mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign partners.

Currently, the relevant state institutions are working together with WIPO to prepare a draft of the above-mentioned Program for 2021-2025. The document includes areas related to the legal, institutional, and information spheres, as well as significant aspects such as education and professional development of personnel.

In this regard, proposals were submitted to the head of state for consideration, including the accession of Turkmenistan, which is currently a party to 12 international conventions and multilateral agreements in this area, to a number of new documents, to improve its specialized knowledge.

It is also proposed to open a Library-Depository of WIPO on the basis of the Institute of international relations of the Ministry of foreign Affairs and create a center for technology and innovation support at the Institute of Economics and management.

Approving the proposals, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the important role and importance of intellectual property for the socio-economic development of the country and its successful integration into the world economy.

At the same time, much attention is paid to cooperation with relevant international structures and the introduction of international best practices into national practice, the head of state said, instructing to continue working in this direction.

Further, stressing that this year marked the 25th anniversary of the permanent neutrality status, the President noted the worthy contribution of foreign service employees to the implementation of Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy and initiatives aimed at ensuring universal security, stability and well-being, developing mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthening the country's constructive role in the system of international relations.

In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave instructions to the Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of foreign Affairs to prepare proposals for assigning appropriate ranks to domestic diplomats and developing a badge jointly with the Mejlis, which will be awarded to distinguished employees of the foreign Ministry.

Then the speaker of the Mejlis G. Mammedova was called by video link, who informed the head of state about the activities of the national Parliament to modernize the legislative base of the country since the beginning of this year, preparations for the upcoming meeting of the “Halk Maslahaty”, and about holding field sessions on the draft constitutional Law "on amendments and additions to the Constitution of Turkmenistan".

During this period, 18 laws and 11 Resolutions of the Mejlis were adopted, aimed at providing legal support for the socio-economic transformations in the country and the democratization of Turkmen society. A number of videoconferences were held in the framework of interaction with UN specialized agencies and other international organizations.

Deputies and experts of the Mejlis participated in 29 seminars dedicated to the implementation of state programs and the study of best practices in the field of lawmaking.

After hearing the information, the head of state stressed the importance of continuing work on preparing the final version of the draft constitutional Law "on amendments and additions to the Constitution of Turkmenistan", as well as for the next meeting of the “Halk Maslahaty”.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council Ch. Amanov reported on the steps taken since the beginning of the year to improve the activities of military and law enforcement agencies.

Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that neutral Turkmenistan, which implements the military doctrine of a defensive nature, cares about ensuring the peace and security of the state and the well-being of the people.

The priorities of the strategy being implemented in this direction are the modernization of the material and technical base of law enforcement agencies, the solution of social issues of military personnel and the strengthening of human resources. Among the most important aspects of the activity is the Patriotic education of a new generation of soldiers, the head of state said.

In this context, it is important to hold solemn ceremonies in honor of taking the oath of young conscripts at the Constitution Monument and events on the occasion of graduation of cadets of higher schools of military and law enforcement agencies-at the memorial complex "Halk hakydasy", the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the country noted, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of the state security Council to prepare appropriate proposals on this issue.

Continuing the meeting by direct video link, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that despite the difficult situation in the world economy, the results of five months demonstrate that the state continues to develop dynamically.

As before, the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan is characterized by a large-scale partnership with the United Nations, the Organization for security and co-operation in Europe, the European Union, the Shanghai cooperation organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the economic cooperation Organization and other international structures.

The growth rate of the national economy is stable. And now GDP growth remains at a high level-6.2 percent, the head of state stressed. During the reporting period, built and put into operation all provided for the construction of industrial facilities, residential houses, kindergartens, schools, shops etc.

The policy of diversification of energy supplies to world markets is being implemented. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project and other regional projects are being implemented.

Addressing the participants of the meeting, the head of state emphasized the General tasks set for the current year, noting the need for their steady solution. In June, it is also planned to hold events of political and social significance, which should be organized at a high level.

The key task of state policy is to improve the social and living conditions of the people. Speaking about this, the President informed about the planned working trips to all velayats of the country for the current month in order to get acquainted with the progress of grain harvesting on the ground, the implementation of adopted social programs.

The Turkmen leader also instructed the Government members to prepare for the upcoming 3 July extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which will review the results of work carried out in the country for 6 months, the development of the sectors of the national economy, given the appropriate evaluation.

At the same time, the President ordered to hold meetings on the results of the five months of the year in the ministries and departments supervised by the Deputy Prime Ministers on Monday.

As the head of state further emphasized, science Day will be widely celebrated in Turkmenistan on June 12. Science and education are the wealth that consolidates society in achieving high goals. That is why we are successfully implementing fundamental scientific and technical transformations by improving the structure, management and fundamental foundations of this sphere. 

Turkmenistan creates all conditions for training highly qualified specialists and scientists. Based on innovations, we are modernizing the national economy, bringing it to the level of the developed countries of the world, implementing major projects, and achieving great success in the socio-economic development of the country, the President noted.

Congratulating the participants of the meeting and representatives of the scientific community on the day of science, the President of Turkmenistan addressed wishes of well-being and new achievements in scientific and creative activities.