THE PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN HOLDS SESSION ON DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE COMPLEX

On February 5, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held video conference working session with participation of some Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of relative ministries and profile departments. Outcomes of development of trade complex of the country last year have been discussed at the session.

Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov and E. Orazgeldiyev have been invited to the session. Agricultural sector, which is supervised by E. Orazgeldiyev, is closely related to work of trade complex, which is supervised by Vice-premier Ch. Gylyjov.

In the beginning of the session, Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs O. Gurbannazarov has reported on outcomes of work carried out last year under the realization of the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for social and economic development of the country in 2019 – 2025.

There are 157 facilities under the Ministry. The growth rate of trade for the period under review was 106.6 percent, the growth rate of production and services – 116.1 percent. 

Consumer funds, which are formed from the products made in the country or imported from foreign countries, have been made for stable provision of the population of food production. 

138 facilities of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs have been gradually privatized until today. In addition, the work for reformation of production facilities to joint stock ventures and their modernization together with representatives of private sector are carried out.

Practical measures are taken under realization of the Concept of development of digital economy in Turkmenistan in 2019 – 2025 for expansion of the system of electronic trade, arrangement of payments in shops and trade facilities by digital system, improvement of rules of online trade based on international practice. The Center of Computer Technologies under the Ministry has arranged the production of computer for school students. 

Having listened to the report, the head of the state addressed the minister with number of specific instructions for improvement of activity of trade sphere, increment of volumes of foreign trade, expansion of beneficial cooperation with foreign business partners, growth of production of import substitutive goods, enhancement of culture of services.

Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has ordered to activate work for establishment of joint stock ventures and privatization of the state-owned facilities. 

Further, the floor was given to Minister of Textile Industry R. Rejepov. Having reported on fulfilment of instructions given by the head of the state, the minister reported on the outcomes of work in 2020.

It was informed that the Ministry has 60 facilities. The growth rate of production of these facilities was 107.4 percent in January – December. 

Turkmenkala and Sakarchaga cotton mills of Mary Region have been re-equipped for modernization of production facilities in 2020. This year, it is planned to modernize Tagtabazar cotton mill as well as open new facilities and to increase production capacity of Dashoguz Cotton Mill Serdar and Bayramaly textile complex.

In addition, staged modernization of Kypchak and Gyokdepe textile complexes, which produce knitted fabric, is planned. 

Having listened to the report, head of the state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed discontent that some deficiencies are admitted during organization of works at the facilities of the ministry of Textile Industry. The President of the country has addressed the minister with instructions for implementation of investment projects. 

Special attention has to be paid to compliance of textile products made in the country with international quality standards and ecological requirements. Relative advertisement and informational support is required for active promotion of national production abroad. 

Having pointed out the importance of quality and expansion of variety of production, further development of service sphere and marketing, head of the state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the minister with certain instructions. 

Further, Chairman of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange B. Chariyev has reported on work for strengthening of foreign economic relations and development of local wholesale market of the country.

At present time, the structure of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange has 6 facilities. 283 exchange trades have been held from January to December 2020. Total cost of registered contracts was 46,363 billion manats with the growth rate of 108.4 percent. 

Introduction of digital system is carried out according to the Strategy of improvement of activity of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan in 2020 – 2025. Measures for registration of contracts in electronic format are taken.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused on importance of modernization of activity of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange as the main body regulating export and import operations in the country.

Having noted that exchange is an indicators of foreign economic relations of Turkmenistan, a powerful information and analytical sources of data, the head of the state gave number of certain assignments for further development of exchange trade and expansion of the scale of the trade.

The leader of the nation has focused that formation of the mechanisms of fair pricing on Turkmen export goods is one of the main objective, which is to support the growth of income and strengthening of positions of our state in international markets.

Further, the floor for report has been given to Chairperson of the State Association Türkmenhaly O. Ishanguliyeva.

It was reported that the growth rate of production made at the facilities of the industry in January – December 2020 was 120.2 percent in monetary equivalent. 

28,560 square meters of handmade carpets and carpet production have been made at the facilities of the State Association Türkmenhaly in the last year. 2,495 square meters of carpets have been exported. The growth rate was 105.1 percent.

Close attention is paid in the country to integrated development and study of national carpet art, big works is carried out for careful protection of ancient carpets and enhancement of the world glory of Turkmen handmade carpets. Equipment and facility base of the industry is gradually modernized.

In particular, objectives for development of handmade carpet production, improvement of production and sale of readymade items, popularization of rich national heritage are solved. The head of the State Association has also informed about raw materials and dyes used in carpet making.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov ordered to pay close attention to further development of the industry, to strengthening of its equipment and resources base, to establishment of optimum conditions for productive work of carpet makers who deservingly continue centuries-old national traditions of carpet making in modern age.

After, Chairman of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs D. Hudayberdiyev has made his report at the session. The head of the UIET has reported about activity of carpet making entrepreneurs and types of handmade carpets made by them.

During report, it was also informed about measures for arrangement of carpet production on Khalach district, Lebap region as well as on increment of sale volumes of carpet production in local and foreign markets. In particular, Turkmen carpet are sold in Berkarar shop, which was opened in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Having listened to the report, the President of the country noted the relevance of joint work between the management of the State Association Türkmenhaly, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and foreign partners, active use of capabilities of trade representative offices in foreign countries and ordered to take further measures in this direction.

Chairman of the Trade and Industrial Chamber of Turkmenistan D. Rejepov has reported on work for fulfilment of set objectives for covering of social and economic indicators at the exhibitions and business forums held both in and outside the country, intensification of business cooperation and increment of export volumes of local producers.

The plan for January – December 2020 has been executed by 126.3 percent. The growth rate of works and services provided by the facilities of the Trade and Industrial Chamber of Turkmenistan was 102.7 percent. 8 exhibitions, 31 business forums and round table sessions have been held in 2020 in video conference format.

Organization of international exhibition including international conference and business meetings, during which 130 bilateral agreements and documents including the documents on export of local production to the amount of 72.8 million US dollars have been signed, was one of the most important events of last year.

In addition, virtual exposition “Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan” dedicated to the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality of the country has been organized in the period under review. 

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has requested to prepare and deservingly present Turkmenistan at the coming EXPO World Exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Confidence that participation of our country in the EXPO in Dubai would support further expansion of geography and directions of cooperation with all interested countries and companies, advertisement and promotion of national production in foreign markets as well as study of advanced world practice in various spheres has been expressed.

Chairman of the Trade and Industrial Chamber D. Rejepov was requested to prepare to the events on occasion of the glorious 30th anniversary of sacred independence and to hold the events on high level.

Chairman of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs D. Hydayberdiyev has reported to the head of Turkmen state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on activity of organization in 2020.

The volumes of industrial production have been increased by 103.5 percent, agricultural and food production by 134 percent. The trade has grown by 103.7 percent, services provided to the population by 110.1 percent.

Integrated works are carried out for increment of volumes of import substitutive and export production. The volumes of export of industrial and food production to foreign countries have been increased owing to the state support provided to private sector.

Members of the UIET work on introduction of digital technologies according to the Concept of development of digital economy in Turkmenistan in 2019 – 2025. Thus, private companies engaged in trade and service spheres expand online trade, make mobile apps as well as use capabilities of popular internet platforms for distant sale of produced goods. 

Under the programs implemented in the country, the members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs have accomplished the construction of 44 production and social facilities and arranged number of productions in 2020.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that comprehensive development of entrepreneurship in Turkmenistan, growth of role of private sector by wide introduction of modern market mechanisms are the main directions of social and economic policy of our state. 

It is necessary to continue working in this direction as well as to increase number of trade representative offices and representative offices of the Union, which supports the development of beneficial business contacts with foreign partners, abroad, the head of the state said, having given certain instructions to the chairman of the UIET.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldieyv, who is in charge agricultural complex, has reported to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on allocation of land plots for long-term use for construction of industrial agricultural facilities, hothouse farms, livestock and poultry complexes and other production works to the members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. 

Measures on increment of fields under crops and improvement of productivity are taken in the region for fulfilment of objectives set by the head of the state for stable provision of the population with potato, vegetable, cucurbitaceous and other crops.

Together with farming association, private producers also carry out relative works, in particular, use allocated land plots for construction of hothouse farms.

It was highlighted that bread and bakery are supplied to food stores in necessary volumes for satisfaction of the population’s demand in wheat flour and bakery.

Information about measures undertaken for solution of set objectives on provision of textile facilities with cotton has been presented. Processing and production of cotton fiber are continued at the facilities. 

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the vice-premier with instructions for improvement of seed production and breeding work for cultivation of wheat, compliance with scientific approach to receiving good seeding material, which is adapted to soil and climate conditions of our country.

The Head of the State noted that integrated and coordinated activity of agricultural complex and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs gives positive results, which is indicated by reliable food provision of Turkmenistan citizens. Having highlighted the necessity to continue work in this direction, the leader of the nation gave relative instructions to certain officials.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov has reported at the working session of fulfilment of objectives given by the head of the state for systematic analysis of financial and economic condition of trade complex for protection of the rates of its stable development.

Having listened to the report, the leader of the nation focused that provision of steadfast economic growth of the country is a priority objective of today. In this regard, Head of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted that the structures under trade complex have to be under permanent attention including by making of favorable conditions for private business.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov has reported on outcomes of work of trade complex in 2020 and on the plan of coming works this year. 

It was also reported on the measures taken for provision of food abundance, opening of industrial and processing export oriented production facilities. 

Having listened to the report, the President of Turkmenistan pointed out the necessity to increase the rates of production volumes in the country. It is necessary to improve support provided by the government to private sector of the economy including provision of financial, resource and technical support to small and medium business. 

The activity for establishment of modern structure of trade organization with introduction of digital technologies to this sphere has to meet time requirements. In this regard, the head of the state has addressed CH. Gylyjov with certain instructions. 

Summing up the outcomes of the session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that it is necessary to work hard this year for improvement of activity of trade sphere. 

It is necessary to use production capacities of the complex by maximum, to implement digital systems, latest scientific and technical achievements to the industry, to use efficient methods of work organization at the facilities and to attract foreign investments to production more actively.

The leader of the nation has given specific assignments to the participants of the session for fulfilment of outlined utmost objectives. 

The leader of the nation has requested Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations O. Gurbannazarov to hold under strict control the provision of local market with food products and basic goods. All measures have to be taken for provision of shops and markets with product abundance. 

Speaking of this, the head of the state has requested to analyze prices fro imported goods and to establish direct contacts with producers.

Relative instructions have been given for activation of gradual privatization of production and service facilities, which belong to consumer association, through the auction trades.  

Addressing Minister of Textile Industry R. Rejepov, Head of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov requested to take measures for improvement of quality, increment of volumes and variety of production, to study requirements of local and foreign markets, to arrange management of the production taking into account consumer demand, to increase volumes of export oriented production sold for foreign currency.

Having focused on importance to search for new markets and ways to sell goods, increment of income in foreign currency, the leader of the nation addressed the minister to carry out relative works in this direction. 

It was also requested to analyze prices on procured imported production and raw materials, which cannot exceed the prices for goods sold to neighboring countries as well as to establish direct contacts with producers. 

Addressing Chairman of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange B. Charieyv, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted the importance of timely completion of works provided by the Strategy of improvement of work of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan in 2020 – 2025, which was adopted last year. 

In this context, head of the state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has requested to raise the price on export oriented production through auction exchange trades, to carry out immediate work for introduction of digital system and technologies for provision of internet services to activity of the exchange, formation of electronic business market. 

In addition, the instructions have been given for improvement of the rules for registration of export and import agreements, pricing system as well as for formation of electronic pricing database of the exchange and its access.

Chairperson of the State Association  Türkmenhaly O. Ishanguliyeva was requested to work on increment of variety of carpet products and volume pf carpet production protecting national features and charm of Turkmen carpets at the same time.

Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has pointed out the necessity to search new markets for selling carpet production which would increase foreign currency income. It is also necessary to organize electronic trades of carpet items and use capabilities of electronic system for sale of carpets online in anniversary year.

It was also ordered to take measures for further provision of carpet production facilities with local material resources. 

Having focused on importance of increment of methodological assistance for increasing of export of national goods, support in search for new sale markets as well as provision of quality services to foreign businessmen – partners of our country, the head of Turkmenistan addressed Chairman of the Trade and Industrial Chamber D. Rejepov with specific instructions.

Due to the situation in the world economy, it is necessary to intensify business contacts in fulfilment of works and provision of services to suppliers and producer and to organize various exhibitions and conferences for this purpose.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has addressed Chairman of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs D. Hudayberdiyev with number of specific instructions, having said that special attention has to be paid to local business and private entrepreneurship in the conditions of market economy. The members of the UIET have to take active part in stabilization of national economy, to make input to its stable development by attraction of private and foreign investments. 

It is required to achieve full implementation of the State Program of support of small and medium business, increment of volumes of import substitutive and export oriented production as well as production of private companies in the year of the 30th anniversary of the Motherland’s independence, which would provide food abundance and strengthen food independence of the country, the head of the state noted. 

In addition, it is necessary to use all available cold stores in order to provide preservation of fruit, vegetable and cucurbitaceous production and their fresh supply all year around, Turkmen leader said, having given number of instructions. 

Addressing Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has demanded to analyze financial and economic indicators, production and business activity of facilities and organization of trade complex, to provide full and proper operation of service spheres and production in anniversary year.

It is necessary to hold under strict control the reduction of cost of production by analysis of expenses of organizations and facilities of trade complex and elimination of unnecessary expenses. 

It is necessary to improve the provision of local market with food production and essential goods, to make wide network of electronic trade and delivery of goods, to increase the range of service provided to the population, the head of Turkmenistan noted. 

Taking into account the fact that government has allocated big investments for textile industry, it is necessary to increase production efficiency and income of facilities, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued, having highlighted the relevance of reformation of unprofitable textile facilities to joint stock ventures with participation of private investors suing innovative management methods. 

The vice-premier has also been requested to provide coordinated cooperation of producers, exchange, Trade and Industrial Chamber and other government services for development of foreign trade and further increment of volumes of supply of national production abroad as well as to facilitate export operation, having analyzed documents required for this procedure.

The leader of the nation has focused on importance of introduction of digital system to textile and carpet production facilities for modernization of marketing activity, expansion of the scale of trade internet services for preparation of orders and sale of goods.

It was mentioned about activation of trade and commercial relations with other countries as well as work of Trade Representations of Turkmenistan in foreign countries in order to enhance the popularity of local quality textile in foreign markets. 

Addressing Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov and heads of trade complex, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has stated that the import of beef has been reduced by 32.5 percent, potato by 32.6 percent, tomato by 94.4 percent, onion by 8.4 percent, fruits by 37,3 percent in 2020 in monetary equivalent comparing with 2019, which is very good.

However, the export of poultry meat has increased by 6.9 percent, eggs by 85.8 percent, vegetable oil by 93.2 percent. It indicates that our measures, which were outlined for import substitutive production, have not been fulfilled completely, the head of the state said.

In this regard and taking the situation in the world economy, it is necessary to increase the volumes of food production made in the country, to improve the provision of local market with food, to expand the variety of services provided to the population, to arrange electronic trade and delivery services as well as to take measures for saturation of markets and shops with food, Turkmen leader highlighted. 

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has informed that volumes of export of textile production in price equivalent has been reduced by 1.1 percent, carpets by 71.8 percent, wool by 29.8 percent, raw leather by 43.1 percent comparing with 2019.

The head of the state said that big investments to textile and carpet industries provides increment of production efficiency and profitability of facilities of these spheres. 

In this regard, relative officials have been instructed to develop relative proposals on increment of volumes of production exported for foreign currency as well as to take measures in this direction and expand the geography of sale of production. 

In regards with outlined objectives, the President of Turkmenistan has given separate instructions on introduction of digital system for provision of electronic trade, fulfillment of orders on sale of textile, carpet nad carpet products.

Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has demanded to hold under control the analysis of expenses of facilities of trade, textile and carpet industries by introduction of efficient management methods and innovative technologies, to reduce the cost of production by elimination of unnecessary expenses. It was requested to carry out necessary works for procurement of production equipment on optimum prices. 

The head of the state has ordered to activate cooperation with producers and structures issuing licenses as well as cooperation for procurement of used auxiliary items, spare parts, chemicals, dyes and consumables.

At the same time, it is necessary to open facilities in the country for production of the analogues of textile equipment exported from foreign countries, to reach high price competition on export goods sold through the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange as well as to provide selling export goods at the highest exchange prices. 

In this regard, it was ordered to analyze the volume of incoming foreign currency on annual basis.

Coming over to the objectives of non-governmental sector, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has stated that at present time, the share of non-governmental sector in the GDP is 70 percent. It is planned to increase this indicator to 70.6 percent in 2021.

It is necessary to expand the activity of local business support center, to arrange services for management of the companies, development of marketing and entrepreneurship, attraction of financial resources for increment of capabilities of small and medium enterprises. 

According to anti-crisis program for 2020 – 2021, it is necessary to accelerate the development of draft program of increment of export volumes and opening of facilities making import substitutive production in 2021 – 2025.

Head of the state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has ordered the officials of trade complex to prepare this project for review at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the outcomes of the first quarter of the year. In this regard, the head of the state has given instruction to the heads of the complex to make conclusions from these instructions and provide implementation of set objectives. 

The President of Turkmenistan has requested Vice-premier G. Mushikov to make permanent analysis of financial and economic condition of trade complex and prepare proposals on improvement of provision of the sphere with monetary resources, to make revision of debts, return of credits and to hold this subject under control. 

The leader of the nation said that it is necessary to make thorough analysis of the level of operation of production capacities, work of profile facilities and establishment, condition of trade and causes of reduction of growth rates. 

Finishing working video conference session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has wished strong health, family wealth, big success in work for prosperity of sovereign Motherland to all participants