EXTENDED SESSION OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS OF TURKMENISTAN TAKE PLACE

On February 12, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has held an extended session of the Cabinet of Ministers, at which the results of the work of the Government for 2020 and January of this year were reviewed, reports of vice-premiers, number of ministers and heads of the regions were presented. Priority issues of the country's social and economic development were also discussed and key tasks for the sectors of the national economy for the current year were outlined.

The leaders of the Mejlis, members of the State Security Council, heads of administrations of the regions, districts and the capital, media, rectors of universities as well as other officials were invited to the meeting.

First, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov has reported on the macroeconomic indicators of the past year, the implementation of the State budget and the development of investments from all sources of financing as well as on the comprehensive measures implemented according to the instructions of the head of state for further progressive social and economic development of the country.

Reporting on the outcomes for January 2021, the vice-premier has said that the GDP growth rate was 5.9 percent for the period under review. The volume of production has been increased by 4.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

The volume of retail trade in comparison with the corresponding period of 2020 has been increased by 17.8 percent.

Last month, the plan for the revenue of the State budget was fulfilled by 178.9 percent and the expenditure part by 83.1 percent.

The average wage at large and medium-sized enterprises of the country has been increased by 10.4 percent.

105 social facilities, more than 222.9 thousand square meters of housing as well as engineering and technical structures have been built under National Rural Program in a new version current January.

The Leader of the Nation was also presented with a draft Resolution on Approval of the Strategy for Management and Reform of Enterprises with State Share in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved and signed the submitted Resolution instructing the vice-premier to keep under unremitting control the implementation of the activities and works planned under this Strategy.

Further, the Minister of Finance and Economy M. Serdarov has reported on the execution of the State budget in 2020 and January of this year.

According to the results for January-December last year, the plan for state budget revenues was fulfilled by 101 percent, and on expenditures by 99.9 percent.

It was also reported that the plan for the development of investments under National Rural Program in the new edition was fulfilled by 121.4 percent.

As of February 1, 2021, the state budget revenues has been increased 1.8 times, the expenditure plan was fulfilled by 83.1 percent.

7 meetings of the balance committee were held, including 6 regional ones, have held in January.

13 state-owned objects were privatized for the period under review.

As of February 1, 2021, the construction of a number of facilities, engineering systems and structures as well as 44.7 thousand square meters of housing has been completed in the context of the implementation of the National Rural Program.

Chairman of the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan S. Velbegov has reported on fulfilment of planned objectives by ministries and sectoral departments in 2020 and January of this year.

It was reported that growth has been achieved in the industrial sector last year compared to the previous year, including the production of liquefied gas - by 16.7 percent, lubricants - by 11.7 percent, polyethylene - by 83.5 percent, metal products. - by 1.6 percent, plastic and fiberglass pipes - by 45.8 percent.

In January 2021, the growth of production of petroleum coke was 58.7 percent, cement - 28.6 percent, plastic and fiberglass pipes - 6.8 percent, and sausages - 2.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

The volume of communication services has been increased by 6.8 percent in the period under review.

The production of vegetables has been increased by 31.9 percent compared to the corresponding period of last year, meat - by 2.6 percent, milk - by 3.7 percent, eggs - by 2 percent in agricultural complex in January this year,.

Further, Chairman of the Central Bank M. Annadurdiyev has reported on the results of the activities of the subordinate institutions in 2020 as well as in January of this year.

As of February 1, 2021, the total volume of loans, compared to the same date last year, has been increased by 11 percent.

The volume of loans allocated to the non-government sector of the economy has exceeded the same indicator of the previous year by 14.6 percent. The growth rate for the issuance of beneficial bank loans to private structures was 3.1 percent. 1,824 projects have been supported financially.

The volume of loans granted to private producers working in the agricultural industrial complex for the purchase of agricultural machinery and equipment has been increased by 33.5 percent in comparison with the same indicator last year.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Abdrahmanov has reported on the implementation of the Program of development of the country's oil and gas industry until 2030 in 2020 and January of this year.

It was noted that last year the plan for oil and gas condensate production has been fulfilled by 100 percent, natural and associated gas - by 101 percent and oil refining - by 101.7 percent. The growth rate of production of gasoline was 104.5 percent, diesel fuel - 104.4 percent, polypropylene - 102.2 percent, liquefied gas - 116.7 percent. It was also reported about the volumes of gas export and utilized investments.

The plan of oil refining was fulfilled by 100.8 percent, the production of gasoline - by 100.4 percent, diesel fuel - by 103.4 percent, polypropylene - by 102.5 percent, production of natural and associated gas - by 115.9 percent, the export of gas - by 110.6 percent, the development of investments - by 131.4 percent in January this year.

Having listened to the report, the head of state gave instructions on further modernization of the industry.

Addressing the audience, the President of Turkmenistan has noted that courageous ancestors of the Turkmen nation made a lot of effort to raise the authority of their native country, they used to build and create leaving an imperishable mark in history.

We honor and perpetuate the bright memory of these great personalities, and do many things for this.

It is worth to mention Alty Karliyev, Maya Kuliyeva, Byashim Nurali - representatives of theatrical, film and musical art as well as musicians-bakhshi - Shukur bakhshi, Magtumguly Garliyev, Saha Jepbarov, Turkmen poets and prose writers A. Agabayev and O. Odayeva. The original names of settlements, villages and other objects are also brought back.

In this regard, the head of state instructed the Mejlis of Turkmenistan to consider the subject of assigning the name of Yagshygeldy Kakayev to the International Oil and Gas University.

The leader of the nation has emphasized that Y. Kakaev was a prominent statesman and public figure of our country, a person with vast experience, a mentor. It was he who made a huge contribution to the formation of a modern system of the oil and gas industry including the foundation and development of the International Oil and Gas University.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov has reported on the outcomes of activities of ministries and departments of the transport and communications spheres in 2020 and in January this year. It was reported that the production plan for the structures of this complex has been fulfilled by 123 percent last year.

For the first month of 2021, the facilities of the sphere have fulfilled the production plan by 106.6 percent.

The growth rate for the Türkmendemirýollary agency was 114.7 percent, for the Türkmenawtoulaglary agency - 100.4 percent, for the Türkmendeňizderýaýollary agency - 102.2 percent. Relevant work has been carried out by the agency Türkmenhowaýollary in the reporting period.

The plan in the field of cargo transportation and cargo turnover by road, rail, air and sea transport has been fulfilled by 104.6 and 106.2 percent, respectively. The growth rate of the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency is equal to 106.8 percent.

Continuing the report, the vice-premier has said that in order to implement the tasks set in the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan in 2019-2025, the specialists of the "Türkmenaragatnaşyk" Agency have developed a draft Resolution on Approval of the State Program for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2021- 2025, which was submitted to the head of state for review.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the presented document and addressed specific instructions to the vice-premier to intensify the implementation of digitalization projects paying special attention to the development and building up of the relevant infrastructure.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Sh. Durdyliyev has reported on the results of the activities of the branches under his supervision over the past year and January 2021 as well as on the work carried out for development of investment program for the commissioning of construction projects in the current anniversary year and the draft Resolution on Approval of the Regulation on Licensing of Import Activities, Production and Sale of Chemical Products.

Thus, the plan for the production of products and the provision of services in the construction and industrial sector was fulfilled by 118.4 percent, the growth rate was 122.5 percent in January-December 2020.

For the first month of this year, the plan for production and work in this sector has been fulfilled by 131.6 percent.

According to the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, the plan of the works has been fulfilled by 106.2 percent with a growth rate of 102.4 percent for the reporting period.

In January this year, the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production has fulfilled the plan for the production and works by 120.4 percent. The growth rate was 120.6 percent.

By the Ministry of Energy, the electricity production plan has been fulfilled by 108.2 percent with a growth rate of 106 percent. The plan for the export of electricity has been fulfilled by 127.7 percent, the growth rate was equal to 112.9 percent.

During the same period, the State Concern "Türkmenhimiýa" has fulfilled the plan for production and provision of services by 177.2 percent with a growth rate of 148.6 percent.

The plan for the works and the services of Ashgabat’s Administration has been fulfilled by 114.4 percent.

The vice-premier has also submitted a draft of the developed investment program for the commissioning of construction projects in 2021 and a draft Resolution on Approval of the Regulation on Licensing activities for the Import, Production and Sale of Chemical Products to the head of state.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the timeliness of the adoption of the new Regulation, which provides the amendments and addendums of existing national legislation.

Having signed the relevant Resolution, the head of state gave specific orders for the strict implementation of this important document to the vice-premier.

Highlighting the matters of the construction program for the current year, within the framework of which a lot of work lies ahead, the leader of the nation has noted that the volume of investments from all sources of funding is approaching 40 billion manats. These funds are intended for financing of the construction and reconstruction of plants and factories, hospitals, medical centers and health houses, kindergartens and schools, houses of culture, administrative centers, new settlements and residential buildings.

In this regard, the head of Turkmenistan pointed out the necessity to ensure strict control over the construction of industrial and social facilities, especially those that are scheduled to be commissioned in the capital to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sacred independence of our state.

Having signed the Decree on the approval of the investment program for 2021, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave appropriate instructions for fulfilment the tasks outlined in the document to the vice-premier.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Gylyjov has reported on the implementation of the instructions given earlier by the leader of the nation as well as on the results of work in 2020 and January this year in the trade and textile industries and business sector.

According to the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, the growth of trade volume in January this year compared to the same period last year was equal to 110.2 percent, the growth rate of production - 111.5 percent.

The growth of volume of products manufactured by the enterprises of the Ministry of the Textile Industry, including cotton yarn and fabrics, is equal to 117.1 and 101.8 percent respectively, garments and knitwear - 123.2 percent, leather products - 105 percent.

The production plan of the State Association "Türkmenhaly" has been fulfilled by 106 percent.

In January, the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange has held 24 trading sessions and concluded 2,434 contracts.

The growth rate of work performed by the Trade and Industrial Chamber was 116.8 percent.

The growth rate of agricultural and food production of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was 155.6 percent and industrial production - 101.3 percent in January.

Further, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Geldinyyazov, who reported on the results of the work carried out in the supervised spheres of education, science, health care and sports in 2020 and January 2021 as well as on the development of drafts of a number of documents.

According to the Resolutions of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Center for Innovative Information of the Ministry of Education has ben opened, 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 and the Concept for Improving Education subjects in natural and exact sciences in Turkmenistan have been approved and adopted.

Last year, the Academy of Sciences monitored the implementation of 346 works in priority areas of science and technology. 3 doctoral, 14 candidate dissertations have been defended, relative academic degrees have been awarded.

Turkmen sportsmen participated in 11 international competitions, where they won 12 gold, 9 silver and 18 bronze medals.

In the first month of this year, medical and diagnostic institutions continued to work in medical areas. The IX Turkmen-German Health Forum has been held in video conference format. The country has officially registered the Sputnik V and EpiVacCorona vaccines made in the Russian Federation.

The State program in the field of state youth policy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2025 and the Program of support and development of physical culture and sports in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025 have been approved by the Resolutions of the leader of the nation. Turkmenistan Cup online chess competition has been held.

Meetings with international organizations and relevant foreign ministries have been held in video conference format since the beginning of the year. Scientific and practical conferences, propaganda and explanatory events have held, programs have been prepared and articles have been published on occasion of the Year "Turkmenistan - Home of Peace and Trust".

Further, the vice-premier has presented draft documents to the head of state for review.

Having signed the Resolution on celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great thinker and classic poet of the East Magtumguly Fragi and the Order on the approval of the quota for admission of post-graduate students in 2021 to post-graduate school and applicants for a scientific degree, residents in clinical residency, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave specific instructions for their proper execution tot eh vice-premier.

Regarding the presented draft of new edition of the State Health Program, it was instructed to elaborate the program providing the construction of new hospitals with scientific and clinical centers in the regions of the country.

The head of state noted that research and production centers for virology, bacteriology and epidemiology have also to be built. The center have to have all conditions for deep scientific research in the field of epidemiology, molecular microbiology and immunology. In addition, these centers should conduct scientific research of the causes of endemic diseases, to determine the possibility of spreading infectious diseases, measures for their prevention and etiological sources.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has given the task to discuss these issues once again, to elaborate on program projects and then submit them to the Cabinet of Ministers for review.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova has reported on the results of the work of the supervised sphere in 2020 and January 2021.

Various major cultural events, exhibitions, meetings, creative contests, propaganda campaigns and musical celebrations, opening ceremonies and commissioning of social and cultural facilities have been organized last year.

Various meetings have been held in video conference format, a number of documents on international cooperation have been signed.

The plan of Turkmen State Publishing Service has been fulfilled by 108.9 percent.

Organization Committee has been established to hold high-level celebrations and events on the occasion of the glorious 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence and its composition has been approved.

Various creative contests to mark the anniversary of independence and the 140th anniversary of the Turkmen capital have been announced. The advanced world experience is being studied in order to organize festive celebrations at a high level.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov has made a report on the results of the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the context of the consistent implementation of the foreign policy of independent neutral Motherland in 2020 and January 2021.

Last year, the President of Turkmenistan has paid an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan and also held a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who paid a working visit to our country. During this period, the head of state has taken part in a number of high-level meetings and forums held online and also made a video message at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had telephone conversations with the UN Secretary General and the leaders of foreign states, during which priority issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, which meet common interests, have been discussed.

Reporting on the results for January 2021, the vice-premeir, the Foreign Minister has stressed the importance of the events that took place in the past month. It inclues the commissioning of a 30-kilometer railway line between Akina and Andkhoy stations in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, a power transmission line with 500 kilovolts voltage and a length of 153 kilometers along the Kerki (Turkmenistan) - Andkhoy (Afghanistan) route, as well as Ymamnazar (Turkmenistan) - Akina (Afghanistan) and Serhetabat (Turkmenistan) - Turgundy (Afghanistan) international fiber-optic communication system and transit flows. Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani have taken part in the celebrations on this occasion in online mode.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on joint exploration, development and development of hydrocarbon resources of the Dostluk field in the Caspian Sea was another important event. Leaders of two countries Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ilham Aliyev have taken part in the signing ceremony of this important document, which reflects the high level of traditionally friendly, good-neighborly interstate relations.

On January 29, an official start was given to the International Year of Peace and Trust, which was proclaimed by the relevant Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, adopted at the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan. A solemn ceremony on this occasion took place at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the report, the vice-premier, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has presented the draft Resolutions on holding international conferences, celebrations and events in honor of the 30th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan and the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality as well as on the occasion of the announcement of the slogan of 2021 “Turkmenistan – Home of Peace and Trust ”; on the approval of the Foreign Trade Strategy of Turkmenistan for 2021-2030; on the establishment of Interdepartmental Commission for coordination of work of the "Single Window for Export-Import Operations" system to the head of state for review.

Having listened to the report and signing the submitted Resolutions, the leader of the nation gave specific instructions for their implementation including ensuring a high level of all planned events to the head of the Foreign Ministry.

Speaker of the Mejlis G. Mammedova has informed about the activities of the parliament for modernization of the legislative sphere of the country in 2020 and in the first month of this year.

4 meetings of the Mejlis have been held, a total of 102 documents have been adopted including 57 laws and 45 resolutions of National parliament.

Plan of legislative work of the Mejlis for 2021 has been developed. Currently, based on proposals from the relevant ministries and sectoral departments, new legal documents are being developed.

Together with the Central Election Committee, regional administrations political parties, public associations, The Mejlis is carrying out appropriate work on the organized preparation for the election of members of the People’s Council. Members and experts of the parliament have taken part in video meetings and seminars, which contribute to the build-up of bilateral interstate partnership, further improvement of legislative activity and the implementation of state programs.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has emphasized the relevance of the consistent improvement of national legislative base in the context of the implementation of large-scale reforms aimed at strengthening of the foundations of democratic, legal, secular Turkmen state, ensuring high rates of economic development and a steady increment of living standards of citizens.

This jubilee year, the Turkmen parliamentarians face the most important tasks related to the adoption of new laws that contribute to the further progress of our sovereign Motherland and the welfare of the Turkmen people. Deputies should be in the center of public events and to study the needs of the people, the leader of the nation summed up.

Continuing the extended session of the Cabinet of Ministers, Head of State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov moved on to issues of the agricultural complex, giving the floor to the heads of the regions and the vice-premier who is in charge of the agricultural industrial complex.

Head of the Ahal Region Y. Gurbanov, Head of Balkan Region T. Atahalliyev, Head of Dashoguz Region N. Nazarmyradov, Head of Lebap Region Sh. Amangeldiev, Head of Mary Region D. Annaberdiyev have made reports on fulfilment of works and objectives over 2020 and outlined for current year as well as on the outcomes of work carried out in January this year.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers E. Orazgeldiyev has reported on the results of the activities of the branches under his supervision in 2020 and January this year as well as on the progress of reforms in agriculture and seasonal field works in the regions.

It was noted that last year the growth rate of production in the ministry and departments of the agricultural industrial complex was 104 percent compared to 2019. The investment development plan was fulfilled by 120.4 percent.

In January this year, the growth rate of production volumes, work and services was 104.2 percent compared to the same period last year in agro-industrial complex in general. This indicator of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection has reached 104.3 percent, the State Water Management Committee - 103.6 percent, the State Association “Türkmen atlary” - 104 percent. The investment development plan has been fulfilled by 125.2 percent.

35,000 hectares of land were sown with fodder crops in order to increase the livestock population and provide livestock breeders with fodder last autumn.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Decree on planting trees in Turkmenistan in 2021 as well as the Decree on approving water use limits in regions and districts in 2021.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council Ch. Amanov has reported on work done in 2020 and in the first month of the year on the implementation of the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan in order to successfully advance large-scale military reform.

Four meetings of the State Commission have been held during the reporting period according to the Regulation on the State Cybersecurity Commission, in order to properly fulfill the tasks arising from the State Cybersecurity Program and the plan for its implementation for 2017-2021,.

The leader of the nation has noted that taking into account the implementation of work on systematic introduction of a digital system and advanced information and communication technologies that meet international standards in all sectors of the national economy, it is necessary to carry out combined work to ensure cybersecurity in these areas. At the same time, great importance has to be paid to the issues of regular modernization of activities in the field of cybersecurity.

Noting the importance of large-scale reform being carried out in the military sphere, the head of state has focused on the importance of improving combat training and patriotic education of young defenders of the Motherland.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Chairman of the Supreme Control Chamber S. Berdimuhamedov has reported on the situation at large facilities and buildings of industrial and social purposes, which are scheduled for commissioning in honor of the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Motherland.

All planned work for the opening of a number of facilities has been completed on time in the first days of 2021.

Gas compressor station has been put into operation at the Malay field in the Charjew district.

The vice-premier has also informed about the work being carried out on new buildings in the capital, scheduled for commissioning this year.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has emphasized the importance of wider introduction of advanced technologies and know-how in construction as well as a scientific approach to the development of architectural projects and ensuring their investment competitiveness.

Further, addressing the meeting participants, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has described the results of the work done last year. The leader of the nation has noted that the past year turned out to be difficult and hard for all of us but we have managed to fulfill almost all our plans. All events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the neutrality of the Motherland have been held. Work on development and adoption of laws based on the invariable national principles of independence, neutrality, peace and democracy has been continued.

The reformation of the country's highest legislative body - the establishment of a two-chamber Parliament, which was launched after the introduction of amendments and addendums of the Constitution, has been almost completed.

The President of Turkmenistan has emphasized that we have maintained high growth rates of national economy. Last year, the GDP growth was 5.9 percent, including 3.3 percent in the industry, 15.1 in trade, 4.7 percent in transport and communication industry.

About 12 thousand new work places have been created. The rate of national currency has also been kept within the intended limits. New measures have been taken on the way of increasing the power and competitiveness of the Motherland. The main structures and sectors of the national economy are developing steadily.

Over $ 38 billion has been invested in the construction industry as part of the planned programs, the leader of the nation said. Last year, 45 large industrial and social facilities with a total value of about $ 8 billion were commissioned from all sources of financing.

Last year, about 1 million 500 thousand tons of wheat, over 1 million 200 thousand tons of cotton were produced, which made it possible to ensure the country's food security, the head of Turkmenistan stressed.

Residential buildings with a total area of over 2 million square meters including luxury apartments were commissioned last year, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted. This allowed thousands of families, including low-income ones, to celebrate housewarming.

A new stage has been started in the development of systems of science, education, pedagogy. Numerous kindergartens are under construction, higher educational institutions, health care, culture and sports centers equipped with the most modern technology are being opened. Systematic work continues on the transformation of the economy and its transfer to market rails.

As President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted describing the past year, it was marked by numerous major events and successes and would forever remain in the history of the state and the memory of the people. Indeed, a colossal work has been done to use the country's natural resources, its enormous economic potential and the spiritual and cultural prosperity of the nation effectively in 2020.

At the same time, the head of state reiterated that all our achievements became possible only due to the wide support of the people provided to the policy and to their active participation in the ongoing transformations. In this regard, the leader of the nation has expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who, through their work, contributed to the success of the independent Motherland, to the heads of ministries, branch departments and ordinary workers.

Addressing the meeting participants, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has noted that every year of the country's life is marked by some slogan. The announced slogan of this year "Turkmenistan – Home of Peace and Trust" has a huge meaning.

Speaking about this, the leader of the nation has emphasized the importance of promoting the rise of the patriotic spirit of the people, implementing projects and programs aimed at further development of the Motherland, strengthening of its economic potential, improvement of social and living conditions of the people.

The head of state has noted further that the results of the activities of all complexes in 2020 were reviewed, steps were outlined to eliminate the shortcomings at the recently held special working meetings. And now the next task for managers in order to improve work is to fulfill these instructions and planned measures in a short time.

We need new projects, new ideas and management solutions for successful development of the Motherland. It means that initiatives should be put forward, and there should be as many of them as possible, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

We must increase the volume of production of import-substituting products developing the countless natural resources of the country and effectively use these colossal opportunities in the future.

The leader of the nation has also outlined improvement of the quality of life of the population, provision of the growth of their income, opening of new work places and attraction of the largest possible amount of investment among the main tasks of all officials for the current year.

As the head of Turkmenistan emphasized, we must celebrate significant dates important for our state - the 30th anniversary of sacred independence and the 140th anniversary of the white marble capital, Ashgabat, on the highest organizational level.

In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan has inquired about the relevant preparatory work that is carried out in the main city of the country.

Reporting on this subject, Head of Ashgabat’s Administration Y. Gylyjov has informed that cultural program has been prepared in honor of the glorious dates. The program includes organization of various creative contests, musical festivals, art readings, concerts and exhibitions. Special attention is paid to this work in order to carry out the planned events on high level.

Noting the significance of these dates in the life of the capital, the head of state has stressed that the planned events should embody the achievements of the country and especially Ashgabat in the years of independence, the success of the era of might and happiness, the prosperous life of the citizens.

Further, addressing the meeting participants, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has reminded that it is known that traditional contest was announced to determine the best of the districts in terms of social, economic and cultural indicators among disrtricts and cities with district authorities in the regions. Having noted that special commission under the leadership of the Trade Unions summed up the results of this review, the head of state gave floor to chairman of the National Center of Trade Unions G. Atayeva for a report.

It was reported that based on the analysis of the information provided, the best district of the country in 2020 was selected.

According to the results of the review, S. A. Niyzov district, Dashoguz Region has become the winner.

Having listened to the information, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Orders on awarding a cash prize of $ 1 million to the administration of S.A. Niyazov district, Dashoguz Region and on announcement of similar competition in 2021.

Summing up the outcomes of the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan has stated with satisfaction that despite the difficulties and negative phenomena that have arisen in the world, we have managed to maintain peace and security, achieve social and economic growth, and improvement of the living standards of people. Thus, our country and we are confidently moving forward with it.

Concluding the extended session of the Cabinet of Ministers, head of state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has wished good health and great success to all the participants and well-being to his native people.