A solemn awarding ceremony of a high well-deserved award –a cash prize in the amount of 1 million US dollars to the etrap of Magtymguly of Balkan velayat, which became the best etrap of the country, took place in the etrap museum of Magtymguly Fragi.

As known, the traditional contest for highest social, economic and cultural indices is held annually with a view of encouragement of work carried out to implement socio-economic development programs of Turkmenistan and regular improvement of social and living standards of population in regions.

Actors of theatre, workers of culture and art, creative groups who prepared a grand program of songs and music to add joy and happiness to the atmosphere of the holiday welcomed numerous guests of the solemnity on the square in front of the museum. In honour of the significant date, there were set up white Turkmen yurts “ak oy“, exhibitions of agricultural produce and decorative and applied arts, exposition of paintings and books were organized there.

In the solemn meeting, heads of the national centre of trade unions, velayat, and etrap khyakimliks, deputies of the Mejlis, distinguished workers of various institutions and enterprises, agricultural workers, honoured elders and grey-haired grandmothers, representatives of public organizations and mass media took part.

The outcome of the contest, announced at the beginning of the past year among etraps of velayats and cities with the etrap status as well as etraps of Ashgabat city was informed in the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of February 10, which was devoted to the outcome of socio-economic development of Turkmenistan in 2022.

The special commission, which summed up the outcome of the contest, focused its attention on indices of the year gained in such areas as implementation of the National program of the President of Turkmenistan on transforming the social conditions of the population of villages, towns, cities of districts and district centres and fulfilment of contractual obligations for production of gain and cotton, construction of various projects. A great significance was attached to solution of social issues, including employment, organization of cultural activities, ecological welfare, education of the gifted, physically sound and spiritually developed growing generation, cultivation of principles of healthy life style in society during selection of the winner.

Having familiarized with given indices, the head of the state signed the Order to award the winner of the contest – khyakimlik of Magtymguly etrap of Balkan velayat a cash prize of 1 million US dollars.

In his congratulatory message sent to residents of this model etrap, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined that in the Era of Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, all velayats of the country and Ashgabat city make a weighty contribution to socio-economic development of our independent neutral fatherland. In this regard, Magtymguly etrap, where in accordance with the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for socio-economic development of the country for 2022-2028 and National Rural Development Program, a multifaceted work is carried out successfully to construct new projects and reconstruct excising ones, to build industrial and social facilities as a bright example of evidence of efficiency of the main principle of the policy “State for people”, has distinguished itself as a model one.

It is noteworthy that the land of the great philosopher of the East and poet classic Magtymguly Fragi deserved such high honour during preparation for the 300^th birthday anniversary of the outstanding son of Turkmen people.

On behalf of citizens of Magtymguly etrap, the letter of gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was prepared and it expressed their deep gratitude for a high evaluation of their contribution to dynamic development of national economy of independent Turkmenistan, tireless care of improvement of living standards of people and great attention to development of modern social and economic infrastructure of velayats.

Upon completion of the solemn meeting, a festive concert was organized there.