One of the key themes of the VIII International Gas Congress held in Avaza was the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline. It was noted that the laying of the 214-kilometer Turkmen section of the gas transportation line is being carried out according to the schedule, and it is planned to fully complete all works at the end of 2018. In January 2017, a contract was signed in Ashgabat between TAPI Pipeline Company Limited and ILF (Germany) for provision of services for FEED and project management in the territories of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Technical work on the territory of these states has already started. During 2017, it is planned to perform a complex of survey works, seismic surveys, aerial surveys, including the determination of the optimal TAPI route, the location of gas compressor stations and other auxiliary facilities on the pipeline route, and also to assess the impact of this project on the environment. It is planned to prepare an initial technical project (FEED) for the Afghan and Pakistani sections of the pipeline, and all necessary documentation for international tenders - in particular, for purchase of equipment, pipes and other products, and, in addition, to make a final investment decision on the TAPI project. The detailed information on this account was presented by the Managing Director of the company ""ILF Consulting Engineers"" Stefan Buerkle. Putting special emphasis on the social importance of the new energy line, he stressed that the key to success of this major energy project is its support by the local population. ""Afghanistan views TAPI as a priority national project,"" said Ajmal Ahmadi, senior advisor to the Afghan President for Financial and Economic Affairs. Noting that the gas pipeline will connect Turkmenistan, rich in natural gas, with energy-starved countries of South-East Asia, he stressed that the practical implementation of this project will contribute to solving the region's economic problems, its social and humanitarian issues. There will be an opportunity to create thousands of new jobs, along with corresponding electric power, transport and communication and social infrastructure. Afghanistan will also get a solid commercial benefit for the transit of gas through its territory. The construction of TAPI is the most important event in the world energy industry, said Mobin Saulat, the head of Inter State Gas Systems. Confirming the high interest of the Government of Pakistan in the early implementation of this project, he expressed gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for a pragmatic approach to the issues of international energy cooperation and constructive initiatives put forward by the Turkmen leader in this strategically important area. Great progress in the promotion of the TAPI project was noted by the Senior Advisor of the Asian Development Bank Chin Choon Fong and the Project Finance Manager of the company ""EY/AHB"" Dr. Sebastian Hofert von Weiss. Based on the results of business meetings in Singapore, London and New York with the leaders of the world financial structures, it is assumed that the main source of investment in the TAPI project will be international development banks that will also provide insurance guarantees for loans. In addition, part of financial resources will be provided by the world's export credit agencies and commercial banks.