Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has held a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers using the digital system, at which reports from deputy prime ministers were heard and the results of work done in the first quarter of this year were summed up.

Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova was first to speak, who informed about the activities of the National Parliament over the past three months to improve the country’s legislation.

As was reported, during the period under review, 9 Laws of Turkmenistan and 8 Resolutions of the Mejlis were adopted. These include new legislative regulations “On instituting the anniversary medal “Magtymguly Pyragynyň 300 ýyllygyna”, as well as on energy saving and energy efficiency, hydrometeorological activities, ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on international motor transport link. At the same time, a number of legal documents have been improved. Currently, working commissions are preparing draft laws aimed at regulating public relations in various fields.

As part of the development of international and inter-parliamentary relations, 11 meetings have been held since the beginning of the year, including the acceptance of credentials from 4 Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to Turkmenistan. Along with this, the reported included information that deputies and employees of the National Parliament participated in 25 seminars held jointly with international organizations on the issues related to updating lawmaking and promoting the implementation of government programs. Representatives of the Mejlis were on 7 working trips.

During the period under review, the first meeting “The Role of Parliamentary Cooperation in Strengthening Peace and Dialogue” was held with the participation of the parliament heads from the countries parties to the Group of Friends of Neutrality.

At the same time, the report covered the participation of people’s representatives in various events to explain to the general public the key aspects of the state policy, the successes being achieved in the country, the importance of the initiatives put forward by the President of Turkmenistan, as well as the goals of the adopted legal regulations.

Summing up the information, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed out with satisfaction the effectiveness of work being carried out to strengthen and update the legislative framework of the state. During the period under review, appropriate amendments and addenda were made to some legal instruments, the head of state said, focusing on the importance of further improving the country’s legislation based on the present-day realities.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on macroeconomic indicators for the first quarter of 2024.

The comprehensive measures taken over the past period, aimed at maintaining sustainable development of all sectors of the economy and regions, contributed to preserving a stable rate of GDP growth.

In general, the production volume of goods was 8.8 percent more, as compared to the same period in 2023.

In January-March this year, the retail trade turnover increased by 11 percent in comparison with the similar period last year.

As was reported, the revenue of the country’s State Budget for the first quarter was executed 102.9 percent, and its expenditure was fulfilled 97.6 percent.

As compared to the same period in 2023, wages at large and medium-sized enterprises increased by 10 percent. Wages, pensions, government benefits and student scholarships have been fully funded.

The capital investments from all sources of financing, aimed at developing the national economy, were 25.3 percent higher compared to the same period in 2023.

The report included information on the performance of the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country in 2022-2028. As was reported, construction has been completed at 20 out of 370 facilities planned for building and reconstruction, relevant work is underway at 207, and preparatory work was launched at the other facilities.

Having heard the report, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that based on the successes achieved over the past three months, stability in GDP growth must be maintained in the future, and appropriate measures have to be taken for the further development of manufacturing industries. At the same time the necessity was highlighted to carry out proper work in order to fully fulfill the revenue of the State Budget and to keep under strict control the rational and targeted use of its expenditure funds. Particular attention must be paid to the consistent improvement of the performance of the economic, financial and banking complex, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized, giving a number of specific instructions to the deputy prime-minister.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Amanov reported on the results of work carried out in the industries under his supervision in January-March 2024.

As was reported, in the first quarter, the State Concern “Türkmennebit” fulfilled production plans 102.1 percent for oil, by 101.1 percent for gasoline, 100 percent for diesel fuel, 100 percent for polypropylene, and 100 percent for lubricating oils. The liquefied gas production growth rate was 109.4 percent.

The report included information on the implementation of the plan for refining oil at oil refineries, which totaled 102.1 percent. Along with this, the reported covered the technical and economic indicators achieved in the oil, gas condensate, natural and associated gas production, and gas exports.

Summing up the report, the President of Turkmenistan focused on the importance of continuing work to increase the production and exports of oil and natural gas. By effectively using production capacities, it is necessary to fulfill the plans for oil refining and the production of petroleum products, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, giving a number of instructions to the deputy prime minister.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T. Atahallyev reported on the results of activities in sectors under his supervision in January-March of the current year, and on the seasonal work ongoing in the velayats.

As was reported, production growth rate in the agro-industrial complex as a whole reached 121.4 percent. At the same time, this figures amounted to 145.4 percent for the Ministry of Agriculture was, 117.5 percent for the Ministry of Environmental Protection, 137.1 percent for the State Committee for Water Management, 102.1 percent for the State Concern “Türkmenpagta”, 196.5 percent for the State Association “Türkmengallaönümleri”, 110.7 percent for the State Association “Türkmenobahyzmat”, 112.7 percent for the State Association of Food Industry, 132 percent for the State Association of Livestock and Poultry Industry and 101.5 percent for the State Association “Türkmen atlary”. The investments assimilation plan was completed 270.9 percent.

The deputy prime minister also reported on the progress of seasonal work. Wheat is cared for and cotton is sowed in accordance with agro-technical standards. Practical steps are taken to provide the population with potatoes and vegetable, watermelon and melon crops produced in the country.

Measures are taken to organize the lambing campaign for sheep and camels. Work is also in progress to ensure the effective operation of agricultural machinery.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified proper treatment of wheat fields and measures to complete cotton sowing within the established agro-technical deadlines and at a high quality level as priorities.

Speaking about the livestock industry, the head of state highlighted the importance of a responsible approach to conducting the lambing season. Work must continue to increase the yield of potatoes and vegetable, watermelon and melon crops, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized, instructing the deputy prime minister to take specific measures for the efficient use of water resources, the introduction of water-saving technologies and the improvement of land reclamation.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annamammedov reported on the work done by supervised institutions, as well as the Ashgabat City Khyakimlik in January-March 2024.

Thus, in the first quarter of this year, the plan for manufacturing goods and performing work in the construction and industrial sector was fulfilled 121.8 percent.

During the reporting period, the Ministry of Construction and Architecture completed the plan 107.3 percent.

As for the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production, the plan for manufacturing goods and performing work during the same period was fulfilled 102.7 percent.

In January-March, the Ministry of Energy carried out the production, works and services plan 114.4 percent. The electricity production growth rate was 100.8 percent.

Since the beginning of the year, the plans for manufacturing goods and providing services have been fulfilled 152.8 percent by the State Concern “Türkmenhimiýa”, 115.1 percent by the State Agency for Management of Motorways Construction, and by 113 percent by the Ashgabat City Khyakimlik.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that large industrial and construction complex facilities have been put into operation in the country, including the recently commissioned Lebap cement plant in the Koytendag District with a capacity of 1 million tons of cement per year.

Currently, the construction of a cement plant in Bakharden is at the final stage, the head of state continued, expressing confidence that the building of such facilities will contribute to the economic development of our country.

In order to further increase the output in the construction and industrial complex, the appropriate work must be continued, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized, instructing the deputy prime minister to take the necessary measures to commission new enterprises, effectively operate production capacities, and successfully implement plans.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Atdayev reported on the indicators for ministries and departments of the trade and textile complexes, as well as the private business sector in January-March 2024.

As was reported, as for the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, the trade turnover growth during the reporting period amounted to 103.8 percent compared to the same period last year, and the production growth rate was 101.4 percent.

In comparison with the similar period last year, the enterprises of the Ministry of Textile Industry fulfilled the productions plans 106.5 percent for cotton fabric, 103.3 percent for garments and knitwear, and 109.5 percent for leather.

The production plan of the State Association “Türkmenhaly” was carried out 104.6 percent.

Since the beginning of the year, the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange has held 74 trading sessions and registered 6 thousand 867 contracts.

The growth rate of work carried out during the reporting period by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry totaled 108.3 percent. Three exhibitions and thirty conferences were organized.

As for the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the production growth rate over three months amounted to 107.6 percent in agricultural and food industries, 107.2 percent for industrial goods.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the focus must be on supplying the country’s markets and retail outlets with food products and essential goods. Specific measures for the effective management of textile enterprises and increasing the range and quantities of textile goods were specified among the priority objectives.

The deputy prime minister was also instructed to improve the performance of the State Commodities and Raw Materials Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry through the widespread introduction of new methods for organizing exchange trading sessions adopted in international practice.

Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Mammedova reported on the results of work in the areas under her supervision over three months of the current year.

During the reporting period, conferences, creative meetings, exhibitions, awareness-raising and explanatory events, song and music performances, first shows of films and documentaries were held on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Pyragy, the International Novruz Day and significant dates of the national calendar. At the same time, the results of previously announced competitions were summed up and awarding ceremonies for the winners were organized.

As part of international cooperation, Turkmen specialists were on working trips to a number of foreign countries, including Armenia and France.

On the occasion of declaring the city of Anau the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024, concerts, exhibitions of paintings and works of decorative and applied art, a photo exhibition, and a forum of the directors of state and national museums were organized with the participation of representatives of TURKSOY member countries.

The major events of the first quarter included the International Conference “Basic Areas of Development and Potential of Tourism in Turkmenistan”, and the media forum “Turkmen Land - the Center of Ancient Civilizations”.

The report included information on the work done during the indicated period by theaters, cinemas, film and concert centers, libraries, museums, the Turkmen State Publishing Service, the “Türkmenfilm” Association named after Oguzhan, and the State News Agency.

As was reported, the achievements and progressive reforms ongoing in our country under the leadership of the head of state were widely covered in the media.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that the celebrations on the occasion of declaring the city of Anau the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024 were held in an organized manner. In this context, the head of state ordered to take practical steps to conduct upcoming events at a high level. The deputy prime minister was also instructed to ensure proper preparation for cultural events to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of great poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Amannepesov reported on the work done in the first quarter of the current year in the fields of education, science, healthcare and sports.

As was reported, during the period under review, reforms aimed at educating a scientific generation, improving teaching methods, and enriching the content of textbooks and manuals were carried on.

High successes were demonstrated at international Internet subject contests. Since the beginning of the year, various intellectual and creative competitions and subject contests have been held, and the 4th Open International Mathematics Contest among students was held in accordance with the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan in an organized manner at the International University for the Humanities and Development.

The International Mathematics Contest among schoolchildren, which was held in the city of Arkadag, was timed to coincide with the third anniversary of establishing the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

During the period under review, fundamental reforms were carried out in the scientific field. In accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, the “Oghuz Khan” Scientific and Technological Center was established. Along with this, doctoral and master’s theses were defended, and work was carried out to admit postgraduate and doctoral students in scientific fields and register applicants for academic degrees.

Events were held on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Pyragy, as well as the International Scientific Conference “Ancient Anau Culture” to celebrate declaring the ancient city of Anau the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024.

Reporting on the work in the healthcare sector, the deputy prime minister informed that various operations were carried out on sick children funded from the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. On the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of establishing this Foundation, the Conference “Türkmen halkynyň Milli Lideriniň ynsanperwerlige esaslanýan taryhy başlangyçlary: howandarlygyň we çagalara mähirli garaýşyň nusgalyk tejribesi” was held.

During the indicated period, work was carried out to develop physical training and sports in the country, as well as to prepare national teams for the Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled for August-September. The necessary measures have been taken to hold an international hockey tournament at the proper level in accordance with the Decree of the Head of State.

Since the beginning of the current year, Turkmen athletes have participated in various international competitions and won a total of 97 awards, including 34 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals.

During the period under review, specialists were on working trips to foreign countries in order to exchange experience and improve their professional skills.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed out with satisfaction the effectiveness of the work done in the scientific and educational fields, healthcare, physical training and sports. Particularly focus was on the organized holding of international subject contests at higher and general education institutions of the country.

The achievements of schoolchildren and students at international competitions and subject contests are another indication of the success of reforms ongoing in the field of education. In this context, the importance of holding similar events among young people in the future was emphasized. Speaking about the necessity for continuing work to promote a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation, the head of state gave the deputy prime minister a number of specific instructions.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister R. Meredov reported on the results of activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the first quarter of the year in the context of implementing the foreign policy strategy of neutral Turkmenistan, achieving the goals set and fulfilling the instructions given by the head of state.

Steadily following the course of constructive cooperation being carried out under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, our country is successfully developing friendly relations, good neighborliness and fruitful partnership on bilateral, as well as multilateral basis within the international organizations.

As was pointed out in this regard, on January 4-6 National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was on a visit to the United Arab Emirates and on March 1 to the Republic of Turkiye in order to participate in the third Antalya Diplomatic Forum. Moreover, on April 4-5 the Hero Arkadag paid an official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan, where negotiations with President Emomali Rahmon and a number of bilateral meetings took place.

During the period under review, telephone conversations took place between the President of Turkmenistan and the Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation.

The dynamic nature of joint activities with foreign partners is obvious from the visits of foreign delegations to our country in January-March, as well as the visits of Turkmen delegations abroad.

This year, meetings and negotiations at various levels took place, including online. The legal framework of international cooperation of Turkmenistan was supplemented with 61 documents.

As was reported, relevant work is in progress to strengthen and expand diplomatic relations through embassies.

Summing up the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov specified that Turkmenistan, committed to the legal neutrality status, is steadily implementing the foreign policy aimed at achieving universal wellbeing. The priority of the constructive peace-loving strategy being implemented by the Homeland is the development of wide-ranging, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with all states of the world and international organizations.

Our country will continue to strengthen fruitful cooperation with the countries in the region and the world in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and educational fields, the head of state emphasized, and give the deputy prime minister, Foreign Ministry head relevant instructions.

Then, Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers M. Chakyev reported on the activities of supervised institutions over three months of the current year.

During the reporting period, the growth rate for this complex in the performance of work and provision of services totaled 118.1 percent.

This indicator was 105.4 percent in cargo transportation by motor, rail, air, sea and river transport, and 101.7 percent in passenger transportation.

The growth rate for the provision of services in January-March was 104.2 percent for the “Türkmendemirýollary” Agency, 110.2 percent for the “Türkmenawtoulaglary” Agency, 164.7 percent for the “Türkmenhowaýollary” Agency, 121.4 percent for the “Türkmendeňizderýaýollary” Agency, and 111 percent for the “Türkmenaragatnaşyk” Agency.

The report included information on the targeted work ongoing to implement the provisions contained in the “Concept of the Digital Economy Development in Turkmenistan for 2019-2025”.

It was also reported that construction of industrial and social facilities owned by the transport and communications complex is underway throughout the country.

Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that effective efforts must be continued to develop passenger and cargo turnover in all types of transport. Along with this, the Agency head was instructed to make the full use of international transport and transit potential.

Then, addressing the meeting participants, the President of Turkmenistan specified with satisfaction that the results of work done in the first quarter of this year demonstrate the successful implementation of the adopted programs. During the reporting period, there was a steady GDP growth, averaging 6.3 percent. This figure reached 4.7 percent in the industrial sector, 6.6 percent in the transport and communications sector, 7.6 percent in the service sector, 8.2 percent in trade, and 4.1 percent in agriculture. Wages were increased by 10 percent.

Large industrial and social facilities, including new villages, residential buildings, entertainment and medical centers, schools, kindergartens and others are under construction in the country. At the same time, reforms are carried out in the scientific and educational system in accordance with the adopted plans, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, emphasizing the need to continue taking appropriate measures to implement the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country in 2022–2028.

During the meeting, the head of state focused on events and celebrations on the occasion of significant dates of the national calendar and the opening of many facilities for various purposes, scheduled for April 2024 ongoing under the motto “The Fount of Wisdom of Magtymguly Pyragy”. In this context, instructions were given to properly prepare for the upcoming events and ensure their holding at a high level.

Then President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that on April 7, the World Health Day will be widely celebrated in our country. As was emphasized, in the modern epoch our country attaches great importance to the development of mass physical activities and sports, and large-scale reforms in this area are successfully carried out.

The World Health Day is of special importance in the national calendar as a significant date that symbolizes the high principles of friendship, peace, and sports, the President of Turkmenistan said, cordially congratulating members of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Turkmen people on this holiday.

Members of the Cabinet of Ministers wholeheartedly congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty on the occasion of World Health Day and expressed their wishes to the President of Turkmenistan and the Hero Arkadag for sound health, long years of life and success in large-scale activities.

Other important issues of state activity were also reviewed during the meeting, on which appropriate decisions were made.

Concluding the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the participants sound health, family wellbeing and great success in their work for the prosperity of the sovereign Homeland.