President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held extended seson of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the results of the first half year. Having announced the Agenda, the Head of the State gave floor to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Hojammamedov who reported on macroeconomic indices for the first half of 2017. The Vice- Premier informed that the growth of the GDP made 6.4 percent for the period under review. The index was increased for 3.2 percent in industrial complex, 4 percent on construction, 10.9 percent in transport and communication sector, 9.4 in trade, 2.8 in agriculture and 10.3 in service sphere. Comparing with the same period of the last year, the production increased for 4.3 perecent in general. By the outcomes of six months, the volume of retail turnover increased for 17.2 percent in comparison with the same period of 2016. The prices for consumer goods as well as service tariffs of the population are kept within set limits. Average wages in large and medium enterprises of the country were increased for 9 percent comparing with the same period of 2016. Reporting on the fulfilment of the assignments, the Vice-Premier informed in details on practical measures proposed for improvement of the activity of financial, economic and banking institutions and rational use of the State Budget funds. Under the report, the Vice-Premier informed on the development of the project “The Programme of the President of Turkmenistan on Social and Economic Development of the Country for 2018 – 2024”. This document was composed based on the analysis of macroeconomic indices for 2008 – 2016 and stipulates the implementation of the complex of measures aimed at further prosperity of our country and improvement of quality and level of life of Turkmenistan citizens. Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that further industrialization of the country as well as establishment of electronic industry are the main targets of the project of new model of development of the country in coming seven years. Implementation of planned works is to support the consolidation of competency of national economy and increase of its export capabilities. Attraction of the investments is another priority direction of the programme, the Head of Turkmenistan continued, having highlighted that this is important and necessary condition of dynamic growth of national economy and its modernization and diversification. Having agreed to adopt the Programme, the Head of the State required to work in details on its project and to present to the review to the Council of the Elders in November. Turkmen leader approved the proposal to transfer the General State Tax Service under jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finances and signed relative Resolution. Having also signed the Resolution on approval of the organization structure of the Ministry of Finances and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the Vice-Premier with concrete orders on provision of proper control of the fulfilment of these documents. After, Chairperson of the State Committee for Statistics A. Orayeva reported on economic indices for six months of the current year. The information of the work for improvement of the activity of the structure was also given. Minister of finances M. Muhammedov, who spoke after, reported on the execution of the State budget as well as on the outcomes of work in financial and budget system carried out for the first half of 2017. As of July 1, the revenue of the main financial plan is fulfilled on 115.9 percent level while expenditure part on 91.2 percent. 76.7 percent of budget funds were allocated for financing of social sphere for January – June. The execution of the revenue of local budget was 114.6 percent and expenditure part 91.3 percent. Salary wages, pensions, State allowances and students scholarships were paid on time and in full volume. Having noted that the level of work of the ministry does not meet the requirements, the President of Turkmenistan stressed the attention on existing shortfalls and requested to undertake immediate measures for their elimination. Having released M. Muhammedov from his position due to the transfer to another work, the Head of the State appointed G. Myradov as the Minister of Finances. After, Minister of Economy and Development B. Bazarov reported on the outcomes of the activity of his structure for six months of the current year. The construction of numerous regional and international facilities was carried out during first six months of the year where 55.5 percent are of production and 44.5 percent of social and cultural purpose. 21.2 million manats were transferred to the State budget for privatization of 34 facilities. As of July 1, 2017, 365 legal entities are registered in the Integrated State Register of Legal Entities of Turkmenistan. Generally, 5485.95 thousand manats were received by the State budget from patent activity of the State Service for Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Economy and Development. 20 inventions, 10 industrial samples and 341 trademarks were included to the Integrated State Register. After, the report of Chairman of the Central Bank M. Annadurdiyev was given. Reporting on the fulfilment of the foreign currency income to the account of the ministries and departments for the export of goods and services, the head of the bank informed that comparing with the same period of 2016, this indicator made 128.39 percent. The information of the results of work carried out for increment of currency income by use of export capabilities of the country as well as on proposed structural changes of banking enterprises was given. The Head of the State signed the Resolution on reorganization of some banks and on transfer of the rights and responsibilities over the credits given to number of ministries to the State Commercial Bank “Halkbank”. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the Chairman of the Central Bank with number of specific directions. . After, President Gurbanguy Berdimuhamedov focused the attention on the importance of practical measures for increment of the export of domestic productions and foreign currency income. Having noted that this subject would be reviewed in details at the extended session of the Cabinet of Ministers on the outcomes of the year, the Head of the State required the leaders to fulfil this assignment with full responsibility. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Babayev reported on the implementation of the Programme of the development of oil and gas industry of Turkmenistan until 2030 as well as on the measures for modernization of work of fuel and energy complex. In particular, it was mentioned that production plan for oil and gas condensate was fulfilled for 105.1 percent, natural and associated gas for 101.9 percent and the growth rate of gas export volumes made 103.2 percent. Comparing with the same period of the last year, the plan for production of motor petroleum was executed for 105.1 percent, diesel fuel for 104.4 percent, polypropylene for 106.2 percent, lubrication oils for 112.9 percent, liquefied gas for 123.4 percent. It was mentioned that the growth rates development of the investments by oil and gas complex enterprises has reached 108.9 percent level. The Vice-Premier also reported on the course of construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline, which is going on according to the schedule. Having requested Vice-Premier M. Babayev to continue work for modernization of oil and gas complex, the Head of the State gave a timeline until the end of the current year to arrange the activity of fuel and energy complex taking into account present state of the world market. After, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Aydogdiyev reported on the activity of structures under his supervision for the first half of 2017. Total volume of production, works and service by the Ministry of Industry was executed for 112.6 percent. The execution of production plan by the Ministry of Textile Industry reached 111.8 percent and total growth reached 4.5 percent level. The production plan by the State Association Turkmenhally was fulfilled for 101.7 percent and growth rate made up 1.7 percent The plan execution by the enterprises of the State Concern Turkenhimiya made up 105.2 percent including production of technical iodine to the amount of 122.4 percent for the period under review. Enterprises of the State Committee for Fishery executed production plan for 101.2 percent. Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that developed diversified industry, scientifically based production from local materials are an important factors, which determine successful solution of the targets for provision of high economic growth of the country Focusing the attention on such aspects as improvement of profitability and export capabilities of this sphere, efficient implementation of modern processing technologies in production, the President made special mention of the importance of balanced development of all sectors. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annameredov spoke with report on the activity of transport and communication sphere for January – June 2017. The Vice-Premier reported that generally, cargo and passenger services was rendered to the amount of 2 billion 336 million manats in transport and communication complex for the period under review. The growth rates of cargo and passenger turnover by the Ministry of Railroad Transport reached 100.4 and 100.2 percent accordingly. It was reported that active modernization of domestic railway lines including bridges and flyovers as well as technical fleet of the branch is carried out. The growth rates of the services by the Ministry of Automobile Transport made 100 percent for six months. This indicator is equal to 104 and 102 percent respectively in cargo and passenger traffic. The growth rate of executed works by the Ministry of Communication made 102 percent. The growth rate for air services reached 120 percent by Turkmenhowayollary Service. This index is equal to 121 and 110 percent accordingly by cargo and passenger traffic. It was reported that facilties and equipment base of national civil aviation is systematically improved and modern equipment is purchased regularly. Thus, two Boeing-737-800 was received by Turkmenhowayollary Service. The growth rate by the State Service of Maritime and River Line Transport made 104 percent for the period under review. The fulfilment of the cargo traffic plan reached 181 percent and the growth rate of passenger turnover made 128 percent. Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that transport system of Turkmenistan has big resources of production powers allowing the provision of growing volumes of cargo and passenger traffic including those, which are on transit via our country. After, the Head of the State signed the Resolution on release of A. Atayev from the position of the Chairman of National Space Agency under the President of Turkmenistan due to the retirement. Having expressed the gratitude for performed work, the Leader of the Nation awarded A. Atayev with the Order of Turkmenistan «Garaşsyz Türkmenistana bolan beýik söýgüsi üçin». The head of the State appointed A. Garayev to the post of the Chairman of National Space Agency having released him from the duties of the deputy minister of communication. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan O. Gurbannazarov reported on the activity of the trade complex and gave main indices on non-governmental sector of the economy for January – June in comparison with the same period of the last year. Thus, by the Ministry of Trade and Foreign economic Affairs th volume of total trade turnover made more than 2 billion 222 million manats and the plan is executed for 124.4 percent. The investment to the amount of 42.7 million manats were developed for the reported period. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange made held trade sessions where 6244 contracts to the total amount of 11 bilion 430 million manats were registered. The performance of the plane made 149.6 percent. Trade and Industrial Chamber rendered services to the amount of 9.85 million manats. The plan is executed for 159.6 percent. 15 exhibitions and 11 conferences were held for the period under review with participation of the Trade and Industrial Chamber of Turkmenistan. The Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs produced industrial goods to the amount of 360 million manats and its volume increased to 45.3 percent, agricultural and food items to the amount of 534.4 million manats with 5.8 percent increment. Construction and installation works to the amount of more than 5.7 billion manats with 6.6 percent growth were performed. The works to the amount of 487 million manats were carried out in service sphere and its growth reached 13.3 percent. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave specific directions to the relative leaders to place the symbols of 2017 Asian Games on the packages of domestic goods. The Head of the State also requested to study new proposals on construction of large supermarkets and shopping centres in the capital and introduction of new approaches in organization of retail sale network. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers D. Amangeldiyev reported on the activity in construction and energy complexes and in public services for the past six months. The city administration of Ashgabat provided works and services for 108.7 percent for January – June 2017 and the growth rate reached 143.3 percent comparing with the same period of the last year. The Ministry of Construction and Architecture completed works and service for 105.2 percent from the production plan with the growth rate of 107.5 percent. Total volumes of production, works and service by the Ministry of Energy were made to the amount of 533 million 843 thousands manats for the reported period. The plan is executed for 110.7 percent and the growth rate is 101.5 percent. The State Concern Turkmenawtoyollary performed works and services to the amount of more than 342 million 533 thousand manats, the plan is executed to 103.5 percent and the growth rate made 102.7 percent. During the session, the head of the State gave floor to Director of the State Anti-Econmic Crimes Service M. CHakiyev who reported on inspections in number of ministries and departments, which revealed the cases of power abuse by some responsible personnel as well as the facts of bribery and contraband. After, the President of Turkmenistan released Ch. Atayev from the position of the Minister of Construction and Architecture for serious shortfalls in his work and who compromised himself as a leader. Deputy Chairman of the Minster CH. Ahmedov was appointed as Acting Head of this ministry. The Head of the State made strict reprimands to Chairman of the Board of the State Commercial Bank Dayhanbank P. Allaguliyev, Chairman of the Board of the State Commercial Bank Halkbank M. Arabov, Chairman of the State Commercial Bank Turkmenbashy A. Gylychdurdiyev, Chairman of the Board of the State Bank of Foreign Affairs R. Jepbarov, Chairman of the Board of the State Commercial Bank Turkmenistan M. Hajiyev and Chairman of the Board of Joint Stock Commercial Bank Senagat G. Mushshikov for serious drawbacks in their work. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers S. Toyliyev reported on the results of work in educational, scientific, health care and sports spheres for six months of the year. For the period under review, Turkmen school students successfully participated in international topical Olympiads and project competitions, having won 11 gold, 25 silver and 40 bronze medals. Domestic university students supplemented the collection of the achievements with 21 medals – 4 gold, 6 silver and 11 bronze, which they won at international intellectual competitions. Besides, 135 school and 169 university students were the prize winners and certificate holders of internet contests. Construction works on three facilities of public health care and medical industry sphere were continued. In this field, the growth rate of volumes of funds received from the state voluntary medical insurance made 103.6 percent, from the service and sale of medical products made 108 percent, from sanatoriums – 114 percent, from production of medicine – 102 percent. Active work for preparation of V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games as well as for further development of physical training and sports in the country was held for the period under review. 143 national level competitions and 77 public sports events were held in Turkmenistan for January – June. Our sportsmen participated in 83 international championships where they won 135 gold, 138 silver and 136 bronze medals what is 65 prizes more comparing with the last year. During the session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Decree and relative Resolution on calling of the Council of the Elders of Turkmenistan in Ak Bugday etrap of Ahal Velayat on October 9, 2017. There are the Directions on approval of the composition of the State Commission for enrolment to high and secondary professional educational institutions of Turkmenistan in 2017 as well as on approval of the Plan of enrolment of the students to the Academy of the State Service under the President of Turkmenistan among the documents signed by the Leader of the Nation. Totally, it is planned to enrol 240 people to the courses of the Academy in the coming educational year. Besides, the Head of the State signed the Resolution of approval of the Plan for enrolment to high and secondary professional educational institutions of the country. In this year, it is planned to enrol 8308 students to high educational institutions what is 1052 people more than in the last year (14 percent) and 8317 and 25000 students to secondary and initial professional schools accordingly. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Garajayev reported on the activity and development of the structures under his supervision in the first half of 2017, having demonstrated the report with concrete figures and most remarkable facts. The Cultural Week in Ashgabat in the beginning of June were specially mentioned among the largest events of the first half of the year. The work for development of fruitful dialog with foreign countries is continued. Different creative actions were held during the period under review. Representatives of cultural sphere of our country went to number of the countries on working visits and participated in different events. Performances of Turkmen arts masters were organized in the countries where Turkmen students study. The work for improvement of theatres, museums, libraries and other establishments of cultural sphere and mass media as well as for cultural potential of the country is going on. Turkmen State Publishing Service executed the plan for 118 percent, 8 259 808 items of 180 types of printing production were published for the period under review. The State Committee for Tourism performed the plan for 134.6 percent. Equipment and facilities base of domestic mass media including the State Committee for Television, Radio and Cinema is improved what promotes large coverage of the achievement of our country in different sphere, reveal of the essence and meaning of the reforms and popularization of national heritage. Certain instructions were given with regards to organization and conduct of events for preparation of 2017 Asian Games. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the results of the MFA activity for the first half of the year under the realization of the Concept of foreign policy course of Turkmenistan for 2017 – 2023 and fulfilment of the assignments given by the Head of the State. It was highlighted that the outcomes of foreign visits of the Leader of the Nations as well as visits of the leaders of number of foreign states and the UN Secretary General to Turkmenistan since the beginning of the year are visual evidence of successful implementation of this creative strategy. During bilateral meetings and high-level talks, important agreements aimed at consolidation and increase of fruitful partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats under competent international organizations and structures were achieved. Totally, 248 foreign delegations have visited our country for January – June via the MFA. At the same time, 404 delegations of Turkmenistan went oversea. Different level events including conferences, meetings, forums, etc. were held in our country and abroad. 105 international documents were drafted and signed since the beginning of the year. Bilateral consultation of the MFA of Turkmenistan and foreign policy departments of other states have regular and fruitful character. 22 meetings were organized in this direction for the reported period. Further expansion of trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation with foreign partners is one of the priority directions of foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan. In this regard, number of joint sessions of the Intergovernmental Commissions as well as bilateral business forums were held since the beginning of the year. Summarizing the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov brought the attention to the main objectives of the Ministry of foreign Affairs and national diplomatic corps, having highlighted the necessity of optimum realization of existing potential and opportunities for further development of efficient cooperation with all interested foreign partners. The President of Turkmenistan also requested to hold under permanent control the solution of the issues related to preparation of 2017 Asian Games, which is to support the consolidation of friendship and goodwill between the states and nations while being an important events in sports life of our country and entire Asian continent. Chairperson of the Mejlis A. Nurberdiyeva informed on the activity of National Parliament for the first half of the year. Regular character of four sessions of National Parliament held during six months of the year, where the deputies reviewed and adopted 57 Laws of Turkmenistan and 37 Resolutions of the Mejlis, was mentioned. The issues of international cooperation including under the activation of inter-Parliamentarian relations and study of the world practice of law making as well as collaboration with the UN and other competent international organizations were highlighted separately. It was also reported on the preparation of regular session of the Council of the Elders of Turkmenistan and work of the deputies on sites. The Head of the State highlighted important role of the Mejlis in formation of modern legislation and regulatory base in the country and high responsibility of the deputies required by the trust of their electorate. After, the reports of heads of regional administrations and agricultural complex were given. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed the complaints concerning low rates of wheat harvest campaign. It was little over one million tons of the wheat harvested this year. This is rather low indicator than was planned by the State. None of the velayats fulfilled the contractual obligations. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan gave strict reprimands with the last warning to Hyakim of Ahal Velayat T. Atahalliyev, Hyakim of Balkan Velayat S. Satlykov, Hyakim of Dashoguz Velayat M. Bayramgulliyev, Hyakim of Lebap Velayat Ch. Charliyev and Hyakim of Mary Velayat B. Annagurbanov for unsatisfactory performance of service duties and non-compliance to the contractual terms for wheat production. The President of Turkmenistan also reprimanded Vice-Premier E. Orazgeldiyev for failing to fulfil contractual obligations for production of wheat. After, the President of Turkmenistan addressed programme speech to the participants of the session where he characterised the outcomes of past six months, having dwelt on the key aspects of home and foreign policy of the country as well as stressed the attention on priority objectives, which are to be solved in the second half of the year.