The scientific and practical conference was held in the town of Turkmenbashi to mark the first anniversary of launching the Avaza National Project – the large-scale project initiated by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov that will enable to turn the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea into a ‘resort pearl’, a large international centre of tourism.

The participants of the forum organized by the Turkmenbashi Khyakimlik, local public organisations and the Turkmendenizderyayollary Department discussed a wide range of the prospects of development of the Balkan Velayat. Those speaking at the conference noted that through the efforts of the Turkmen leader the huge opportunities to develop the rich natural resources of the Caspian region, effectively use its favourable geographical location, in particular the favourable climatic

Vivid evidence of it the Avaza national tourism zone symbolising Turkmenistan’s openness to the world and irreversibility of the progressive reforms. The wonderful and comfortable recreation centres, sanatoriums, hotels, cultural, entertainment and sports centres to be built in accordance with the international standards at the Caspian coast will spring up on the Caspian Sea symbolizing vividly the country’s consistent advance along the way of new Revival.

Tourism industry will offer a powerful incentive to diversify local economy as well as attract heavy investments in the region. Turkmenistan already invested one billion US dollars in development of the Avaza national tourism zone. The large-scale transport and construction projects such as construction of the North-South railway, construction of the international airport in Turkmenbashi and reconstruction of the Turkmenbashi sea port are launched there. The architectural ensembles, buildings of schools, kindergartens, medical centres, cultural centres are under construction in the littoral city and others town and settlements throughout the Balkan Velayat.

The Avaza Project provided the vast opportunities for mutually beneficial international co-operation and will foster the integration of the Caspian region into the global economic system.

The conference participants unanimously supported the decisions of VI Congress of the Galkynysh National Movement and VI Congress of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan aimed at involving public organisations in implementing the large-scale social and economic development programmes and promoting the youth patriotic movement.

The cultural programme prepared for the conference participants included the sea excursion and the big concert of the artistic groups and artists of the town of Turkmenbashi.