On February 6, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has held video conference working session for development of transport and communication complex with participation of some Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of profile departments and profile higher educational institutes.

Opening the session, during which outcomes of work of transport and communication sphere in the last year have been reviewed, the head of the state highlighted that this is one of the main branches of national economy.

At the same time, these spheres suffer some difficulties due to complicated situation in the world economy at present, which makes negative effect on production and financial indicators.

Having noted that issues related to proper organization of work would be raised for acceleration of the development rates of transport and communication system, the President of the country has listened to the reports and proposals of the participants of the session.

In the beginning of the session, Chairman of the Türkmendemirýollary Agency has reported on the outcomes of work for the last year as well as on the plans for this year.

It was informed that the revenue of the Agency has been executed by 118.5 percent.

The plan of cargo turnover has been performed by 12.5 percent.

Relative work is made for fulfilment of the assignments of the head of the state on modernization of equipment and resource base of the industry and increment of cargo turnover.

245 kilometers of railroad have been reconstructed, 32.7 kilometers of rails have been renewed, maintenance works on 90 railroad overpasses and 22 bridges have been made. More than 930 cargo and passenger railcars have been modernized, 25 locomotives have been electrified and maintenance of diesel engines and drive electric engines of 25 locomotives has been carried out.

Having listened to the report and expressed discontent with work of the Agency, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the head of the Agency with number of instructions related to works for electrification of railroad, noted the importance of introduction of new technologies, exchange of practice, effective investment elaborations with foreign partners, which would provide income of investments to the industry.

The head of the state has ordered to study the opportunity of procurement of modern equipment, which meet climate conditions of our country, from abroad.

Further, Chairman of the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency H. Hudayguliyev has reported on the situation in the sphere under his supervision, measures for further strengthening of equipment and resource base of profile structures and fulfilment of plans.

192,238 telephone outlets have been built in the country and the plan has been executed by 112 percent. 685 kilometers of communication lines have been laid and 266,160 subscribers have been connected to the internet.

The Law on Electronic document, Electronic document management system and Digital services as well as number of documents on development and introduction of the electronic document management system and websites in ministries and departments have been adopted in Turkmenistan. According to the documents 510 websites have been opened and registered in the country.

In addition, all types of services in the country are provided through electronic system and are located on the portal of government services e.gov.tm.

First national messenger system “tmchat” and national electronic mail “sanly.tm” have been launched.

“Digital Solution – IT Platform” business entity, which specialists receive work orders on introduction of digital systems and put them into operation, has been opened on the base of the Institute of telecommunications and Information Technologies.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed discontent that some deficiencies are admitted during organization of works of the Agency. Speaking of this, the head of the state has given relative orders to the head of the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency on acceleration of the launch of the second satellite as well as on full utilization of the first satellite.

Chairman of the Türkmenawtoulaglary Agency G. Akmammedov has reported on the outcomes of work of the agency for the last year and on this year plans.

For the period under review, the plan for cargo transportation was fulfilled by 104.5 percent and the plan of cargo turnover by 103.1 percent.

The plan of passenger transportation has been executed by100.1 percent and the plan for passenger turnover by 101 percent.

The Complex of Motor Transport Facilities and Training Center of Driving School Association, which have been built along Ashgabat – Dashoguz highway, have been opened and put into operation.

The complex of facilities includes Ashgabat Passenger Transport Facility, Driving School Association, «Awtomobil ulag hyzmaty» and «Awtoulag kärhanalar birleşigi» Open Joint Stock Ventures. Provided with modern equipment, the training center supports to provision of safety on the roads, enhancement of training level of drivers and improvement of their work.

The work for improvement of quality of transport services, strengthening of equipment and facility base of the Agency is carried ot.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed discontent with work of the Agency and stated some deficiencies, having highlighted the necessity of permanent improvement of activity for development of the sphere, study and introduction of advanced international practice to cargo transportation sphere. Transport strategy of Turkmenistan, expanding trade and economic contacts of our country propose realization of entire complex of works providing compliance with norms and standards in this field, the head of the state said, having given certain assignments on this account.

Certain instructions have been given on work of transport facilities, provision of services, which meet modern requirements, to the population.

Further, Chairman of the Türkmenhowaýollary Agency D. Saburov has reported on results of work in the sphere under his supervision.

It was mentioned that the plan of cargo transportation has been fulfilled by 106.1 percent for the period under review. Technical take offs and landing of foreign plans have started in Turkmenbashy and Turkmenabat International Airports from September 1, 2020.

Regular weekly cargo flights of IL-76 transport aircraft in Ashgabat – Istanbul – Ashgabat and Ashgabat – Abu Dhabi – Ashgabat directions have started from January this year. Relative works are carried out at present for arrangement of cargo flights using baggage compartment of Boeing B777-200LR from Asia to Europe and from Europe to Asia.

Summing up the report, the President of Turkmenistan has noted that the government takes necessary measures for support of the sphere, however, own efficient methods of adaptation of civil aviation to work in new conditions are required.

In particular, this is related to wide introduction of digital technologies, which provide high standards of quality, safety and comfort of passenger and cargo air flights both in international and domestic flights.

Having expressed discontent with the situation in this sphere, the head of the state gave number of certain instructions to the head of the Agency, including instructions for study and use of positive world practice in the above-mentioned directions.

Chairman of the Türkmendeňizderýaýollary Agency A. Haiyturadov has reported on work for development of maritime and river transport, expansion of range of services and digitization of the industry.

It was also reported on the execution of the plans of cargo and passenger transportation for the period under review.

Measures for improvement of the efficiency of capabilities of Turkmenbashy International Seaport are gradually implemented. Works for vessels’ repair are carried out at the Balkan Shipyard.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that modern system of transit and transport communications and logistics, which are formed in Turkmenistan, is to support the development of international relations, increment of economic and export potential of the country.

Having highlighted good technical provision of specialized terminals of Turkmenbashy Seaport on the Caspian Coast, the leader of the nation expressed discontent with the results of work for using of all capabilities of transport corridors running through ‘sea gate” of Central Asia.

The head of the state has addressed chairman of the Agency with specific instructions on further improvement of management of maritime and river transport sphere, implementation of advanced world practice, strengthening of cooperation with foreign companies.

Having made video call to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Geldiniyazov, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave floor to the Head of the Institute of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communications A. Ashyrov, who reported on results of work carried out in the institute and plan of works in 2020 – 2021.

It was informed that educational portal and electronic website of this higher educational institute have been developed for successful realization of the concept of development of digital system made at the initiative of the leader of the nation.

In addition, fruitful cooperation, which includes lectures and discussions in video conference format, has been established according to the Memoranda of Understanding signed in the results of the Government support to cooperation of the institute with Kazan National Research Technical University and Astrakhan Caspian Institute of Maritime and River Fleet.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed discontent with activity of the institute, havign pointed out the necessity of successful fulfilement of set objectives for development of edcuaitonal system following from the state and national programs.

Provision of quality education meeting international standards to the youth, expansion of international cooperation are the main requirements of today, the leader of the nation said and gave number of instructions on this account to the head of the institute.

The head of the state has also noted the importance of enhancement of knowledge level of students, involvment of them to scientific and project works, impleemntation of the latest scientific and techncial developments to educational process, having requested to activate international cooperation with big prfile high schools of the world.

Special attention is paid to development and improvement of scientific and educational system, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated, having requested to develop cooperation with profile agencies of the country, to involve students to scientific works related to multimodal routes and international Lapis Lazuli corridor.

Director of the Institute of Telecommunications and Information Science N. Kuliyev has reported on the outcomes of work in the institute last year and working plan approved for current year.

Having noted that the institute train qualified specialists of the world level for fulfilment of objectives related to development of digital economy, the head of the institute informed that relative work is carried out for opening of new faculties taking into account the reforms in national economy.

Integrated activity for enhancement of quality of education of students, involvement of youth in scientific and project work, wide implementation of innovative technologies in educational process are carried out in the institute. The research work also covers various subjects related to digitization of the economy of the country, effective management of informational systems, provision of safety of informational systems.

In addition, the students have practical work at the facilities and in organizations under transport and communication complex for improvement of theoretical knowledge.

The “Sanly çözgüt – IT meýdança” business entity, which works of self-sustained basis, was established with support of leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency. The students and teachers participate in development of new projects and implementation of these projects into production, exchange practice and receive knowledge in informational technologies in new facility.

Being a member of International University Union, the institute cooperates with prestige high educational institutes and companies.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the necessity to pay special attention to continual improvement of education and expressed discontent with work in the Institute of Telecommunications and Informational Science.

The head of Turkmenistan said that special attention has to be paid to preparation to the launch of the second national satellite Türkmen Älem 52°E. It is very important for activation of work for creation of land cadaster in the country, hence, for improvement of land fertility and strengthening of food provision.

The head of the state highlighted the importance of works carried out in the Institute of Telecommunications and Informational Science for training of qualified engineers and technologists for realization of transport diplomacy as well as for transport sphere and municipality services.

In this regard, all opportunities have to be made for student discoveries and inventions, teachers and researches in relevant spheres and they have to be put into operation. At the same time, it is necessary to improve the relations with leading universities, educational instates of the world as well as to invite professors and teachers from prestige foreign universities, the President of the country said.

In this regard, it is important to improve professional knowledge of students and to improve their qualification, to organize mobile practical lessons, Turkmen leader pointed out.

The head of the state has said that the Institute of Telecommunication and Informational Science has to participate in the projects of international IT companies, to establish cooperation with private sector in the sphere of training of specialists in transport and cooperation sphere taking into account the transit to marketing relations and gave specific instructions on this account.

Addressing Vice-premier G. Mushikov and heads of institutes, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave them assignments on development of digital economy, further modernization of educational system and opening of demanded specializations in universities, reformation of educational methodology according to time requirements.

The head of the state has also noted the importance of number of Resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

It includes the Role of transport and transit corridors in provision of international cooperation for sustainable development (December, 2014), Toward the provision of comprehensive cooperation between all modes of transport to support creation of sustainable multimodal transit corridors (December 22, 2015) as well as Strengthening relations between all modes of transport for sustainable development (December 20, 2017), which became an evidence of recognition of international authority of our country.

Taking into consideration the importance of development of information technologies in our country and training of qualified personnel for national economy, Turkmen leader said that work in this direction has to be developed using modern technologies and gave certain instructions on this regard.

Further, the floor was given to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov, who reported on the outcomes of work of transport and communication complex in 2020 and on the plan of coming activities this year. The facilities of the complex has executed the plan by 123 percent for the period under review.

Works on introduction and improvement of electronic ticket sale, receiving of orders for cargo delivery, taxi, as well as use of municipal, living, banking and other services and payment for such services with Single Window system are carried out for digitization of services provided by profile departments of national transport and communication complex.

Summing up the report and noted low rates of works for improvement the efficiency of works in transport and communication sphere, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has expressed discontent with measures undertaken in this direction.

The leader of the nation highlighted the necessity of optimal use of available resources for improvement of profitability of this complex, improvement of activity of profile facilities including by implementation of digital technologies, having addressed the vice-premier with specific instructions.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushikov has reported on financial and economic situation of the structures of transport and communication complex as well as on practical measures for activation of interdepartmental cooperation.

Having listened to the report, the head of the state highlighted the necessity to focus on solution of objectives related to provision of uninterrupted operation of transport sphere, stabilization of cargo and passenger transport system, optimization of activity of communication sphere facilities.

Summing up the outcomes of the session, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted that all participants have to take measures and put all efforts for improvement of production indicators of organizations and facilities of transport and communication complex and increment of profit.

The head of the state has given certain assignments to the participants of the session for fulfilment of specified utmost objectives.

Addressing Chairman of the Türkmendemirýollary Agency, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that it is necessary to use the potential of modern facilities of railroad infrastructure and to achieve further increment of cargo transportation volumes by railroad.

It is necessary to increase throughput capacity of modernized railroad, to use opportunities of export of foreign and national commodities to international markets as well as delivery of import production to the country by short and convenient routes under realization of Lapis Lazuli project, Turkmen leader pointed out.

It is necessary to activate efforts for increment of export to the countries of Middle and Near East and South and Southeast Asia after opening of Kazakhstan – Turkmenistan – Iran railroad, the head of the state said, having addressed the instructions on this account.

Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has given relative instructions to head of the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency H. Hudayguliyev. It is necessary to continue improving quality and increasing throughput capacity of communication services. It is necessary to implement wide range of modern technologies to the industry, to expand communication services provided to the population, to make internet services more accessible, the head of the state pointed out.

The President of the country has stated that the Türkmenaragatnaşyk Agency is determined as an authorized structure for promotion of digitization, having ordered to accelerate realization of the Concept of development of digital economy in Turkmenistan in 2019 – 2025.

Coordinated work has to be carried out for realization of objectives on implementation of digital system in economic branches. The leader of the nation has requested to improve the provision of communication sphere with qualified specialists and to use transponders and capabilities of national satellite Türkmen Älem 52°E in full scale and to enhance advertisement and marketing in this regard.

For improvement of quality and increment of passenger transportation, Chairman of the Türkmenawtoulaglary Agency G. Akmammedov was requested to continue purchasing medium and small size buses, which have to be equipped with cashless payment terminals and GPS Glonass, the same like taxi and cargo vehicles, to implement internet services and sale of tickets.

The leader of the nation has demanded to provide timely completion of modern bus stations, which are under construction in Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary Regions, for provision of quality services to passengers of urban and suburban buses.

It is necessary to continue international cooperation in development of transit routes across our country by further increment of cargo volumes transported by vehicles, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, having given number of assignments on this account.

Addressing Chairman of the Türkmenhowaýollary Agency D. Saburov, the head of the state has requested to make overhaul and corrective repair and preventive maintenance of aircrafts as well as t take measures for provision of flight safety.

The Agency has to take measures for opening of modern transport and transit corridors in airports of the country and to use airports with better efficiency.

Having highlighted that number of air passengers is reduced in the world these days, it is necessary to buy cargo planes and to increase their ability for cargo transportation, the leader of the nation highlighted, having addressed the head of the agency to solve set objectives.

Addressing Chairman of the Türkmendeňizderýaýollary Agency A. Haiytmuradov, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that building of ship has to be arranged in Turkmenbashy International Seaport. It is necessary to train qualified specialists in this direction, having improved personnel provision.

Based on international practice, it is necessary to take proper measures for attraction of investments and credits to the sphere. In this regard, the President of the country has pointed out that it is necessary to use capabilities of Turkmenbashy International Seaport and Baku International Merchant Seaport in full scale, to increase transit capabilities of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.

It is also necessary to use capabilities of «Deňiz söwda floty» Joint Stock Venture in full, to increase volumes of cargo transported by the fleet, the head of Turkmenistan stated, having given certain instructions to the head of the agency.

Heads of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communication Institutes A. Ashyrov and Instittue of Telecommunications and Informational Science N. Kuliyev have been addressed with instructions on training of qualified specialists in required directions for transport and communication, living and municipal service spheres as well as on improvement of quality and level of knowledge according to international standards by implementation of innovative educational programs.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that it is necessary to activate cooperation with international universities and other competent educational institutes by using modern digital communication systems for scientific and practical works.

It is necessary to provide the use of scientific works, innovations and development of professors, teachers and students in production.

The head of the state has continued that the main goal of the universities is to educate the youth, which is able to work in all directions of transport and communication complex. According to international practice, it is necessary to attract foreign qualified specialists to these works.

Having noted the importance of implementation of digital education to learning process, efficient use of informational and communication technologies, the President of the country ordered to improve educational plans and programs continuously and to open new specializations in the universities.

The heads of higher educational institutes were requested to ensure active participation of students, teachers and scientific workers in international contests and exhibitions, to establish fruitful cooperation with competent foreign high schools, scientific centers and IT companies in educational and scientific spheres as well as to continue gradual process of entering the level of international universities.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov has been requested to continue working on further realization of transport diplomacy of Turkmen state, which is located on the intersection of Central Asia and Europe.

The President of the country gave instructions to accelerate the work for development of high technological and competitive economy by wide implementation of digital systems provided by the Concept of development of digital economy in 2019 - 2025 to the industries.

It was also requested to make regular analysis of financial and economic condition of production and business activity of facilities and organizations of transport and communication complex as well as to provide uninterrupted operation of facilities.

It is necessary to hold under control the dynamics of measures for reduction of cost of production, works and services by analysis of expenses of facilities and organizations of the complex and elimination of unnecessary expenses.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that big government resources are invested to transport and communication system, in particular to construction of the biggest in the region seaport, airports, railroad and highways, therefore it is necessary to increase production capacities and income of the facilities. Taking into account favorable conditions in the country for transit, it is necessary to increase the income of foreign currency.

It was mentioned that taking into account the situation in the world economy, it is necessary to increase the range of cargo and passenger transportation, to continue implementation of digital systems for provision of services to the clients.

The head of Turkmen state has requested to provide affordable prices on import goods, spare parts and consumables, in order the prices not to exceed the prices for the region, as well as to establish direct contacts with producers during procurement.

Addressing Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Ovezov and heads of transport and communication complex, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has stated that according to anti-crisis program of 2020 – 2021 and in regards with comprehensive introduction of electronic trade, internet services, remote work and education, it is necessary to enhance the quality and capabilities of communication services.

Taking into account the development of information technologies in the world, it is necessary to use these technologies to all sectors of the economy, to increase the range of services taking into account international practice, the leader of nation highlighted, having requested to review the price for internet and other communication services as well as to provide access of the population to the Internet.

Highlighting outlined objectives, the President of Turkmenistan has given certain instructions to accelerate works for connection of the government organizations to digital system, for provision of population with various government services in electronic format on Single Window portal.

At the same time, taking into account current situation in the world economy and reduction of indicators in transport and communication sphere, it is necessary to expand the service sphere in cargo transportation.

Having requested to continue implementing digital systems for services to the clients, the head of the state ordered to study the necessity to increase number of transit routes for improvement of passenger and cargo transportations by opening of transit centers in international airports of the country. For this purpose, it is necessary to use services of “sea – railway – road” system and to provide the competiveness of regional tariffs.

Having requested to reconstruct railroad and highways, the head of the state highlighted that it is necessary to attract investors for continuation of construction of airports and development of communications, to train qualified specialists with international certificates for work at the facilities.

Continuing, the President of the country has pointed out the importance of operation of Turkmenbashy International Airport in full output capacity and establishment of transport and logistic centers.

The head of the state ordered Vice-premier B. Ovezov to carry out relative work together with other Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers and to report on the results at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers on outcomes of the first half of the year.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has reprimanded Chairman of the Türkmendeňizderýaýollary Agency A. Haiytmuradov.

The President of Turkmenistan has reprimanded Chairman of the Türkmenhowaýollary Agency D. Saburov for unsatisfactory fulfilment of his duties and deficiencies admitted in his work.

In addition, head of the state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has reprimanded Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B, Ovezov for unsatisfactory performance of his duties and deficiencies admitted in his work.

Addressing Vice-premier G. Mushikov, the leader of the nation has requested to make systematic analysis of financial and economic condition of transport and communication complex and to prepare proposals on improvement of its financial provision.

The head of the state has also ordered to hold under control the settlement of payments on interdepartmental debts and credits.

Having noted the necessity to analyze the causes of reduction of use of production capacities and growth rates of organizations and facilities of transport and communication complex, the leader of the nation has ordered to provide affordable prices on communication services and internet for the population as well as realization of objectives set out by the Concept of development of digital economy in 2019 – 2025.

The President of the country has requested the vice-premier to accelerate the development of high technology and competitive economy by inclusive implementation of digital systems to the branches of national economy.

Turkmen leader has focused on importance of regular strengthening of equipment and facility base of all structures of transport and communication complex of the country and improvement of works in this direction.

Having noted that Turkmenistan was a center of the Silk Road throughout the history of all ages and that this route is restored in new merit at present time, head of the state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that transport and communication sector plays an important role in restoration of this route.

The President of Turkmenistan noted that all officials of transport complex are responsible for realization of objectives set in this direction and for restoration of the Silk Road on modern level. At the same time, the leader of the nation has said that it is necessary to approach the solution of this subject on integrated basis and with full responsibility and given certain assignments to relative officials.

Finishing working video conference session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has wished strong health, family wealth and big success in work for prosperity of sovereign Motherland to the participants of the session.