With these words, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined the formula for success in implementing programs for the current year. A well-thought-out and balanced strategy for the development of the country, announced by the head of state at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held last week, is aimed at dynamic progress in all sectors of the economy, the steady growth of the welfare of the population, and the strengthening of good neighborly ties in the name of world peace and prosperity.

The course of seasonal field work in the regions of the Motherland was considered at a workshop held by the head of Turkmenistan on the digital system on February 6.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to speed up the pace of work on plowing and leveling land allotted for cotton sowing, repairing machinery and equipment, as well as providing tenants with high-quality seeds by the start of the sowing season.

At the same time, the issues of wheat care in accordance with agricultural standards, proper preparation for planting early potatoes and other fruit and vegetable crops, timely harvesting of sugar beets without loss, as well as rational use of water resources should be kept in mind.

The heads of administrations of the velayats were instructed to pay special attention to the proper functioning of heating systems in residential buildings, schools and kindergartens, uninterrupted supply of electricity, water and natural gas to the population.

Separate instructions concerned the pace of construction of social and industrial facilities in the regions, provided for by the programs of the country's socio-economic development.

On February 7, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov made a working trip to the Mary velayat, where he got acquainted with the progress of seasonal field work. Here, the head of state held a working meeting with the participation of vice-premiers in charge of the agricultural and construction-industrial complexes, and other relevant leaders.

The agenda included issues of further socio-economic development of the regions, in particular, increasing the efficiency and potential of the agro-industrial sector of the economy.

Emphasizing the need for high-quality implementation of agricultural activities in order to successfully plant the future crop, the President of Turkmenistan ordered to optimize water consumption and irrigation of fields.

At the same time, the head of state emphasized the importance of further comprehensive development of the construction and industrial sectors, addressing specific instructions.

During a working trip to the Mary velayat, the President of the country got acquainted with the progress of agricultural work in the fields of the region, as well as with the ongoing measures to strengthen the banks of the Karakum River, which flows through the territory of the velayat.

On February 10, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, at which the results of the development of the country's economy in 2022 were summed up. The agenda also includes long-term tasks of the socio-economic development of our state for the current year, as well as personnel issues.

The leaders of the Mejlis, the administrations of the regions and the capital, higher educational institutions, the media, etc. were invited to the meeting.

As reported, thanks to the comprehensive steps taken, positive indicators were achieved in all sectors of the economy during the period under review. This is clearly confirmed by the macroeconomic indicators for the past year, in particular, the stable GDP growth of 6.2 percent. In the industrial sector, this indicator increased by 6.3 percent, in construction - by 0.3 percent, in transport and communications sector - by 4.5 percent, in trade - by 8.9 percent, in agriculture - by 5.7 percent, and in services - by 7 percent.

In general, in 2022, output increased by 11 percent compared to 2021. In sectors of the economy, positive production indicators have been achieved.

During the period under review, there was an increase in the volume of retail trade. Compared to 2021, last year this indicator increased by 10.8 percent, while foreign trade turnover increased by 32.9 percent.

Wages for large and medium-sized enterprises of the country are 10.4 percent higher compared to 2021. During the reporting period, wages, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships were financed in a timely and complete manner.

At the meeting, the head of Turkmenistan signed the Resolution, approving the Program for the socio-economic development of the country for 2023.

In accordance with this document, it is planned to increase the GDP growth rate this year to 6.5 percent, as well as to steadily develop the sectors of the national economy and the regions of the Fatherland, achieve the withdrawal of production enterprises to full capacity, create about 3 thousand new jobs through the construction of modern enterprises.

At the same time, it is planned to increase the volume of foreign trade turnover to 19.4 billion US dollars.

It is also envisaged to develop small and medium-sized businesses. The share of the private sector in the structure of GDP (not including the fuel and energy complex) is planned to be increased to 71.3 percent.

In addition, the priorities include increasing the income of the population, improving the level of social and living conditions of the people by increasing wages, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships by 10 percent.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also signed the Resolution “On approval of the Investment Program of Turkmenistan for 2023”, according to which large volumes of investments will be directed to the construction of both industrial and non-industrial facilities, including residential buildings, sanatoriums and health centers, kindergartens, highways, water, gas and power supply systems, communication systems, water treatment facilities. According to the document, it is expected that the volume of capital investments in the national economy from all sources of financing will amount to 37.4 billion manats.

Focusing the attention of the audience on the results of 2022, the head of state outlined the priority tasks facing the country this year.

As noted, the growth of the gross domestic product amounted to 6.2 percent. In particular, this indicator is equal to 6.3 percent in the industrial sector, 8.9 percent in the trade sector, and 5.7 percent in the agricultural sector. The volume of investments increased by 14.2 percent, commodity exports increased by 43.6 percent compared to the previous year.

During the period under review, 4,000 new jobs were created. Managed to keep inflation within the designated limits.

Last year, 76 production and social facilities were opened at the expense of all sources of financing, field workers gathered high yields, which made it possible to maintain food security in the domestic market.

In accordance with the National Rural Program, modern villages are being built with all the necessary infrastructure. The total area of housing commissioned last year amounted to over 1.5 million square meters. Thousands of families, including low-income families, celebrated housewarming.

The cardinal reforming of the sphere of science and education, the importance of building modern institutions of preschool and higher professional education, medical, cultural and sports facilities were also noted.

The transition to a market economy is steadily underway, and in this regard, we are striving to significantly increase the share of private property, removing barriers and restrictions on the development of the private and business sectors, which ultimately reduces the level of state presence in the economy, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated with satisfaction .

At the same time, the adoption of a balanced state budget for the current year, another increase in wages, pensions and state benefits were noted.

The international authority of neutral Turkmenistan is consistently growing, for which 2022 is significant with the 30th anniversary of membership in the United Nations, the head of state said, emphasizing that from the very beginning the partnership with the UN has acquired a strategic character. In this regard, the repeated election of our neutral Fatherland as vice-chairman of the sessions of the General Assembly, as part of the structural divisions of this Organization - councils, committees and commissions was emphasized.

Coordinating its actions with the Community of Nations, our country demonstrates responsibility in developing solutions to key tasks on the global agenda.

Speaking about the diplomatic achievements of Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the UN General Assembly adopted the Resolutions “2023 - the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace” and “Central Asia - a zone of peace, trust and cooperation”, initiated by our country, as well as a proposal to declare the year 2025 – Year of Peace and Trust.

At the same time, the productive nature of interaction with other large international and regional associations and structures was stated.

Last year, special attention was paid to the topic of partnership in the space of Central Asia and the Caspian Sea: strengthening regional ties across the entire spectrum of cooperation, consolidating the efforts of our countries for the sake of harmonious development and strengthening the position of the entire region in the international dimension became the main goals of the high-level meetings.

In the context of the foreign policy strategy, Turkmenistan is largely striving to implement multi-vector diplomacy, consistently expanding multi-format interaction with members of the world community and international organizations.

In 2022, at the initiative of the Hero-Arkadag, a new impetus was given to our parliamentary diplomacy, which is a systemic part of the work carried out by the authorities to protect national interests, expand international partnerships and ensure law and order, which is also associated with the promotion of the country's economic interests and the formation of a favorable environment for it on international arena.

“We will continue the policy of constructive dialogue, we will make every effort to defend the interests of our state and people,” the head of Turkmenistan said, further emphasizing that all our achievements and triumphs became possible only thanks to the broad support of the Turkmen people for the ongoing political course and their active participation in implementation of progressive reforms.

In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to the heads of ministries, departments and ordinary workers for their active contribution to the grandiose successes of the independent Motherland.

Every year in our country is held under a certain motto. The motto of this year is “Happy youth with Arkadag Serdar”. Its content and ideological message are designed to raise the patriotic spirit, promote the education and support of young people, the implementation of programs and projects for the further development of the Motherland, as well as help increase the economic power and standard of living of the native people, the head of Turkmenistan noted.

In this regard, the need to provide all conditions was stated to help the representatives of the younger generation to reveal their potential and become a person, to make housing and education available to them, to ensure their employment, to develop entrepreneurship, and to support young families in every possible way. The importance of targeted investment in youth business was also noted.

All this will make it possible to involve young citizens in the management and development of regions and the country as a whole, the head of state said, focusing on the need to work on the formation of the Presidential leadership reserve. Today, our youth is showing a growing initiative in social and political affairs and plays a significant role in the life of the state as a separate part of our society. It is they who should play a decisive role in the development of Turkmenistan and become the driving force of progress, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted.

A large-scale program has been adopted for the current year. In this regard, it was stated that in 2023, 37 billion 400 million manats will be invested in the country's economy from all sources of financing. It is planned to allocate 20 billion 800 million manats for the construction of industrial facilities, 16 billion 600 million manats for social purposes, which will be 55.6 percent and 44.4 percent of the total investment in the country, respectively.

It is planned to put into operation 1 million 58.5 thousand square meters of housing at the expense of all sources of financing. As part of the Investment Program, the construction of a number of buildings and structures in the capital and regions of the country will be launched in order to improve the social and living conditions of the population. For example, in Ashgabat, it is planned to start construction of the International Center for Pediatrics for 160 seats, the Center for Dentistry, the International Scientific and Clinical Center for Oncology for 500 seats and the Cultural Center for 4,000 seats.

It is also planned to complete the construction of facilities, including in Ashgabat - a complex of buildings of the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan, 23 residential buildings in the Parahat-7 massif and a water treatment facility with a capacity of 150,000 cubic meters of drinking water.

In addition, the first phase of the new modern administrative center of the Akhal velayat - the city of Arkadag, which is one of the largest projects in the region, new villages in the gengeshliks of Kopetdag and Ovadandepe of the Geokdepe etrap, as well as a modern stable designed to keep 600 Akhal-Teke horses will be put into operation.

This year, it is planned to put into operation high-voltage overhead power lines Akhal-Balkan and Balkan-Dashoguz, the Tejen-Mary section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat autobahn, 15 secondary schools and 3 kindergartens. Significant funds will be allocated for the construction of roads, communication systems, water, gas, power supply and construction of treatment facilities.

This year, billions of manats should be directed to the technological modernization of key industries, as well as to continue improving the economic management structure, training new young personnel, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized.

During the meeting, the head of state signed a number of documents. Among them – “On the establishment of the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annayev” and the appointment of the rector of this Academy, as well as “On the issues of the International Academy of Horse Breeding named after Aba Annayev”, “On the construction of the International Scientific and Clinical Center of Oncology”, “On the construction of the International Center for Pediatrics”, “On the construction of the Dental Center”.

Decrees were also signed on the production of silkworm cocoons in Turkmenistan in 2023 and on the construction of underground drainage tunnels in the capital to drain sewage and storm water.

At the meeting, the results of the competition among etraps and cities with the rights of an etrap in velayats to achieve the highest results in 2022 in all social, economic and cultural indicators were announced. According to the results of the review, summed up by a special commission under the leadership of trade unions, the Magtymguly etrap of the Balkan velayat became the winner.

By order of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the khyakimlik of this etrap was awarded a cash prize in the amount of 1 million US dollars. The corresponding competition will continue in the future.

At the enlarged meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, it was also noted that the principles of peacefulness, good neighborliness and humanism, inherent in the Turkmen people from time immemorial, are the basis of the foreign policy strategy pursued by neutral Turkmenistan.

Evidence of this is the humanitarian aid sent on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the fraternal people of Turkiye, who suffered as a result of a severe earthquake. Humanitarian cargo consists of medicines, medical supplies and textiles. Doctors and medical workers have also been sent to Turkiye to provide the necessary assistance to their colleagues helping the victims.

Deep condolences, words of sincere empathy and support were expressed to the leadership and people of the friendly country. The visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Embassy of Turkiye in Ashgabat this week was a confirmation of the inviolability of the bonds of friendship, brotherhood and mutual assistance that hold interstate relations together.

The words of deep sympathy and support to the fraternal Turkish people were addressed by the wife of the Hero - Arkadag, the mother of Arkadagly Serdar - Ogulgerek Berdimuhamedova during a telephone conversation with the wife of the President of the Republic of Turkiye Emine Erdogan.

On behalf of Turkmen women, from the funds of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, founded on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, additional humanitarian assistance was sent to the fraternal Turkish people, including winter clothes for children affected by the strongest earthquake.

Turning to other events, we note the telephone conversation that took place last week between the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during which the prospects for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation were discussed.

Last week, in accordance with the Order of the President of Turkmenistan, the gratuitous transfer of liquefied gas to the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the entry of ambulances produced in Uzbekistan into our country, were clear evidence of the Turkmen-Uzbek good-neighborly relations of friendship and brotherhood.

On February 11-12, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates.

During the visit, the Hero-Arkadag visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque located in Abu Dhabi, one of the six largest in the world, and presented a book of the Holy Quran and a prayer rug as a gift to the spiritual temple.

Expressing gratitude for the wonderful gift, the leadership of the mosque presented Arkadag with a wonderful book, which contains photographs and information about the unique mosques of the world, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Noting that it would be expedient to place this magnificent edition in the Main Mosque of Akhal velayat, which was laid in January of this year, Haji Arkadag handed it over to the mufti of Turkmenistan.

On the same day, in the Al Shatiye Palace, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Hero-Arkadag expressed sincere sympathy to the President of the UAE in connection with the death of his wife's mother.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that the relevant vectors of cooperation include energy, the transport and communications sector, road maintenance systems, industrial cooperation, agriculture, shipbuilding, high technology, as well as interaction with the financial structures of the UAE in the implementation of important projects. In this context, it was noted that the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates last November opened wide opportunities for effective partnership.

The priority areas of bilateral cooperation are fuel and energy sector, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

At the end of the meeting, Hero-Arkadag invited Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Turkmenistan at a convenient time for him.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also met with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The parties discussed issues of intensifying partnerships in the fuel and energy industry, the oil refining industry, and the investment sector. The transport and logistics systems were noted among the most promising areas of cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, Arkadag invited Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Turkmenistan with his family at any convenient time.

On the second day of his official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov devoted time to sports and took a walk along the coast of the Persian Gulf.

Examining the local natural attractions with his associates, Arkadag stressed the importance of studying the experience gained by the UAE in the development of tourism in order to apply it in creating a modern international-class seaside resort on the Caspian coast. In particular, they noted the possibility of increasing the number of different types of vessels, as well as establishing services related to fishing, sea excursions to attract even more vacationers.

Continuing on a bike ride, Hero-Arkadag examined the panorama of the area, sports facilities located on the coast of the bay, visited the tennis court operating here, and talked with experts involved in camel rides.

As the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted, the main goal of the development of the Avaza National Tourist Zone is to effectively use the resort potential of the coast, provide high-quality recreation for people, strengthen the investment base, and turn this area into a world-class tourist center.

On the same day, representatives of the delegation of Turkmenistan held meetings with the leaders of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, Masdar, ADNOC and Abu Dhabi Port companies.

There was a discussion of the possibilities of expanding contacts in the field of investment, prospects for cooperation in the fuel and energy industry, the rational use of renewable energy sources, and increasing cooperation in the development of port infrastructure.

A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the energy sector was signed between the State Concern “Turkmengaz” and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and an Agreement on the conditions and procedure for opening and maintaining a correspondent account between the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and the First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the city of Abu Dhabi, which the Hero-Arkadag visited the day before, was visited by the mufti of Turkmenistan and the chief specialist of the Altyn Economic Society.

Taking into account the fact that the Main Mosque will be built in the new modern administrative center of the Akhal velayat - the city of Arkadag, the representatives of our country showed great interest in the architectural and technical features and design solutions of one of the largest wind temples in the world, landscaping, etc. The representatives of the UAE expressed willingness to provide assistance and advice in the construction of the Main Mosque of the Akhal velayat, as well as to share their experience.

As a result of the official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the United Arab Emirates, a Joint Declaration was adopted.

Last week, on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a regular meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan on the activities of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues of cooperation within the framework of this largest specialized agency of the United Nations was discussed, plans were outlined for further expansion of cooperation for 2023, in particular, in the context of our country's proposals to include national values in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Preparations are actively continuing for an important socio-political campaign - the elections of deputies of the Mejlis, the halk maslahaty, members of the velayat, etrap and city Gengeshes scheduled for March 26.

Meetings, meetings of committees for nominating candidates from the Democratic Party, the Agrarian Party and the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, as well as groups of citizens to discuss the most worthy candidates who will be entrusted with representing the interests of the people in the highest body of legislative power, are held everywhere.

In Ashgabat, in the Palace of Mukams of the State Cultural Center, a solemn opening ceremony of the Days of Culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan and a concert of artists of a friendly country took place.

The Iranian creative delegation included leaders and specialists in the field of culture, creative teams, artists, masters of folk crafts and ancient national sports.

As part of the creative action, Ashgabat residents and guests of the capital will get acquainted with the works of famous Iranian painters, masters of folk art, filmmakers, as well as culinary masterpieces of Iranian cuisine.

Thus, the events of the past week clearly demonstrated that the well-considered economic strategy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the consistency of the reforms launched in the country are aimed at the further prosperity of Turkmenistan based on the creative potential of the people, the implementation of a foreign policy based on the principles of peace, positive neutrality and broad international cooperation.