Turkmenistan

[turkmen]

Skyscrapers of Turkmenistan

[daniellle]

please share photos of turkmenistan

[ikanasin]

I would love to see some skyscrapers from Turkmenistan as well The designs must be interesting.

[kiretoce]

We're still waiting....

[turkmen]

[golov]

Guys, there was a ton of projects and photos posted on the Ukrainian forum's Ashkhabad thread

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=824176

Hope you find it useful, maybe someone has enough initiative to repost the more interesting stuff here

[hakz2007]

UN head tours troubled ex-Soviet Central Asia

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (April 2) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has begun a trip through the countries of former Soviet Central Asia, a region troubled by poverty, oppression and fears of renewed Islamic insurgency.

Ban's blitz through five countries, which began Thursday, appears unlikely to produce any breakthroughs, but it will draw attention to a region often obscured by the shadows of its giant neighbors Russia and China and by the war raging in Afghanistan, just across the borders.

Beleaguered human rights activists in the region are encouraged by the attention, even though Ban has no announced plans to meet with their groups. His statements after meetings with each of the region's presidents are likely to be carefully watched for indications of how much pressure he puts on leaders who reject Western concepts, or are suspicious of them.

"Just the fact that the UN Secretary-General is visiting is an extremely important appearance," Elena Urlayeva of the Human Rights Alliance of Uzbekistan told The Associated Press by telephone. "A visit always helps us, even despite the fact that our government doesn't want them."

"The secretary-general has talked about being a 'voice for the voiceless,'" Holly Cartner of US-based Human Rights Watch said in a statement. "He should not miss this unique opportunity to put the full weight of the United Nations behind human rights in Central Asia."

Ban's trip began in Turkmenistan, the most closed and idiosyncratic of the five countries. Under longtime dictator Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan was until recently gripped by a cult of personality nearly as overwhelming as North Korea's and the country was largely inaccessible to the outside world.

Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov, who took over when Niyazov died in 2006, has diluted some of those trappings — including eliminating the image of his predecessor that showed almost constantly on state television — and has allowed limited Internet access for private citizens.

Berdymukhamedov tentatively agreed this year to allow a second political party to be formed, but it was unclear if that would shepherd in genuine pluralism or simply be subservient "official opposition."

Turkmenistan cracked down on independent human rights workers at home years ago, and activists are watching the trip from exile. The Vienna-based Human Rights Initiative of Turkmenistan wants Ban to urge the country to make it more easy for students to study abroad.

Kyrgyzstan, the next stop, on Saturday, once appeared to be the opposite of Turkmenistan, and was hailed as the region's "island of democracy." But since Kurmanbek Bakiyev took office in 2005 following protests that drove out the previous president, pressure on human rights activists and independent media has increased. Last month, Bakiyev questioned whether Western-style democracy was appropriate for the country.

Kyrgyzstan is small and has few natural resources, but its stability is of concern to both East and West. Russia and the United States both have air bases in the country; the U.S. base is a key part of the military campaign in Afghanistan.

Frustrations over poverty and rights have contributed to growing support for the Hizb ut-Tahrir movement, which advocates an Islamic caliphate in both Kyrgyzstan and in Uzbekistan, Ban's next stop.

Ban's meeting with Uzbek leader Islam Karimov is likely to be the most tense of the trip, coming less than two weeks after the United Nations Human Rights Committee sharply criticized the country. In particular, the committee called for a more thorough investigation of the brutal suppression of a 2005 uprising in the city of Andijan. Opposition and rights groups claimed that hundreds were killed, but authorities insist the reports are exaggerated and angrily reject any criticism.

Ban then continues to Tajikistan, still struggling to overcome the devastation of a five-year civil war against Islamists in the 1990s and to fight the surge of Afghan opium that penetrates its porous border en route to European addicts.

The trip concludes in Kazakhstan, where media and activist groups operate with relative freedom. But President Nursultan Nazarbayev's party holds all the seats in the elected lower house of parliament, and critics doubt the country's commitment to reform.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100402/...n_central_asia

[hakz2007]

Ashgabat Trade Center


image hosted on flickr





The Central Bank of Turkmenistan Republic


image hosted on flickr


Ministry of Petroil & Gas Building


image hosted on flickr


Ministry of Health and Medical Industry

image hosted on flickr


Photos by bestoy

[hakz2007]

New international airport to be inaugurated in Turkmenbashi

A modern international airport capable of accommodating all types of aircraft is ready for commissioning in the city of Turkmenbashi in Balkan province of Turkmenistan. In the course of the Cabinet meeting on April 9, Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov set a task for Deputy Prime Minister Nazarguly Shagulyev, who is in charge of the transport industry, and for the head of the State National Service "Turkmenistan", Batyr Kakalyev to ensure international standards of services at a new air port.

In addition, the head of state instructed Vice Premier Tuvakmammed Dzhaparov together with senior management of the national airline "Turkmenistan" to consider lowering prices of aviation fuel for refueling of aircrafts on transit routes through Turkmenistan. According to him, it is necessary to take full advantage of the international airport in the city of Turkmenbashi, which enjoys a favorable position - the crossroads of important transport routes.

"We should also consider the issue of establishing a free economic zone here, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at the meeting. This will provide significant foreign exchange revenues to the state budget, give impetus to the development of services, and transform the Turkmenbashi International Airport into a major transit hub." Speaking of this, the President of Turkmenistan issued instructions to prepare proposals and present them at the next Cabinet, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) said.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

The new airport of Turkmenbashi receives first international passengers

On April 12, the new international airport of the city of Turkmenbashi received the first four international flights. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the airport on this day as part of the grand opening of the facility. He inspected the airport complex, which is designed to give new impetus to the development of national economy, the tourism industry and international cooperation.

The airport with the capacity of 800 passengers per hour boasts a four-story passenger terminal, a 61-meter high control tower equipped with special equipment from Siemens and Thales, as well as VIP-building for distinguished guests, meetings and conferences.

The airport can receive 7 flights simultaneously and prepare 14 aircrafts for flight and operation, while ensuring the international standards of service. The runway can handle virtually all types of aircraft.

The authorities plan to turn the Turkmenbashi International Airport into a major transit hub, and use to the maximum extent the air port's favorable geographic location by creating here a free economic zone and lowering prices for aviation fuel for aircrafts performing transit flights over Turkmenistan.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

EBRD approves new strategy for Turkmenistan for 2010-2013

The Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has unanimously approved a new strategy for Turkmenistan for 2010-2013 and expressed its full support to the large-scale political and economic reforms implemented in Turkmenistan.

According to the press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the EBRD supported Turkmenistan's concept of economic development of private entrepreneurship, including small and medium businesses, the introduction of new technologies and advanced management methods based on the principles of smooth transition to a market economy.

It is noted that banking and financial sectors, energy sector, transport and communications and agriculture are among the priority areas of mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EBRD. In this context, the bank also highlighted its willingness to partner in upgrading the skills of Turkmenistan staff.

Stressing the importance of developing the transport infrastructure of regional importance, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has also expressed willingness to support major projects initiated by Turkmenistan, including cooperation with other international financial institutions, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to pay state visit to China

On April 30, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov will start a state visit to the People's Republic of China at the head of a governmental delegation. As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat, preparations and the program of the visit were discussed yesterday at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.

It was noted that during the visit the governmental delegation of Turkmenistan will take part in the opening ceremony of the largest international exhibition "EXPO 2010" in Shanghai, where Turkmenistan will present its exposition for the first time.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Turkmenistan to set up e-government

The Ministry of Economy and Development and the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan have been instructed to create a unified system to introduce information and communication technologies into public administration, as well as create a fiber-optic communication system of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan with the ministries and line agencies.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree to this effect "to improve the efficiency of public administration on the basis of modern organization of interdepartmental information exchange, ensuring effective application of information and communication technologies, and enhancing safety and security of information."

The document approves the program of activities for 2010 on introduction of information and communication technologies into public administration, as well as composition of the coordination committee.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

Circus reopens in Turkmenistan after decade-long ban

AFP – Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, President of Turkmenistan attends a ceremony at the circus in Ashgabat. The …
Fri Apr 23, 12:05 pm ET

ASHGABAT (AFP) – Almost a decade after Turkmenistan's leader banned circuses as "alien" culture, the circus reopened in Ashgabat on Friday with a show of clowns and elephants watched by the current president.

The Central Asian country's authoritarian and eccentric leader Saparmurat Niyazov, known as Turkmenbashi, closed the circus in 2001 after declaring it "alien culture" and "contrary to the Turkmen mentality."

Niyazov, who died in 2006, also closed cinemas, village libraries and the country's opera and ballet theatre in a bid to erase outside influences from the national culture.

Friday's show, attended by Niyazov's successor, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, featured Turkmen "Dzhigit" riders, who perform daring stunts, as well as clowns from Iran, Russia, China and Austria.

The audience of around 1,500 children also watched events featuring camels, elephants, pythons and even a crocodile.

Berdymukhamedov called for a review of Turkmenbashi's policies after his death and a revival of the banned cultural institutions in the isolated but energy-rich former Soviet republic.

"The state allocated 17.9 million dollars from the budget to reconstruct the circus building, which was built in the 1970s," a government source said.

The Bolsheviks embraced circuses as proletarian culture and the Soviet Union opened state circuses across its republics, usually located in fixed buildings rather than big tops. Turkmenistan's circus opened in 1985.

Circuses in the former Soviet Union have come under fire from animal rights campaigners for continuing to use performing animals.

In October, one person was killed and another wounded when an ice-skating bear attacked his Russian handlers at a circus in Kyrgyzstan.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100423...20100423160516

[hakz2007]

Turkmenistan wants to develop comprehensive relations with CIS countries

Turkmenistan views cooperation with CIS countries as one of directions of its foreign policy and build relations with countries of the CIS based on existing good traditions of friendship, mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial partnership, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said on 8 May in Moscow during he informal summit of heads of CIS countries dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

As the President of Turkmenistan noted, Turkmenistan has in recent years "significantly increased its participation in the activities conducted within the framework of the CIS with the focus on realization of the existing potential for multilateral cooperation. Speaking about prospects for further cooperation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov named as the most urgent the projects for development of transport and communications infrastructure and partnerships in the energy sector.

"The CIS is a natural transportation corridor along the North-South and East-West routes, providing access to major world markets. Based on this, we see great prospects for the transnational railway Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran, which is under construction, as well as intensification of maritime transportation between CIS countries in the Caspian Sea," stressed the head of Turkmenistan.

Turning to the prospects of partnership in the energy sector, the president focused on the huge resource and transit potential of the CIS, noting that "successful implementation of joint projects for the construction of new transnational pipelines can give a powerful impetus to economic and social development for producer countries, transit countries and consumers.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Turkmenistan proposes to hold Maritime Business Forum in Caspian Sea

Turkmenistan proposed to hold a Maritime Business Forum in the late summer this year, which will consider a range of issues relating to cooperation in trade, economy, transport and communications in the Caspian Sea. This proposal was made by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on May 7 at a meeting with Governor of Astrakhan Region Alexander Zhilkin "to give further impetus to business activities and fruitful exchange of experiences."

In turn, the head of the region offered the Turkmen partners services of Astrakhan region organizations for the integrated study of marine biological resources of Turkmenistan.

He also expressed readiness of Astrakhan shipyards to join major projects for the construction of facilities to develop oil fields in the Turkmen Caspian shelf.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Barge built in Astrakhan for Turkmenistan named "Dagbashi"

Within the framework of his familiarization visit to Astrakhan region of Russia the President of Turkmenistan took part in a ceremony of giving name to a new barge built by shipyard "Red Barricades" on the order of Malaysian company Petronas Carigali for works relating to exploration of hydrocarbons in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. According to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH), the ship was named "Dagbashi" (mountain peak).

With the length of 160 meters and maximum width of 45 meters the barge will be capable to take on board more than six thousand tons of cargo, ranging from offshore cranes to oil platforms in real size. The barge with such capacity will significantly expand the technical arsenal of oilmen working in the Caspian shelf. The construction of a large-capacity vessel is in its final stages.

During his visit to the shipyard, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was accompanied by Governor of Astrakhan Region Alexander Zhilkin. He viewed a shipbuilding shop and got acquainted with the production process. The distinguished guest also visited a showroom where he saw a presentation of the shipbuilding industry of Astrakhan region tailored to the ambitious plans of Turkmenistan to modernize the material and technical basis and development of the merchant fleet and port facilities of the country, as well as oil and gas sector.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

Programme for socio-economic development of Turkmenistan until 2030 signed

A meeting of the Council of Elders of Turkmenistan was held in Dashoguz on 14 May. The meeting considered the draft "National Programme for Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan in the period of 2011-2030," as well as a number of new laws of Turkmenistan such as "On local executive authorities", "On amendments to the Criminal Code of Turkmenistan and approval of the new edition of the Criminal Code", "On advocacy and legal practice in Turkmenistan", "On seed growing."

At the end of debates, to the applause of the audience, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the documents submitted to the Council of Elders, which were unanimously approved by the forum delegates. According to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH), full texts of these laws will be published in the coming issues of newspapers.

The next meeting of the Council of Elders will be held in Ashgabat in mid October 2011 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

First-ever higher education establishment opens in Dashoguz province of Turkmenistan

The inauguration of the Turkmen Agricultural Institute - the first-ever university in the northern region of the country, was held in Dashoguz on May 13.

The new institute with the capacity of 700 students represents a complex of five interconnected educational and administrative buildings. There are four departments for studying agronomy, veterinary, irrigation schemes and mechanization of agriculture. Students and teachers will have access to modern computer technology, multimedia systems, as well as visual aids and simulators.

The institute has special rooms for studying agricultural machinery of such companies as John Deere, Case, Komatsu and Claes. There are also campus dorms and an indoor sports complex, which consists of a football field, a basketball court and large swimming pool.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

India, Turkmenistan take steps for hydrocarbon cooperation

Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday hoped that discussions between representatives of oil and gas companies of the two countries would create conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.

"It was agreed that the Ministers on both sides responsible for oil and gas will take forward ideas for intensifying joint efforts in various projects in the oil and gas sector," a joint statement signed by the both sides said.

The leaders also hoped that discussions on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project would continue with a view to realize it early.

"To intensify economic engagement and extend cooperation in areas in which India had gained considerable expertise, the Indian side proposed to conduct a feasibility study on setting up a gas based fertilizer plant in Turkmenistan," the statement said.

"The two sides appreciated the role of the India-Turkmenistan Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation in enhancing trade and economic cooperation as well as cultural relations," the joint statement added. (ANI)

http://www.calcuttanews.net/story/639755

Local market opened in Geokdere for vacationers

A modern market was commissioned in the picturesque place Geokdere near Ashgabat, where 10 children's recreation centers are expected to accommodate about 15 thousand young Turkmen citizens this summer.

The new market is designed to meet the demand of children, their parents and relatives offering a wide range of products such as food, fruits and vegetables and other essential goods.

"Geokdere" market was designed and built by a subsidiary construction company of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan at its own expense.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Turkmenistan prepares for laying foundation stone of "East-West" gas pipeline

On 28 May, during the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Deputy Prime Minister Baimurad Hojamuhammedov reported on preparations for the ceremonial welding of the first pipes of "East-West" pipeline, the construction of which was commissioned to national fuel and energy companies.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of building a new gas pipeline that will run through almost the entire country, and asked the industry leaders to take appropriate measures to ensure the smooth provision of all necessary logistical support, equipment and materials. "This particularly significant project should be implemented as planned, with high quality that meets international norms and standards applied in construction of such infrastructure projects," he said.

As the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reports, laying "East-West" gas pipeline, marking the beginning of construction of this important energy facility, will be held early next week.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

International Festival of Gifted Children "Avaza - land of friendship" opens in Turkmenistan

The International Festival of Gifted Children "Avaza - land of friendship" opened in Ashgabat in the evening of 28 May. The festival brought together young talents from Armenia, Haiti, Kyrgyzstan, China, Iran, Germany, Korea, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Senegal, Guinea, United States Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, UAE and hosts country - Turkmenistan. Folklore-ethnographic ensembles and dance groups, performers of folk and pop songs, young painters, readers, students of specialized music and art schools participate in the festival.

The festival started with various exhibitions, presenting decorative and fine arts and cultural traditions of Turkmenistan and foreign countries in the picturesque surroundings of Ashgabat, in Dostluk (Friendship) park near the Path of Health. The ceremony finished with a big concert.

Today, a special train with participants of the International Festival "Avaza - land of friendship" will leave for Balkan province where all the other activities of Children's Art Forum will continue on the Caspian Sea coast, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) said.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent a welcome message to the forum participants. "This joyous and happy holiday will unite talented children from all over the world, make them friends, provide an opportunity to get them acquainted with creative work of their peers living in different countries to explore their characteristics, as well as learn the beautiful nature of our sunny land, enjoy the unique culture, art and traditions of the Turkmen people,"the head of state said.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Belarus to host Days of Culture of Turkmenistan on June 8-12

On June 8-12, the Republic of Belarus will host the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan. This was reported by Vice-premier of the Turkmen government Maysa Yazmuhammedova during a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of strengthening the fruitful Turkmen-Belarusian contacts in the humanitarian field and issued instructions to ensure the high level of organization of the activities.

As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat, the Turkmen leader spoke in favor of further expansion of the international cultural dialogue to promote the rich spiritual and historical and cultural heritage of the nation. "We need to adequately represent the culture of the Turkmen people in the world," he said.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

Kazakh businessmen to export goods worth US $ 7 million to Turkmenistan

Fifteen Kazakhstan's companies reached agreements with Turkmenistan to supply their products to the Turkmen market. Following the trade mission to Turkmenistan, conducted by the National Agency for Export and Investment "Kaznex Invest", there were signed contracts totaling more than US $ 7 million on 26-27 May, Kazinform reports with reference to the press service of the agency.

The Kazakhstan's delegation included more than 30 entrepreneurs - representatives of such sectors as agriculture, food processing, light industry, oil and gas engineering, construction. As a result of the trade mission, 15 Kazakhstan's companies have made agreements to supply their products to Turkmenistan, including flour, cereals, confectionery, dairy products, metal pipes and construction materials. Two Kazakhstan's companies plan to open offices in Turkmenistan.

"Kaznex Invest" invited representatives of the Turkmen companies to pay a return visit to Kazakhstan to deepen trade and economic ties.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Mother and Child Center inaugurated in Balkan province

The Center of Mother and Child "Ene Myahri" was inaugurated in the administrative center of Balkan province of Turkmenistan, the city of Balkanabat, on June 2.

As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports, "Ene Myahri" center will provide a wide range of consultative and treatment services for the public. It is designed for 50 hospital patients and consists of two four-storey buildings. There are rooms of diagnostics, emergency aid, maternity, postpartum, gynecology and intensive care rooms, operating units, a laboratory for clinical research doing 16 types of blood tests, immunologic and other rooms.

There are also a dental office and office of endoscopy, radiological and ultrasound examinations. The second two-storey building is set aside for the intensive care unit. It also accommodates administrative and support facilities, including a dining room, laundry and other premises. The center is fitted with modern medical equipment from leading manufacturers who can offer latest technologies and developments. They come mainly from companies such as "Drager" and "Siemens."

It should be recalled that similar medical complexes were previously commissioned in Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabat and Geoktepe.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

President of Turkmenistan holds talks with head of Eni group

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and CEO of Italian oil company "ENI" Paolo Scaroni held talks in the town of Turkmenbashi on 2 June.

During the meeting the head of Eni confirmed his company's readiness to expand its presence in the promising Turkmen market, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan said.

As the head of Turkmenistan pointed out in his turn, "while implementing a comprehensive program of modernization of the national fuel and energy sector and a strategy of diversification of Turkmen energy exports to the world markets, Turkmenistan relies on the introduction of advanced technologies, inviting a number of foreign companies, including Italy's "Eni" to actively cooperate with Turkmenistan."

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

Agreements reached on construction of second gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to China

On June 18, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received the member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Secretary of the Central Commission of the Central Committee of the CPC Ho Guo Qiang, who arrived in Ashgabat yesterday at the head of the delegation of the People's Republic of China.

As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports quoting the press service of the Turkmen leader, taking into account the agreements reached earlier on preparation of a new agreement on the further development of Turkmen natural gas exports to Chinese consumers, the Turkmen president and the high-level representative of China discussed and agreed on issues relating to construction of the second line of the Trans-Asian gas pipeline.

Upon completion of the talks the sides signed an intergovernmental agreement on economic and technological cooperation and a framework agreement.

Today, as part of the program of the visit to Turkmenistan, Ho Guo Qiang will speak at the opening of the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum, which will be attended by over 100 representatives of 40 enterprises from China.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Chinese Hainan and Turkmen Avaza to become sister-resorts

China regards cooperation with Turkmenistan through tourism as promising, Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Secretary of the Central Commission of the Central Committee of the CPC Ho Guo Qiang said 18 at the meeting with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat on June.

According to the guest, during the visit the delegation of China visited the national tourist zone "Avaza", being built on the coast of the Caspian Sea. A senior representative of China made a number of proposals for cooperation and expressed China's willingness to share its experiences.

"We are actively encouraging our businesses to see with their own eyes the progress of this ambitious project and the investment policy of Turkmenistan in order to enable them to find opportunities for their participation in the development of "Avaza", he said.

Ho Guo Qiang also proposed to develop relations between the emerging international sea resort on the coast of the Caspian Sea and the Chinese province of Hainan with the eponymous island, which is a major tourist center.

As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports quoting the press service of the Turkmen leader, at the meeting the sides also agreed to hold Turkmen-Chinese Health Forum in "Avaza".

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Second volume of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's work on medicinal plants published in Turkmenistan

The second volume of the fundamental scientific work by the President of Turkmenistan, Doctor of Medicine, Professor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, was published in Turkmenistan. The work entitled "Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan" is divided into three separate books in Turkmen, Russian and English languages.

The main part of the second volume, like in the first volume, is about characteristics of medicinal plants coming in alphabetical order. Each type is characterized under a general scheme: description of the plant's appearance, its biological characteristics, habitat distribution, natural stocks of this plant, crude drug contained in the medicinal plant, its chemical composition, application, methods of preparation and use. There are references to Turkmen, Russian and Latin names of each plant, their color images and annotations. In addition, the book provides for a calendar of collection of medicinal raw materials.

It should be recalled that in the first volume of the President's work, along with the characteristics of medicinal plants, one can find an overview of achievements of Turkmen medicine over the past 14 years, a brief historical sketch of the study and application of medicinal plants in Turkmenistan, information about the content of biologically active substances in plants growing in the Turkmen land, recipes for preparation of medicines from herbs, leaves, fruits and roots of medicinal plants for curing various diseases, recipes of medicinal drinks.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

Turkmenistan to carry out complete census of population on 15-26 December 2012

Turkmenistan will carry out a complete census of the population and housing stock on 15-26 December 2012. As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a resolution to this effect yesterday. The document also approved the composition of the relevant state commission and the work plan.

It should be recalled that the decision to hold the complete census of the population and housing of Turkmenistan was adopted in April 2008 "in order to implement the decision of the United Nations to carry out a complete census of population and housing stock in UN member states in 2005-2014."

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[hakz2007]

IMF predicts impressive growth of Turkmenistan's economy

The Turkmen economy is projected to grow impressively in 2010 and the fiscal balance is expected to remain in surplus, ITAR TASS reported referring to the IMF's statement for press on the conclusion of the annual review of Turkmenistan's economy.

According to the statement, a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Mrs. Veronica Bacalu visited Ashgabat on June 16−29, 2010. During the visit, the IMF team held discussions with the Turkmen authorities on recent economic developments, exchanged views on near and medium-term outlook, and took stock of the ongoing reforms. At the conclusion of the mission, Mrs. Bacalu said that "the economy of Turkmenistan performed strongly in 2009, notwithstanding the challenging global environment."

"The successful reforms of the past two years in monetary, foreign exchange, and fiscal areas facilitated the strong performance. Real GDP growth was solid, supported by government investment policy and record-high foreign direct investment. Improved access to foreign exchange and the stability of the exchange rate have helped build trust in the national currency and the banking system. Inflation has been maintained at a low level," the head of the IMF mission said. According to her, as global demand recovers and Ashgabat's gas export volumes increase through the existing and new pipelines, "the Turkmen economy is projected to grow impressively in 2010." Bacalu predicted that the fiscal balance is expected to remain in surplus.

As she noted, "continuation of macroeconomic reforms will be important for further diversification and strengthening of the economy for the benefit of the Turkmen people." The IMF supports the authorities of Turkmenistan in their efforts to "improve the macroeconomic management, reform the financial sector, and expand private sector activity to achieve long-run sustainable growth," Bacalu said.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

300 km of rails laid at Turkmen section of North-South railway

The construction units of the Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan completed the laying of 300 km of rails of the international railway New Uzen-Gyzylgaya-Bereket-Etrek-Gurgen.

As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent was told in the Ministry of Railway of Turkmenistan, to date, rails have been laid in the section from the railway station of Bereket through the town of Gyzylgaya toward the state border with Kazakhstan. Along the route there were built 11 railway stations and track sections, as well as over 100 artificial structures, including bridges and reinforced concrete pipes for the passage of mudflows.

At the present time, the Turkmen builders are doing the road bed for laying 305 km of the railway. The construction work involves 350 workers and specialists, about 120 units of construction equipment. By the end of this year it is planned to lay 350-360 km of rails.

According to official data, the new railway, which should be put into operation by the end of 2011, will cut short the distance of 600 km for transportation of goods from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf ports, and will become an important link in the transcontinental transport corridor between China and Europe. According to estimates, up to 3-5 million tons of cargo per year will be transported via this railway right from the start. In future, the volumes of freight traffic will increase to 10-12 million tons per year.

http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=...sort=date_desc

[IndiansUnite]

From Aedas architect's website, here's the design of new terminal at Ashgabat airport:

Aedas has been appointed by Leighton International as part of the Hochtief team to produce fast track design options for the redevelopment of Ashgabat Airport in Turkmenistan’s capital city. Our client selected Aedas following four unsuccessful designs by a high-profile international architect.




The design commission includes a landmark new Passenger Terminal, Presidential Terminal and Air Traffic Control Tower alongside a 200-bed hotel and administration building for the national airline. These buildings form part of a complete overhaul and replacement of the existing Airport facilities in a project totalling some €900m.

[manrush]

Ashgabat resembles a shinier Pyongyang.