«Epoch of the people with Arkadag» – this motto of the year 2022 in Turkmenistan could be the motto of the whole period of presidency of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The last 15 years, beginning from elections in 2007, then in 2012 and 2017 till elections in 2022, are described with three key words for the country- Peace! Stability! Development!

During these years the ambitious plans were realized, bold ideas took on real shape, large-scale political, economic and social processes were transforming the country. The indicators of the success of reforms of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov were a significant increase in GDP (in 2021, its growth rate was 6.2%), industrial diversification, import-substituting industries created almost from scratch, and the opening of the new export opportunities.

The important steps have been taken in foundation of multi-vector network of transnational transport communications-gas pipelines, roads and railways, sea and airlines, new oil and gas processing facilities, etc. International cooperation, attraction of foreign investments, profound restructuring of the entire mechanism of national economy management, development of market relations and the private sector have received unprecedented scale.

In the panorama of great deeds and events it is quite impossible to single out individual, albeit outstanding results. Among the main areas of work on socio-economic development of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov outlined the fullest use of all resources for the formation of a diversified, self-sufficient economy, the modernization of the healthcare system, education, science, and culture.

The President directed the fuel and energy complex, the country’s main area of industry, to the deep processing of hydrocarbon resources based on modern technologies and production of high-quality products in demand. New factories and industrial complexes were built for production of polymers, carbamide, synthetic fuel from gas, etc.

The project of construction of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline has entered in stage of the practical implementation. The gas pipeline, which originates from “Galkynysh” gas field, the second gas reserve in the world, will contribute to strengthening of peace and sustainable development as well as to solution of urgent social issues in the region. Thousands of new jobs will be created.

Two more major projects are underway- the laying of power lines and fiber-optic communications along Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route. At the same time Turkmenistan built the railways and social facilities in Afghanistan.

Large-scale construction deployed throughout of implementation of the complexed socio-economic programs led to the increasing demand on high-quality building materials, accelerating development of their production based on local raw materials.

A powerful constructional cluster has been created in Ovadandepe industrial zone of Geoktepe etrap of Akhal region. It includes the enterprises, which are producing a rolled metal and fittings, an aerated concrete plant, a marble and granite processing factory, woodworking, and other enterprises. A few years ago, the establishment of innovative production forced the appearance of new product of Turkmen export- glass.

The development of the domestic industry of electric equipment continues, Turkmen manufacturers are mastering the production of new devices, from household appliances to computers, smartphones, and other electronics.

Jointly with rapid development of industrial construction, several new airports, big and small seaports of international level has been built in the country in recent years. Autobahns are being laid, hospitals and schools, stadiums and cultural centers, living facilities are being built, new villages and entire cities are appearing. On the Caspian seashore was built the fashionable resort «Avaza».

Having formed a multi-profile modern infrastructure in the country, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced a course towards digitalization of all areas of the life of the state and society.

In 2017 Ashgabat brilliantly organized and hosted the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, the first such large-scale sport event in the history, which showed Turkmenistan to the world from the different point of view. All guests unanimously noted that the level of organization of international competitions and sports facilities correspond to the high standards of the Olympic Games.

The delegations, which visited the country during major and representative international forums in political, economic, business, cultural and sport areas, were surprised at the dramatic changes that are clearly reflected the architecture.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov laid down many good traditions in the country- these are nationwide tree planting campaigns and mass bike rides. Thanks to his efforts and enthusiasm such brands of Turkmen culture as Akhalteke hourse and Alabays, carpet and dutar reached a new world top.

The harmonious combination of what is usually called traditional in the life of any nation- its spirit, mentality, moral values, and historical heritage- with the innovations and high technologies of today are the vector of rapid development of Turkmenistan in these 15 years, when the country was led by Arkadag.

The objectives, which by many foreign analytics was thought unrealistic for another decade, has been and continues to be achieved. The obvious results obtained step by step of measures taken in the country speak for themselves, and Turkmenistan no longer needs to prove its viability and prospects- this is the best evidence by the growing desire of the world’s business circles to establish long-term partnership with Ashgabat.

And the deal here is not only the enormous energy resources that the world needs, especially at the stage of its green transition, but also the stability of pragmatic and peacemaking policy of the State, which decisively, firmly and confidently pursued by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov all these years.

Undoubtedly, this richest life and state experience of Turkmen leader, who on February 11, 2022, announced the decision to focus on activities as chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, will bring many useful fruits and important results for the country and our people.

Bekdurdy AMANSARYYEV