On September 23, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed a session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, outlining the main directions for the country’s further development. This was reported by the TDH news agency.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that, over the years of independence, a modern system of state bodies has been established in Turkmenistan, socio-economic development programmes have been implemented, and new industrial, social and infrastructure facilities have been created.

The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty paid particular attention to foreign policy. Among its key principles, he cited peacefulness, good neighbourliness and respect for all states and peoples. Hero Arkadag emphasised the role of the United Nations in Turkmenistan’s international activities and the significance of the country’s status as a permanently neutral state.

Turkmenistan continues its work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that projects are being implemented in the country in the fields of environmental protection, education and healthcare, and that measures are being taken to combat climate change and develop a ‘green’ economy.

A significant part of the speech was devoted to industrial development. The Chairman of Halk Maslahaty noted that the country has established a multi-sector economy, comprising the electricity, oil and gas, chemical, metallurgical, construction, textile, food and pharmaceutical industries.

Projects aimed at producing import-substituting goods and expanding export potential are continuing. Among the major enterprises mentioned were the gas-to-petrol plant in Ahal, the ‘Marykarbamid’ and ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plants, the ‘Balkan’, ‘Lebap’ and ‘Bäherden’ cement plants, the state-owned enterprise ‘Türkmendemirönümleri’ and the enterprise ‘Türkmen aýna önümleri’.

Hero Arkadag drew attention to the development of the energy and chemical sectors, including the construction of gas turbine, solar and wind power stations, as well as the production of mineral fertilisers, technical iodine and other products.

The modernisation of the oil and gas sector is continuing. The ‘Programme for the Development of the Oil and Gas Industry of Turkmenistan for the Period up to 2030’ is being implemented. The ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ gas pipeline was cited as one of the key projects.

This year saw the start of the fourth phase of development at the ‘Galkynyş’ field. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reported that the project involves the construction of facilities for the additional processing of 10 billion cubic metres of commercial gas per year.

The Chairman of Halk Maslahaty also highlighted the development of the private sector. The Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan has around 30,000 members. Entrepreneurs have established more than 1,500 industrial enterprises.The electronics industry was cited as one of the promising sectors. Hero Arkadag emphasised the need to develop enterprises using modern technologies and to train qualified specialists. It was also proposed to adopt a long-term Strategy for the country’s further industrial development to implement a new phase of industrialisation.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid particular attention to youth policy and education. It was proposed to adopt a State Programme on Turkmenistan’s State Youth Policy up to 2031.

In the city of Arkadag, construction is continuing on an educational complex comprising a secondary school offering in-depth foreign language studies, a nursery school and a sports facility. The Chairman of Halk Maslahaty also proposed establishing a national institute for the development of the education system and preparing a five-year forecast of teaching staff requirements.

In the field of science, Hero Arkadag recommended channelling financial resources towards scientific and educational activities, including support for research initiatives by students and young scientists.

In the social sphere, state support was highlighted for large families, orphans, veterans and other citizens in need of protection. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship continues its work.

In the healthcare sector, the ‘National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052’ is being implemented. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that in the city of Arkadag, the company ‘Arkadag Medisina Klasteri Menejment’ manufactures medical and consumer products using local raw materials.

A significant part of the speech was devoted to the topic of Ahal-Teke racehorses. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted that, as part of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, a programme of horse-breeding and equestrian events is being implemented. He also highlighted the participation of Turkmen representatives in international championships and competitions.

Ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence, plans are in place to open the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, with a capacity of 1,200 seats.

Separately, Hero Arkadag discussed the further development of the city of Arkadag. During the second phase of construction, alongside residential buildings, enterprises in the food, industrial, pharmaceutical and medical sectors are being built. The opening of the city’s second phase is scheduled for 2027. It was proposed that an Organising Committee be set up to prepare for the ceremony.

In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of independence, unity and the well-being of citizens, and highlighted the need to continue the current state policy.