Cooperation in the energy and transport sectors can become strategic areas of integration within the CIS.  This was stated by the Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Muhammetgeldi Serdarov, speaking on Thursday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the Turkmen news agency Orient reports.

 «Effective integration within the CIS can become a powerful impetus for development in the new realities as a space where the largest transport and energy projects are being implemented», Serdarov said.

 The head of the Turkmen Ministry of Finance took part in a discussion on the topic “Integration for Development: New Horizons”, where the role and formats of such regional associations as the CIS in overcoming the negative consequences of the pandemic and building a new world economy in the post-COVID era were discussed.

 As strategic directions of integration, Serdarov singled out, first of all, cooperation in the energy and transport sectors.

 “Ensuring comprehensive and indivisible energy security covering the production, transportation and consumption of energy carriers determines the content of Turkmenistan's proposals and practical actions in this area”, the minister said.

 He called cooperation in the field of transport, the development of the transport and communication system of the Commonwealth, and the creation of large transport and logistics centers another important area.

 «The creation of an integrated, balanced and high-tech transport infrastructure will really stimulate investment activity, contribute to the growth of economic and social indicators on a global, regional and national scale», Serdarov said.

 Recalling that the International Conference of Ministers of Landlocked Developing Countries will be held in Ashgabat on August 15-16 this year, Serdarov reaffirmed the invitation to all CIS states to participate in this forum.

 Summing up the discussion, Russian economic observer Alexei Bobrovsky, moderator of this session, made a key conclusion that energy will be the main driving force for the development of the economies of the CIS countries and integration processes.