Issues of intensifying cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, agriculture, and small business were discussed on March 14 at a meeting of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov with the Vice-President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Mark Bowman, TDH reports.

 During the exchange of views on priority aspects of interaction, the effective and long-term nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EBRD was stated.  It was noted that along with the positive results achieved, new promising areas of partnership are opening up, one of which was named energy.

 At the same time, the commitment of Turkmenistan, which has rich natural resources, to interaction in this area was emphasized.  The country is taking steps to introduce environmentally friendly technologies into the industry and develop “green” energy.  This provides ample opportunities for the EBRD to participate in sustainable energy projects implemented in Turkmenistan.

 Transport is also listed among the current areas of cooperation.  It was noted that the favorable geographical location of Turkmenistan is a key factor in the development of the transport and logistics system.  Here, special attention is paid to the formation of interconnectedness of all modes of transport.  Work is underway to create multi-vector transport corridors North-South and East-West, which have regional and international significance.

 In this context, emphasis is placed on the prospects of intensifying international communications across the Caspian Sea, for which it is necessary to optimally use existing opportunities.  It was noted that there is great potential for increasing the capacity of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.  In this regard, the head of state confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to consider specific proposals from the EBRD for participation in projects to create transport and transit corridors.

The subject of discussion at the meeting also included the issues of intensifying cooperation in the field of agriculture, banking sector and private business of Turkmenistan with the EBRD.

 Bowman noted the interest of European partners in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan, emphasizing that the measures implemented in our country to improve the financial and banking system and comprehensive programs in various sectors make it possible to ensure economic stability and maintain high rates of development.

 Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to strengthening and expanding mutually beneficial international cooperation, including with reputable financial institutions and banking structures.

 The head of state expressed confidence that meetings and negotiations with Turkmen colleagues planned during the current visit of the EBRD Vice-President to Ashgabat will contribute to the further development of bilateral economic relations.