Under the leadership of Honorable President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, an off-site meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers was held in Balkan velayat on May 8. During the meeting, important issues regarding the socio-economic development of the country and the western region were discussed. This was reported by the "Turkmenistan: Golden Age" online newspaper.
At the beginning of the meeting, information was provided on the ongoing work to modernize the legislative framework and develop international cooperation. The Head of State noted the importance of preparing new draft laws and systematically improving the legal system.
Economic indicators for the Balkan velayat in the first four months of 2026 showed positive results. The volume of industrial production in the region increased by 6.6 percent. In particular, high growth rates were recorded in the production of iodine, mineral fertilizers, cotton yarn, and food products. Revenue plans for the local budget and bank branches were overfulfilled.
To develop the oil and gas sector, a Decree was adopted on the construction of the new "Kenar" pumping station and a seawater desalination plant for the Turkmenbashy Complex of Oil Refineries. Instructions were also given to modernize geological exploration and oil production in the region.
In agriculture, preparations for the grain harvest and cotton care continue. To ensure food abundance in the Balkan velayat, work on caring for potatoes, vegetable and melon crops, and silkworms is being carried out at a high pace. The President emphasized that increasing crop yields is the primary task.
In the construction sector, the building of more than 260 facilities continues in the Balkan velayat. These include the Turkmenbashy – Garabogaz – Kazakhstan border highway and a new urea plant. In the trade sector, supporting private producers and maintaining commodity abundance in markets were identified as priority areas.
In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, preparations are underway for the Culture Week to be held in the Balkan velayat. New schools, kindergartens, and health centers are also under construction in the region. Work has been intensified to prepare children's health and recreation centers in the "Avaza" National Tourist Zone for the summer holiday season.
Regarding international cooperation, a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, as well as the CIS summit, are planned to be held in Avaza in October 2026. Furthermore, a Decree was signed on establishing the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations.
In the transport sector, instructions were given to increase the capabilities of the Balkanabat and Turkmenbashy international airports and to implement new projects at the "Balkan" shipbuilding and repairing yard. At the end of the meeting, the Head of State instructed the hyakim of the velayat to consistently improve the living conditions of the population and to commission all planned facilities on time.
