Azerbaijan, Baku /corr. Trend A.Badalova / The deputy editor-in-chief of the Russian newspaper Kommersant and politician Azer Mursaliyev considers that the policy of attracting foreign investment to Turkmenistan's economy is inevitable.
"The policy implemented by the Turkmen President is a soft evolution which leads to mitigated regime, reforms and liberalization. Due to such a policy of attracting [foreign] investment, the opening policy is inevitable," Mursaliyev said on 17 September by telephone.
In September the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbangulu Berdimuhammedov, announced a transition of the country's economy to the market economy. Berdimuhammedov called on to use State property, financial resources more efficiently and increase the level of education among senior officials. During a Governmental meeting as a result of eight months, the President announced the decision to establish a scientific and research institute for strategic planning, as well as establish a higher school for State governance by attracting leading scientists and specialists worldwide. In addition, he stressed that the transition to international accounting standards will provide the opportunity to ensure transparency in financial operations and improve investment opportunities for foreign investors.
According to Mursaliyev, Turkmenistan has a demand for investment.
"The country has large plans and is participating in talks on large-scale projects which require significant investment and new technology. It is possible to suppose that in the near future we will be witnesses of more drastic steps towards opening policy in Turkmenistan's economy and in Turkmenistan itself," the politician said.