Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, April 10 / Trend H. Hasanov /
The Association of joint-stock companies for production and maintenance of agriculture Turkmenobahyzmat (Turkmenselhozservis) has received the first batch of agricultural machinery, about 400 Belarus tractors, local media reported.
Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported that according to the signed contract, Republican unitary enterprise Minsk Tractor Works part of the Republic of Belarus, will supply 2000 tractors and spare parts in the near future.
According to local experts, this machinery is suitable for Turkmenistan's soil and climatic conditions. It is expected to be used particularly in the sowing of cotton and other crops.
According to Belarusian media, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov plans to visit Belarus this month. The two countries hold regular talks to increase the supplies of Belarusian special machinery to Turkmenistan.
Moreover, Turkmenistan has been realising a large scale joint project, namely the construction of a mining and processing complex in the Lebap region since 2009. The first phase is estimated at $1 billion.
The project is being implemented by the Belgorkhimprom Company, Belarus. There will be an underground mine to develop the potash ore reserves of Garlyk field. The finished products will be transported by railway and cars. Thermal power plants will be constructed on the basis of gas turbines.
Mineral fertiliser production is one of the Turkmen most profitable sectors. The steady growth in the world population, increased demand for grains and oil-yielding crops for biofuel production and the situation on the world agricultural market are the main factors leading to the increased demand for these products.