Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Jan.18 / Trend H.Hasanov /
At the meeting at the Turkmen Foreign Ministry with the Ambassador of Finland Tuula Yrjölä, the prospects of traditional intergovernmental cooperation were discussed, the Neutral Turkmenistan reported on Wednesday.
Both sides exchanged interest in further strengthening constructive dialogue, developing both countries on a bilateral and multilateral basis and primarily, within authoritative international organisations and bodies, the newspaper said.
Ms Yrjölä noted a lot of interest from the largest Finnish companies in taking part in perspective projects being implemented in Turkmenistan which has been created by the attractiveness of the Turkmen market.
The State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan said earlier that Finnish experience is of great interest to Turkmenistan.
"It is the innovativeness that has ensured Finland's competitiveness in the world. At present innovation is the major component of the country's economy. With a total population size at five million, a system of higher education where Finland embraces 20 universities and 28 higher professional schools," the statement said.
The statement also said that the Turkmen economy will also be based on similar principles. Construction of an industrial park is planned in Ashgabat. Both local and well known foreign specialists will be invited to work in this new high-tech centre.
'Effectiveness of Turkmenistan's transfer to an innovation level of development will depend on inviting sufficient rich investment, together with new technology', the statement said.
In this regard Turkmenistan shows great interest in direct foreign investment sent directly to the establishment of new production and services.
The State Statistics Service stressed that at present the major competitive advantages of the Turkmen economy are big reserves of various natural resources and in particular hydrocarbons. With an advantageous geographic location, high educational level and receptivity to new knowledge of a population capable of working, a network of higher education institutions, research institutes and other public and scientific organisations.
These advantages make it possible for business to expand its participation in establishing and developing of high-tech, science-consuming fields. Moreover, at present the country has all the prerequisites for significant reorientation of the state and private business toward activation of innovation activities in the fields of the economy's real sector, the State Statistics Service said.