Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Jan. 21 / Trend H. Hasanov /
It was reported about the results of the Turkmen delegation's trip to London to attend the second meeting of the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council at the last governmental meeting, the newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan" said on Saturday.
The article stressed that President Berdimuhamedov appreciated the results of the visit. He stressed that Turkmenistan intends to develop the large-scale cooperation with Great Britain, one of the major long-term partners of our country, on a mutually beneficial basis.
Talking about the most favorable prospects for expanding the cooperation in trade and investment sphere through the priority sectors, the Turkmen leader emphasized the importance of establishing close relations in the modern innovative technologies.
The British business circles were represented by more than 100 heads and leading experts from 52 major private companies and firms, as well as several state agencies at the London Forum.
The agenda of the talks included the issues of implementing the bilateral agreements, the exchange of the proposals on the development of the prospects of Turkmen-British partnership. The fuel and energy sector, trade and economic, banking, transportation, communications, telecommunications, sports, tourism and other spheres are among the priority areas of cooperation.
"In general, meetings and talks in London confirmed the high level of mutual understanding and comprehensive cooperation between the two friendly countries and peoples," the newspaper said. "This is the evidence of the international business circles' great interest in Turkmenistan."
Along with Azerbaijan and Iraq, Turkmenistan is considered by Europe as a potential fuel supplier in the Nabucco gas pipeline project. Ashgabat is also interested in long-term gas supplies to European markets. At present, the country sells oil to China, Russia and Iran.
By 2030, gas production in Turkmenistan must increase to 230 billion cubic meters. About 180 billion will be exported. Ashgabat is ready to guarantee the supply of up to 40 billion cubic meters of gas per year to the European market within the "Nabucco" pipeline project.
The experience of British companies in the Turkmen market is obvious.
Dragon Oil has been operating in the Caspian Sea for 20 years. Burren Energy operates in the western part of Turkmenistan. Petrofac company has received an order in a large-scale project to develop the largest gas field "Galkynysh" in the country.
London shows an interest in expanding its presence on the Turkmen market. British Petroleum, Shell, Rolls-Royce, WYG International, Worley Parsons, BSP International Foundation Ltd., JCB, Vitol and others are among the candidates.