Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, April 2 / Trend H. Hasanov /
The issues of accelerating the Turkmen-Finnish partnership have been discussed at a meeting with a delegation headed by the director of the Department for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asian of the Finnish Foreign Ministry Nina Vaskunlahti at the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, the Turkmen government said.
A spokesperson added that the main direction of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy is based on the principles of positive neutrality, peace and openness and that a wide mutually advantageous cooperation with all interested partners have been considered at the meeting.
According to the information, members of the delegation expressed interest in continuing to build a constructive dialogue, developing bilaterally and multilaterally, especially within international organisations such as the EU and OSCE.
The two parties have determined the priority areas, including trade and economic areas, the fuel and energy sector and the cultural and humanitarian sphere. The issues of further expanding inter-ministerial contacts were important topics.
According to the Turkmen State Statistics Committee, Finland's experience is of great importance for Turkmenistan.
'Innovation has ensured Finland's competitiveness at an international level', the message said. 'Today the innovative direction is the main component of the country's economy. About 20 universities and 28 higher vocational schools are included in Finland's higher education system'.
The Statistics Agency stressed that the Turkmen economy will be based on similar principles. Ashgabat plans to build an industrial park. Both domestic and foreign well-known specialists will be involved in the work in this new high-tech centre.
"The effectiveness of Turkmenistan's transition to the innovative level of development will be greatly associated with a sufficient number of relevant investments in the country," the State Statistics Committee said. In this regard, Turkmenistan shows a special interest in foreign direct investments, made directly to create new services.
The State Statistics Committee emphasised that at present the main competitive advantages of the Turkmen economy are: the presence of large reserves of various natural resources, especially hydrocarbons, a favourable geographical position, a high educational level and the presence of higher education and research institutes and other public and scientific organisations.
'These advantages allow business to expand its participation in the development of high-tech industries and production', the message said. 'Moreover, at present, there are all the prerequisites for a significant reorientation of the state and the private sector to enhance innovation in the fields of the real sector of the economy'.