BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25
By Jeila Aliyeva - Trend:
Being more actively involved in the processes of economic integration, both within Central Asia and the CIS, would be beneficial for Turkmen economy, head of the Central Asia sector at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO RAS), Dina Malysheva told Trend.
"Another important option that could help to improve theTurkmenistan's economy is its diversification, also creating conditions for the growth of the domestic market, and continue encouraging small and medium-sized businesses," Malysheva added.
At the same time, Malysheva stressed that Turkmenistan tries to keep its foreign policy guidelines and status of a neutral state unchanged.
Speaking about the economy of Turkmenistan, she noted that gas exports remain the main source of revenue for the state budget.
"The energy sector of Turkmenistan largely determines the main foreign economic and foreign policy trends in the development of the country," Malysheva said.
Generally, Turkmenistan aims to increasing the capacity of the country's energy sector.
Currently, the country is upgrading infrastructure of the sector with new gas-turbine power stations built in Ashgabat, as well as in the Akhal, Balkan, Lebap and Dashoguz regions.
Turkmenistan is working on a number of major investment projects aimed at strengthening the raw material base of the fuel and energy sector, building up its production potential and export capabilities.
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