The year 2009 has been marked with the truly historic landmarks in the successful implementation of Turkmenistan’s energy policy. In the period of the world economic crisis that has adversely affected the economies of the most of the developed countries of the world Turkmenistan abiding confidently by the sustainable development strategy has enhanced its reputation as one of the leaders on the world energy market, expanded energy export routes, strengthened the material and technical base of the fuel and energy sector and ensured a stable increase in the reserves of raw materials and the potential to produce various sources of energy.

China has already received more than 23 million cubic meters of natural gas from Turkmenistan via a newly commissioned gas pipeline, and gas supplies will be increased steadily. This was reported by Vice Premier Baymyrat Hojamuhammedov to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.

The pace of construction of the Turkmenbashi-Ashgabat-Farab highway – the main traffic artery connecting the east and west of the country, an important link of international transport infrastructure increases with every passing day. The total length of this strategically important highway crossing the entire country is over 1,500 km. Of them 400 km – from Turkmenbashi to the administrative border with Ahal Velayat runs across Balkan Velayat.

The new export gas pipeline Dowletabat-Sarakhs-Hangeran, the second pipeline to Iran, was officially commissioned at a ceremony in Serakhs district of Mary province of Turkmenistan on January 6.

The launching ceremony took place at the border village of Salyr Yap, the final point of the Turkmen section of the gas pipeline. The ceremony was attended by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Development Bank Ahmed Mohammed Ali Al-Madani, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey Taner Yildiz, as well as representatives of the diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, foreign businessmen and mass media.