OREANDA-NEWS. February 26, 2008.  The opportunities of expanding and intensifying the fruitful intergovernmental dialogue were discussed during the Turkmen-German economic and energy forums in Ashkhabad.

A representative delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany led by Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Michael Glos had arrived in the Turkmen capital to participate in the forums. The German delegation consisted of the deputies of the Bundestag, the representatives of the German large banks and world-famous companies already operating in Turkmenistan as well as those discovering the Turkmen market. These included Siemens AG, Mannesmann Fuchs Rohr GmbH, Wintershall Holding AG, MAN Ferrostaal AG, Wirtgen International GmbH, LEMKEN GmbH &Co.KG, Claas KgaA, TEXTIMA Export Import GmbH, etc.

Turkmenistan was represented by the high-ranking officials and leading specialists of the interested government agencies - the Ministry of Economy and Development, the Ministry of Oil and Gas Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, other national ministries and departments.

Opening the economic forum Vice Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov cordially greeted the German guests emphasizing that their current visit was another evidence of the increasing mutual interest in expanding traditional co-operation, the priority trends of which had been specified during the meeting of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the members of the delegation. The participants noted that the steady growth of the trade turnover that made up US$193 million could best evidence the positive dynamics of development of the bilateral economic relations.

Focusing on the outstanding prospects of the Turkmen market Minister of Economics and Technology Michael Glos said that taking account of Turkmenistan’s abundant hydrocarbon resources Germany’s business circles were especially interested in co-operating in the fuel and energy sector, where the German businesses could offer a broad range of the services.

Exchanging views the members of the delegations defined the fields of co-operation of current intense interest. The Turkmen partners invited the German businessmen to collaborate in the large-scale projects including the Avaza National Project, the North-South transcontinental transport corridor, reconstruction of the Turkmenbashi seaport, etc. The ways of intensifying co-operation in the banking and financial areas and expanding co-operation in the humanitarian sphere - science, education, culture, sport and tourism were a focus of discussion.

The participants were unanimous that acting as the strategic partners Turkmenistan and Germany had the profound experience of joint activities as well as huge potential. In recent years the number of the joint projects was implemented in the leading sectors of Turkmen economy in collaboration with the German companies, of them 50 had opened the representation offices and branches in Turkmenistan.

At the forum the high-ranking officials of the national ministries and departments presented the reports on the current condition and prospects of development of the particular sectors and the national social and economic development in whole.

An exhibition presenting produced domestically textile goods, Turkmen carpets, jewellery and the works of Turkmen applied and decorative art was arranged so that the German guests could get acquainted with the products manufactured by the leading sectors of Turkmen economy.

In the afternoon the talks were held at the Ministry of Oil and Gas Industry and Mineral Resources of Turkmenistan, where the Turkmen-Germany energy forum was arranged.

During the fruitful discussion held in the friendly and constructive atmosphere the partners reaffirmed the mutual interest in establishing full-scale co-operation taking account of the prospects of development of the basing sector of Turkmen economy - oil and gas industry and Turkmenistan’s plans on implementation of its profound energy potential.

Noting that Turkmenistan was always open for equal, mutually advantageous co-operation, first of all, with the long-term and reliable partners the high-ranking officials of the oil and gas industry agencies presented the development programme. The potential German partners were invited to collaborate in the new joint projects including in particular the projects on development of the licensed blocks on the PSA terms, services and drilling operations, hydrocarbon exploration and production, construction of the facilities, procurement of high-technology equipment, modernization and supply equipment to the leading enterprises of Turkmenistan’s petrochemical industry – Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries and Seydi oil refinery. Expressing interest in expanding co-operation in that important field the representatives of the large German companies including Mannesmann Fuchs Rohr GmbH, Wintershall Holding AG, RWE Gas Midstream GmbH, MAN Ferrostaal AG, Cameron GmbH, etc made brief presentations of their companies reaffirming their readiness to actively contribute to development of the oil and gas infrastructure and training highly-qualified specialists.

Focusing on high effectiveness of the forum the representatives of the FRG business circles expressed belief that joint work would be successfully continued and promoted by the Turkmen partners.

The Turkmen-German talks were held at the leading ministries and departments of Turkmenistan.