OREANDA-NEWS. February 26, 2009. The National Exhibition of Turkmenistan turned into a triumphal demonstration of the grandiose achievements gained by the country during the years of independence. The fact that the leaders of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Islam Karimov attended the opening ceremony testified to the importance of the exposition of an unprecedented scale and significance which would go down in modern history of Turkmenistan as the first exposition of its economic achievements ever organized abroad.

In the welcoming statement to participants and organizers of the Exhibition the Turkmen leader noted that Turkmenistan attached paramount importance to developing multi-aspect cooperation with different countries worldwide and expressed belief that the National Exhibition of Turkmenistan in the capital of Uzbekistan would be an important instrument for expanding the trade and economic relations between two neighbouring countries.

The Turkmen artists greeted the honorary guests – the leaders and the members of the government delegations of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistani with the inflammatory dances with the flags of two friendly countries.

To the storm of applause of those present Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Islam Karimov cut the ribbon and entered the Atrium Hall.

Thanking the Uzbek friends for the heartfelt welcome and high level of organisation of the exposition President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted with satisfaction that this event of remarkable significance for both countries was held against the background of the noticeably intensified intergovernmental relations and symbolized a new level of Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation in the mutual interests.

The Turkmen leader said that the countries witnessed the establishment of a new tradition when two countries widely exchanged accomplishments, created incentives to establish partnership, encouraged business activity. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that all of these met the long-range interests of both countries, contributes to economic progress, created new jobs, increased the people’s welfare and highly appreciated the significance of the National Exhibition of the Republic of Uzbekistan which was held in Ashgabat a year ago and had many practical results and interesting ideas.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had much to be proud of and to demonstrate to each other stressing that all of these enabled two countries to resolutely move forward to regional and international markets, actively collaborate in the large-scale international projects and successfully attract investments.

Congratulating those present on this remarkable event the Turkmen leader expressed belief that the Exhibition would promote enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, establishing useful business contacts and implementing new joint business projects.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said that he was very glad to attend the ceremony of opening the National Exhibition of Turkmenistan which had been initiated by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The leader of the friendly country congratulated the Turkmen people on the grandiose achievements of the epoch of independence presented in the large-scale exposition and informed of the Uzbek business companies’ intense interest in cooperation with Turkmenistan that was vividly illustrated by the trade and economic relations dynamically developed between two countries and growing Turkmen-Uzbek trade turnover. Islam Karimov expressed belief that this multisectoral exposition providing the unique opportunity to study Turkmenistan’s experience and accomplishments would promote establishing direct contacts which would turn into mutually advantageous contracts.

The Presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan started the excursion around the exposition in the pavilion presenting five regions and capital of Turkmenistan – white-marble Ashgabat where the magnificent palaces, modern monumental buildings – theatres, shopping and business centres, medical centres, fashionable apartment houses and other important social and cultural facilities had sprung up in recent years having changed the Turkmen land beyond recognition.

The national melodies – the enchanting sounds of the dutar created the atmosphere of special solemnity at the exposition. Of course, the national heritage of the Turkmen people occupied the central place in the exposition.

Presenting a variety of the goods produced in Turkmenistan today the exposition showcased the achievements gained in almost all sectors of the dynamically developed domestic economy. 45 exposition pavilions were arranged on the areas occupying over 1,000 square metres.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Islam Karimov showed keen interest in the export potential of each sector and the opportunities to establish close mutually advantageous cooperation. The subdivisions of the national fuel and energy complex including Turkmengaz, Turkmennebit, Turkmenebitgazgurlushyk, Turkmengeolgiya arranged the expositions at the National Exhibition. A separate pavilion was occupied by the leading petrochemical enterprise – Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries recognized as the largest enterprise of this kind in the region. Turkmen chemical and construction industries presented state-of-the-art products as well.

The exposition of the State Committee for Tourism and Sport presenting the Avaza National Project and the Turkmenistan’s grandiose plans to create the world-class resort in the Caspian Sea coast was of particular interest to numerous visitors including the representatives of the government and business organisations, the people and guests of Tashkent.

The exposition presenting textile goods and showcasing the achievements of the youngest and dynamically developed sector of Turkmen economy was of intense interest.

The largest exposition was arranged by the Food Industry Association presenting a wide range of products. The State Fish Industry Committee presented the opportunities of cooperation and ‘living’ exhibits – fish bred in Turkmenistan.

Along with 37 state-run enterprises and organisations, ministries and departments the private producers and entrepreneurs, who increased in number in the country with every passing year due to the ongoing policy aimed at facilitating the development of the private sector of the national economy, were presented at the Exhibition. These included the sole proprietorships – Doganlar, Khazar, Ussatlyk, Ak Tam business partnership, Gulzaman wedding salon and many others specialized in various sectors.

The works of national applied and decorative arts, antique and modern jewellery and world-renowned Turkmen carpets added the unique colours to the exposition. The visitors could watch the skilful Turkmen craftsmen – jewellers and carpet makers creating fine gold and silver ware, weaving keteni and carpets.

The largest pavilion in the Exposition Hall was intended for demonstrating world-renowned Turkmen carpets – the glory and pride of the Turkmen people from ancient times. Turkmenhaly State Joint Stock Corporation presented all the groups of classical ornamental carpets with the traditional patterns and carpet articles with the thematic designs. The unique exhibits of the Museum of Turkmen Carpet occupied a major part of the exposition.

The Argach wool-spinning mill presented a wide range of high-quality yarn of all kinds and colours and the samples of natural dyestuff which made carpet colours durable and pure.

The exposition included the prestigious international prizes and awards presented to the Turkmen carpets for unsuppressed quality and unique beauty. These included the Guinness World Records certification awarded to the giant carpet with the area of 301 square metres whose record had not beaten yet.

The exposition presenting the Turkmen traditions of hunting included such exhibits as the Turkmen herding dogs – alabai, hunting dogs – tazy and falcons without whom to imagine falconry was impossible.

The expositions arranged by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Communication, the Supreme Council for Science and Technology under President of Turkmenistan, Turkmen Atlary State association, the State Committee for Tourism and Sport and others showcased the impressive achievements. The transport and agricultural ministries and departments arranged the expositions. The State Publishing Service of Turkmenistan and the printing houses demonstrated the high-quality colourfully illustrated printing production.

The fashion show presenting the collections designed by the Ashgabat Fashion House added the bright colours to the Exhibition.