Turkmenistan's GDP increased by 5.9% last year.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on Friday chaired an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which reviewed the results of activities over the past year, TDH news agency reports.

The Head of State noted with satisfaction that, despite the difficulties because of global economic downturn, the country managed to achieve significant success in the past year.

Turkmen President added that the reform of the country's supreme legislative body – the creation of a bicameral Parliament, which was launched after the amendments and additions to the Constitution – is almost completely completed.

The country maintained high growth rates of the national economy, President Berdimuhamedov continued, last year, the GDP increased by 5.9%. The industry sector grew by 3.3%, trade sector increased by 15.1% and transport-communications sphere grew by 4.7%.

About 12 thousand new jobs have been created across the country. The rate of the manat has also been kept within the planned limits. Over $38 billion have been invested in the construction industry within the framework of the planned programs, Turkmen Leader noted. Last year, 45 large industrial and social facilities with a total value of around $8 billion were commissioned across the country.

Last year, Turkmen farmers harvested around 1.5 million tons of wheat and over 1.2 million tons of cotton, which made it possible to ensure the country's food security, the Head of State stressed.

Concluding the government meeting, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished all its participants good health and success, and well-being to Turkmen citizens.

Business Turkmenistan