Azernews.Az

By Fatma Babayeva

Thanks to the introduction of know-how in enterprises, Turkmenistan’s industry enjoys good potential to establish flexible economic system which is receptive to the scientific and technological innovations, reads the analytic report by the Strategic Planning and Economic Development Institute of Turkmenistan.

The report highlighted that the integration of the Turkmen industry into the world economy happens through extracting and manufacturing sectors. An interest in advanced processing of raw materials and its use as a raw ingredient for the production of products rises.

The Turkmen Institute drew attention to the fact that one of these projects is the construction of the country's first gas chemical complex in the village of Kiyanly in Balkan province. The natural gas processing plant is designed to produce 386,000 tons of polyethylene and 81, 000 tons of polypropylene a year.

The development of gas chemical industry will create prerequisites for the development of new directions such as production of energy efficient composite construction materials, lacquers and paints, various kinds of technical fabrics, wear-resistant and gas-proof rubber and sealants, plastics and elastomers with a wide range of application areas and other products, the institute informed.

Oil refining industry also has a significant share in the manufacturing sector. This sector was expanded in 2015 with new installations designed to produce 2 million tons of heavy oil and 230,000 tons of low-octane gasoline per year.

In addition, one million ton of raw material for gasoline and liquefied natural gas, 900,000 tons of tar for bitumen production will be produced based on vacuum processing.

The Institute emphasized that the rich resources of natural gas are the basis for the production of nitrogen fertilizers.

Particularly, the ammonia and carbamide production complex were commissioned in Mary town which helped to meet demand of the agricultural sector and to ensure stability of this product in the volume of the country’s export turnover.

Currently, the construction work is underway for the Garlyk mining combine in Lebap province which will be the largest combine in the Central Asia. The combine will produce 1.4 million tons potash fertilizer per year.

The growth of investment activities has led to the accelerated development of the construction materials industry in Turkmenistan as well.

The construction work for the quartz sand producing factory and plant for the production of various glass products was started in Akhal province in 2015. Products of these facilities will contribute to Turkmenistan’s import substitution and be export-oriented in future.

Turkmenistan holds the fourth place in the world for the largest natural gas reserves, according to BP's report.

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Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva

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