Azernews.Az

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has criticized the low pace of implementation of the projects under the master plan on developing the international sea port in Turkmenbashi and national merchant marine until 2020, the Turkmen government said Tuesday.

Berdymukhamedov said at a workshop that the work on modernization of the port infrastructure and renewal of the fleet is not being properly carried out.

In this regard the Turkmen leader instructed to take appropriate measures aimed at enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the Turkmenbashi port, including the purchase of vessels for international export, import and transit cargo transportation, passenger traffic increase and the development of tourism, the statement says.

Chairman of the State Service of Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan Meylis Mutdikov was severely reprimanded for shortcomings in his work. The Turkmen leader demanded to eliminate the drawbacks as soon as possible, warning him that in case of failure to rectify the situation, he will be dismissed.

Shipping services have an important role in the development of foreign economic relations of Turkmenistan. The international port city of Turkmenbashi is to become a major transit point for passing through the country of the international East-West and North-South transport corridors.

According to the general plan of 2020, it's planned to build a shipyard/ship repair yard, create a rescue service, purchase equipment to reconstruct the railway ferry terminal and the existing oil piers.

The operations include construction of additional berths and an autopassenger terminal, deepening and widening of the navigation canal, the construction of a new control tower to coordinate the work of the Turkmenbashi port, the opening of a logistics center, including the construction of berths for container and dry cargo vessels with a length of 1,500m.

According to experts, a full-scale upgrade of the port in Turkmenbashi will require investments to the tune of several billion dollars. The country has already studied the experience of free economic zones in the UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong. Dozens of foreign companies have announced their interest to participate in the modernization of the port harbor.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency are interested in the project. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the main lending arm of the World Bank Group, and the government of Turkmenistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the modernization of the port.