On February 28, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Ms. Antonella Bassani, Vice President of the World Bank for the Europe and Central Asia region.

Expressing gratitude to the Head of State for the warm hospitality, the guest emphasized the World Bank’s interest in expanding traditional ties with Turkmenistan. It was noted that the large-scale measures being implemented in the country to improve the national financial and banking system, along with comprehensive programs in various sectors, ensure economic stability and maintain high growth rates. Taking the opportunity, Ms. Antonella Bassani conveyed warm greetings to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov from the World Bank’s leadership.

Warmly welcoming the representative of a major international financial organization, the President of Turkmenistan thanked her for her kind words and extended his best wishes to the World Bank’s leadership. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also expressed confidence that the meetings during the visit would contribute to the development of bilateral economic cooperation and wished the participants fruitful negotiations.

The meeting further emphasized the importance of expanding interaction with foreign partners in implementing economic reforms in Turkmenistan, particularly the intensification of relations with reputable international financial and banking institutions.

To support Turkmenistan’s economic development in this direction, effective cooperation with the World Bank has been ongoing for many years. Within the framework of this partnership, the main focus is on the introduction of the digital economy, modernization of the financial system, development of the private sector, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Efforts are also being made to improve macroeconomic policies, enhance financial markets, and expand investment opportunities in the country.

In this context, it was noted that within the framework of bilateral cooperation, Turkmenistan, together with the World Bank, is implementing several important projects. The main goals of these projects are the modernization of the country’s infrastructure and the improvement of the population’s living standards.

During the discussion of the current state and prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation, it was highlighted that Turkmenistan’s strategically advantageous geographical location is a key factor in the development of the transport and logistics sector. The country places great importance on the formation of communication systems for various modes of transport.

In this regard, noting the work being done to establish regional and international multimodal transport corridors along the North-South and East-West routes, the Head of State confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to consider specific proposals from the World Bank regarding participation in projects for their creation.

“Additionally, to further develop cooperation with the World Bank, we support the use of new and more efficient forms of relations with our national banks and the private sector. We consider it advisable to introduce advanced technologies into the economy and activate financial, credit, and consulting services to support the development of small and medium-sized businesses,” the Head of State said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, confirming Turkmenistan’s readiness to enhance mutually beneficial partnership with the World Bank, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Ms. Antonella Bassani success in her work.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan