On February 10, in the village of Dowletli Zaman, Sakarçage etrap of Mary velayat, a ceremony took place to present 1 million US dollars to Sakarçage etrap, which was recognized as the best etrap in the country in 2024 based on all indicators.
As is known, this competition is held annually to encourage efforts in implementing tasks for the socio-economic development of the Homeland and improving living conditions in the regions.
In the year of "The Treasury of Wisdom – Magtymguly Pyragy," marked by the international celebration of the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet’s birth, Sakarçage etrap achieved high social, economic, and cultural indicators. This was reported at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on February 7, dedicated to reviewing the results of the national economy’s performance in 2024.
During the meeting, the head of state signed a decree declaring Sakarçage etrap of Mary velayat the winner of the 2024 competition and awarding its hyakimlik a monetary prize of 1 million US dollars. He also announced the launch of a new competition in 2025 among etraps and cities with etrap status.
As noted at the government meeting, under the far-sighted leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, the noble initiative of Hero-Arkadag to develop the country’s velayats and the city of Ashgabat on a competitive basis is being successfully continued.
From early morning, a festive atmosphere prevailed in front of the House of Culture in Dowletli Zaman. The ceremony was attended by deputies of the Mejlis, members of velayat and etrap halk maslahaty, the Central Council of the National Trade Unions Center, and the Women’s Union, as well as leaders of the velayat and etrap hyakimliks, businessmen, representatives of public organizations, the cultural sphere, the media, and elders honored with state awards.
Next to the white Turkmen yurts set up at the venue, national dishes were being prepared in accordance with holiday traditions. A specially organized exhibition showcased decorative and applied arts created by craftsmen and jewelers, along with food products from private producers. The event was enriched by musical and dance performances by the region’s artists and creative groups.
Later, a solemn conference was held in the House of Culture’s assembly hall. The audience attentively listened to the Address of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the residents of Sakarçage etrap of Mary velayat.
In his congratulatory message, the head of state emphasized that the region, located along the Great Silk Road and renowned worldwide for its cultural and historical monuments and breathtaking natural beauty, is demonstrating steady growth in entrepreneurial activity. Significant steps are being taken to produce high-quality, environmentally friendly, competitive, and import-substituting products, as well as to improve services provided to the population. High profits and rising economic indicators create favorable conditions for investment.
The President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the joyful event—awarding the best etrap a monetary prize of 1 million US dollars—will inspire its residents to new labor achievements and enhance their pride in their beloved Homeland in the International Year of Peace and Trust.
Speakers at the event highlighted the successful implementation of large-scale transformations initiated by Hero-Arkadag under the leadership of Arkadagly Hero Serdar. These include comprehensive velayat development, diversification of the economy’s export potential, the introduction of advanced digital technologies across all sectors, increased industrial and agricultural production, and ensuring food abundance.
As part of the country’s major construction projects, modern villages and towns with the necessary infrastructure have been built in Sakarçage etrap. Notably, the village of Dowletli Zaman, where the current ceremony is being held, was inaugurated with the participation of Hero-Arkadag. A striking example of humanitarian principles was the commissioning of multi-story residential buildings in Sakarçage etrap in 2022 with the blessing of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, along with the distribution of gifts to socially vulnerable citizens. Last year, a new mosque opened in the city of Shatlyk.
In accordance with the "Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country for 2022–2028" and the "National Program of the President of Turkmenistan for Transforming the Socio-Living Conditions of Rural, Settlement, and Etrap Centers until 2028," schools, kindergartens, sports complexes, and comfortable residential buildings equipped with modern amenities have been built and are under construction.
Private entrepreneurs are also making a significant contribution to the rapid development of the etrap, actively participating in the construction of cultural, social, and industrial facilities. Farmers engaged in agricultural production and enterprises manufacturing food products are helping ensure food abundance in the country. The etrap is also making progress in increasing the number of cattle and camels. Speakers emphasized that all these achievements are clear evidence of the successful implementation of state policies supporting private producers.
Currently, the country’s farmers receive comprehensive state support. Investments are directed toward acquiring new agricultural machinery and modernizing the agro-industrial sector’s infrastructure. Due to uninterrupted supplies, farmers’ associations and tenants have access to the necessary equipment, fertilizers, and high-quality seeds. Located in the etrap, a cotton spinning factory and a major cotton processing plant refine raw materials harvested through the diligent labor of farmers. The finished products are then supplied to domestic consumers and exported abroad.
The speakers warmly congratulated the residents of the etrap on winning the competition for achieving the highest results. The people of the etrap expressed their deep gratitude to Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for creating conditions for the productive work of rural workers and ensuring their happy lives. They noted that their achievements would serve as motivation for new labor victories.
On behalf of the residents of Sakarçage etrap, the gathering adopted a letter of gratitude addressed to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing immense appreciation for recognizing the contributions of the etrap’s workers to the socio-economic development of independent Turkmenistan, for his tireless efforts to improve the well-being of the people, and for his great attention to developing modern infrastructure in the regions.
The solemn conference was accompanied by musical performances by regional pop singers, celebrating the great achievements of the head of state and Hero-Arkadag, their internationally supported initiatives, and the Homeland striving for new heights in the International Year of Peace and Trust.
