Friday, June 15, 2012 -
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has ordered officials to establish the country’s first scientific industrial park, the state press agency reported Thursday.
The Turkmen president signed a resolution at the Turkmen Academy of Sciences, authorizing construction of the industrial park in Birkov village, located at the outskirts of the capital Ashgabat.
"The industrial park will concentrate the most advanced achievements of science and engineering,” said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
“Its purpose is to create favorable conditions for efficient creative in specific areas of an innovative industrial and information technology character," he added, the pro-government news agency Turkmenistan.ru said.
Leading Turkish building firm Polimex will undertake the task with a completion deadline of 2014. Work begins this month.
Berdimuhamedov also authorized the central bank to disburse $10 million to the Academy of Sciences to provide material and technical support for scientific research institutes it oversees.
In a separate decree, the Turkmen president signed off salary increases for senior academic staff holding posts within the country’s educational and research facilities, business, and other agencies.
He also approved pension increases for retired academicians.
Berdimuhamedov has maintained a tight control over the reclusive ex-Soviet state since 2006 when he took over the reins of power upon the death in office of his predecessor.