May 9, ORIENT. At an off-site Cabinet meeting held by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the Avaza National Tourist Zone on Friday, a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic development of the Balkan Region was presented. The country's western region, with its enormous industrial and logistics potential, demonstrated impressive results from January to April 2026.

A key event, confirming the region's global potential, was the construction and commissioning of the first domestically produced dry cargo vessel, the Gadamly, at the Balkan Shipyard. In parallel with the fleet's development, construction has begun in Turkmenbashi Etrap on a new urea production complex with a capacity of 1,155,000 tons per year, which is intended to significantly increase the export potential of the region's chemical industry.

The economic spurt is confirmed by the figures: industrial production in the Balkan velayat increased by 6.6% over the first four months compared to the same period last year. Growth was recorded in strategic sectors: oil production increased by 1.9%, oil refining by 4.4%, electricity generation by 4%, and iodine production by 6.5%.

Mineral fertilizer production is experiencing a real boom, with volumes increasing by 2.1 times. Consumer goods production is also actively expanding, including cotton fabrics (+11%) and food products. Flour production jumped by 52.5%, vegetable production by 1.5 times, and fish catch increased by 14.1%. Positive dynamics were noted in retail turnover (+6.3%) and freight and passenger transportation by all modes of transport.

Currently, more than 260 major construction projects are underway in the velayat. Along with industrial giants, the transport infrastructure is being actively modernized: construction of the Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz-Kazakh border highway continues, and roads and bridges are being reconstructed.

Major investments are being made in the social and healthcare sectors: two kindergartens, two comprehensive schools, a health center, and a reconstructed maternal and child health center are planned for completion this year. The Mollakara and Avaza health resorts offer high-quality spa and resort services.

The velayat is actively preparing for the next Culture Week from June 22 to 27. In the agricultural sector, the administration provides vegetation irrigation for cotton plants, wheat care and preparation for harvesting, as well as the procurement of silkworms and the care of vegetable and melon crops. Following the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to further the region's socioeconomic development and improve living conditions.

The head of state instructed that the timely implementation of investments be closely monitored. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to fully utilize the logistics potential of the Balkan velayat, consistently improve the operations of the Turkmenbashi and Balkanabat international airports, and properly organize the operations of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.

The President also instructed the Deputy Prime Minister for Transport and Communications to continuously implement new shipbuilding projects at the Balkan Shipyard, strengthening Turkmenistan's status as a maritime power.