Opinions & Interviews

GARLYK, 31 March (BelTA) – The project to build the Garlyk mining and processing factory has set the pace of implementing similar projects in the region, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the ceremony to inaugurate the plant on 31 March, BelTA has learned.

In fact, within five years the experts have gone a long way from geological surveys to the production of the first batch of fertilizers. “We managed to keep an optimal cost of construction which is unprecedented for such projects, to ensure a high quality and speed of the works,” the President said.

The head of state noted that Turkmenistan exported the first batch of fertilizers to neighboring Afghanistan. “This is a great example. Then people will respect you, will be with you, will be grateful to you. This is a great solution!” the Belarusian leader said. “This is a symbolic step which elevates both the president and the people of Turkmenistan.”

Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that the today’s event will have a big influence on the economy of Turkmenistan. A number of 2,000 highly efficient jobs will be created at the factory in the future. Then it will need workforce, supply, logistic and marketing services.

The agricultural industry of Turkmenistan will get a strong impetus for development. Having the access to the local fertilizers, agricultural manufacturers will be able to raise the competitiveness of their products on foreign markets, boost export revenues.

“It is extremely important that Belarus and Turkmenistan can continue their cooperation in this dimension enriching each other,” the head of state said.