On November 26, the III Turkmen-Chinese Scientific and Innovation Forum "Innovations, New Technologies, and Issues of Their Implementation in Production" began its work at the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan.

The event, held in accordance with the decree signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in October of this year, aims to exchange accumulated positive experiences, discuss practical issues of implementing advanced innovative solutions in key sectors of the national economy, and to enhance scientific and technical partnership between Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China.

A representative delegation, including Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of China Ms. Lin Xin, heads and staff of research centers, professors, and lecturers from friendly countries, arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the forum.

The day before, members of the Chinese delegation participated in the second meeting of the subcommittee on scientific and technical cooperation under the Turkmen-Chinese Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation, during which the results of the joint work were summarized, and prospects for further expanding productive interaction between the relevant institutions of the two countries were discussed.

During the meeting, the parties noted with satisfaction the traditionally friendly and trusting nature of the interstate dialogue, which has received a powerful impetus for development and the status of a strategic partnership in recent years.

Among the main topics of discussion was the creation of the Turkmen-Chinese Center for Scientific and Technical Cooperation at the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan.

This proposal was formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the Center for International Scientific and Technical Exchange of Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.

The search for effective forms and new areas of interaction between representatives of the scientific communities of the two countries continued within the framework of the already third Turkmen-Chinese Scientific and Innovation Forum, which was preceded by a specially organized exhibition of innovative technologies.

The extensive exposition gave numerous foreign guests a clear idea of the high level of development of modern Turkmenistan, which pays special attention to the comprehensive improvement of the scientific and educational sphere, the active introduction of innovations and advanced technologies in all areas of the state's and society's life.

With great enthusiasm, the forum participants listened to the welcoming Address of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which emphasized that "the accelerated development of science has led to the emergence of innovative areas of activity, allowed to expand the horizons of scientific research and mutually beneficial targeted partnership."

"At the new stage of the industrial revolution, which ensures an innovative path of development, we are implementing programs and large-scale projects of international significance, thereby consistently increasing the potential of the national economy and improving the standard of living of citizens," the message from the head of state noted.

Emphasizing that the People's Republic of China is one of Turkmenistan's strategic partners, Arkadagly Hero Serdar noted the desire of our countries to orient economic, cultural, and natural potential for the sake of universal progress, maintaining peace and well-being on the planet, and wished the forum successful work.

In the subsequent speeches, it was stated that the development of fundamental and applied science, the study of the achievements of world scientific and technological progress, the widespread introduction of innovative technologies and promising developments in production are the basis for the prosperity of any state, contribute to improving the quality of life of people, open up new opportunities for the development of industrial and agricultural complexes, and form a competitive economy of the future.

A striking example in this regard is Turkmenistan, which has identified the development of science and education as one of the priority areas of state policy.

In accordance with the Program "Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State: National Program of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022–2052," the "Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country in 2022–2028," and others, today there is a close interconnection between education, science, and production.

A vivid confirmation of this was the creation of the Technology Center of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, and then the granting of the status of an International Scientific and Technological Park. This decision, formalized by a decree of the head of state in June of this year, was made to ensure the competitiveness of scientific achievements, the comprehensive development of scientific research, the active participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in innovative projects, and the organization of the production of innovative products.

It is no coincidence that the International Scientific and Technological Park, as one of the main centers of growth of the intellectual and scientific-technical potential of our state, became the venue for this large-scale forum. Over the years, it has established itself as an effective platform for the exchange of advanced ideas and proposals.

The reports presented today covered theoretical and practical aspects of the development of various fields, relevant areas of research work carried out in Turkmenistan and China, issues of creating competitive, environmentally friendly, and economically efficient high technologies, and the active introduction of high-tech solutions in production.

The prospects for fruitful interaction between Turkmen and Chinese scientists in various fields, the identification of points of contact for future joint activities in the context of the priorities of national development programs, were also the subject of interested discussion.

Among the important areas of development of interstate relations were the strengthening of scientific and technological cooperation, personnel training, and the mutual transformation of achievements in the field of scientific and technological innovations.

As noted, the Academy of Sciences, research institutes, and universities of Turkmenistan are intensifying work in the field of scientific exchange and discussing possible partnership projects with relevant institutions in China, which serves to strengthen bilateral ties and dynamic socio-economic development of both countries.

The delegates of the forum were particularly interested in reports on innovative concepts in urban planning.

Thus, according to the general opinion, a vivid symbol of the grandiose transformations of the new historical era, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Hero-Arkadag and now consistently continued under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was the grandiose project, based on the latest information and communication technologies – the construction of the first "smart" city in the country and the Central Asian region, Arkadag.

The very idea of creating this unique smart city in terms of its architectural and technological solution speaks of a strategic vision of the country's future as a highly developed state.

The city of Arkadag, which has received a special legal status of a city of state significance on a legislative basis, has become irrefutable evidence of the economic viability of sovereign Turkmenistan, which has focused on the active introduction of a digital system and high technologies.

In this regard, it should be noted that the construction of the "smart" city and the development of its digital platform are a kind of school for the practical application of theoretical knowledge and innovative ideas for students and the teaching staff of domestic specialized higher educational institutions.

Emphasizing that scientific potential is an integral part of the national heritage, the basis of the power and prosperity of the state, and the enhancement of its authority in the world, the participants highly appreciated the attention paid by Turkmenistan to the training of highly qualified young specialists, raising their educational level, and expanding their scientific outlook.

Among the important topics on the agenda were modern agro-technologies, the comprehensive development of hydro-mineral raw materials and other natural resources, achievements in genetics and breeding, the introduction of innovative technologies in industrial production, solving environmental problems, researching effective methods of prevention and treatment of various diseases, and so on.

Expressing confidence that the current scientific and innovation forum will become a significant step towards deepening scientific and technical partnership and strengthening the constructive Turkmen-Chinese dialogue as a whole, the participants expressed their sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Hero-Arkadag for their multifaceted activities aimed at the comprehensive expansion of international, including scientific, cooperation in the interests of global sustainable development.

Tomorrow, the III Turkmen-Chinese Scientific and Innovation Forum "Innovations, New Technologies, and Issues of Their Implementation in Production" will continue its work.

A number of bilateral meetings and "round tables" are planned, where promising areas and forms of cooperation between scientific institutions in a number of key areas will be discussed.

The topics of the discussions will include: "Chemical Technologies, Innovative Technologies in the Processing of Natural Raw Materials"; "Nanotechnologies, Development and Production of New Materials"; "Biotechnologies, Innovative Technologies in Agriculture"; "Seismology"; "Information and Telecommunication Systems, Computer Technologies"; "Energy-Saving Technologies, Alternative Energy Sources"; "Advanced Technologies in Medicine and Pharmacology"; "Humanities."

A package of bilateral documents will be signed following the forum.