Opening of Garlyk mining and processing factory

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The Garlyk mining and processing factory has been officially inaugurated. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow cut a ribbon and pressed a symbolic button to inaugurate the plant on 31 March.

The heads of state inspected the enterprise and its production facilities, left messages in the Book of Distinguished Guests of the factory.

“The inauguration of the Garlyk mining and processing factory which embodied the best solutions and cutting-edge technologies with the participation of Belarusian specialists is a bright example of productive cooperation between our states. I am convinced that this unique high-tech production facility will make a big contribution to the enhancement of Turkmenistan’s economy and the development of the new mining and processing industry for the benefit of Turkmen people,” the message of Aleksandr Lukashenko reads.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of Belarus said that Turkmenistan should become a flagship potash manufacturer in Central Asia.

“Together we have implemented a huge project that will bring considerable benefits to our peoples. I wish your plans of constructing two more such factories come true and Turkmenistan to become a flagship potash manufacturer in the Central Asian region,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

A new line of the mining and chemical industry with the total capacity of up to 1.5 million tonnes of products a year was virtually a grassroots project for Turkmenistan. “There were a lot of problems at the time we launched the project. We overcame them all. It was a matter of honor for Belarus that Turkmenistan gets an advanced enterprise. The fulfillment of this task was a serious exam both for us and Turkmenistan. It turned to be valuable experience for us as well,” the head of state said.

The project to build the Garlyk mining and processing factory has set the pace of implementing similar projects on the post-Soviet space. 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.”

Aleksandr 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.

The official visit of Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko to Turkmenistan was over on 31 March. The aircraft with the Belarusian head of state on board departed from TurkmenabadAirport.

Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow saw the Belarusian leader off to the airport. The two heads of state had a short conversation before the departure.