The prospects for the development of the “Balkan” shipbuilding and ship repair plant were discussed at a meeting of the government of Turkmenistan. The Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency M.Chakyyev made a report on the current state of the enterprise and plans for its modernization.

According to the head of the department, modern technologies and automated production management systems have already been implemented at the plant. Qualified local specialists have been trained to work with the new equipment. However, to further increase the pace of construction of dry cargo ships, a comprehensive modernization of the enterprise’s material and technical base is required.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, commenting on the proposals presented for the development of the plant, noted the strategic importance of the shipbuilding industry for the country’s economy. According to the head of state, the development of domestic production of dry cargo ships will increase the cargo turnover of the International Sea Port of Turkmenbashy and strengthen the country’s position in maritime transportation.

Having approved the modernization plan for the “Balkan” plant, the President instructed the management of the Transport and Communications Agency to begin implementing it. It is expected that the technical re-equipment of the enterprise will increase production capacity and improve the quality of manufactured products, reports the State News Agency of Turkmenistan.