On 23 January, 2020 President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov held a working meeting devoted to the development of the energy sector. Deputy Prime Minister Charymyrat Purchekov, overseeing the construction sector and Minister of Energy Myrat Artykov gave progress reports.
The state information agency TDH reports that Artykov briefed those present on the implementation of the project designed to install electric power lines Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP).
In his turn, the head of state approved the proposal to set up “The International Electricity and Energy Office for TAP and the implementation of other international project in this area”.
The President emphasized that “Artykov has made a lot of effort to develop the Turkmen energy industry, made a considerable contribution into the implementation of large-scale projects in Afghanistan and accumulated extensive experience in the area” and appointed him the head of the Department by relieving him of the post of the Energy Minister.
According to the news outlet, Berdymukhammedov instructed to engage members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in streamlining the work of the Office, to hire highly-qualified employees and to commence work immediately.
As regards Purchekov, he was appointed acting Energy Minister and was charged with the task of controlling over the execution of the gas turbine electric power station in Lebap velayat.