Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

The Turkmen Central Bank plans to sign an agreement with the Turkish Şahin Inşaat Gida Tekstil ve Otomotiv S.T.Ş Company on the construction of a complex of modern cottages in the Avaza national tourism zone.

Şahin Inşaat Gida Tekstil ve Otomotiv S.T.Ş. will act as the general contractor, in accordane with the Turkmen president's decree.

Under the contract, the company will build 10 two-storey cottages, buildings of administrative, residential and commercial purposes, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, sports facilities, as well as external communications and electricity, gas and water supply systems.

The document orders to begin the construction in May 2013 and commission the facilities in May 2015.

Earlier the Turkish company received an order for the design and construction of an amusement park in the Avaza national tourism zone and landscaping of the adjacent territory.

The tourism industry is given a special importance in Turkmenistan's strategic plans. The Avaza resort, the country's first free economic zone, granting tax and customs privileges to investors, firms and companies, may be an example in this respect.

The construction of Avaza National Tourist Zone, which is located at the east side of the Caspian Sea, began about five years ago upon an initiative of President Berdymukhamedov.

Turkmenistan has announced a number of international tenders for the construction of venues and facilities at the site. According to official figures, Turkmenistan's investments already amount to over $1.5 billion.

A new airport, a power station, desalination and water treatment plants have already been built and a number of spa facilities are regularly put into operation in Avaza mainly by Turkish companies.

The second stage of construction work in Avaza provides for construction of a water park, yacht club, aquarium, indoor ski complex, cycle track and casino.

The Great Silk Road passes through Turkmenistan. The country is rich in folk culture, has various natural landscapes, unique archaeological sites, including Ancient Nisa, Merv and Kunyaurgench as well as Gonurdepe, the centre of the Margiana civilization and the ancient Dekhistan that was added to the list of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The foothills of the Kopet Dagh, flora and fauna of the Karakum desert, the coast of the Amu Darya, Koytendag and sub-tropical areas of South-West Turkmenistan are a godsend for lovers of ecological tourism.

Experts believe that tourism was an underdeveloped sector in Turkmenistan representing less than one percent of the country's GDP, however, its development could boost revenues.

Analysts say Turkmenistan needs to remove obstacles for visitors and tourists, as obtaining a visa still remains very difficult here.

The first-ever International Tourism Congress of Turkmenistan is scheduled to be held in Avaza in September 2013.