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FY 1999: Turkmenistan |
CHAPTER V: LEADING SECTORS FOR U.S. EXPORTS AND INVESTMENTPart I: Best Prospects for Non-Agricultural Products
A. Sector Rank: 1 Sector Name: Oil and Gas Industry: Exploration, Development, Services, and Equipment ITA Industry Code: OGS, OGM
Turkmenistan has the world's fourth-largest known natural gas reserves, after Russia, the U.S. and Iran, with estimated reserves totaling 13 to 21 trillion cubic meters of gas. In 1992, Turkmenistan produced 84 billion cubic meters of gas, more than twice as much as was produced in 1996. Faced with limited export pipeline options and non-paying customers, gas production fell to 35 billion cubic meters in 1996. A March 25, 1997 Government decision to suspend shipments to its delinquent customers caused exports (and overall production) to fall further to 17.3 billion cubic meters in 1997. A new but small gas pipeline to Iran finished at the end of 1997 currently allows Turkmenistan to export 4 billion cubic meters of gas per year. During 1998-2000 Turkmenistan will be paying its debt to Iran in natural gas. It is planned to increase natural gas delivery to Iran up to 10 billion cubic meters by the year 2001. Turkmenistan is actively pursuing projects to construct pipelines to Turkey, Pakistan and China. An agreement concerning a feasibility study for the construction of a trans- Caspian pipeline has been signed between the GOTX and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA).
Turkmenistan also has significant oil resources that amount to 6 to 8 billion tons. Turkmenistan produced 4.7 million tons of oil in 1997. An increase of one million tons of oil is expected to occur in 1998. There are two oil refineries in the country: the Turkmenbashi refinery and the Seidi refinery. The Turkmenbashi refinery, where most Turkmen oil is being refined to meet domestic needs in petroleum products, is currently being reconstructed. The Seidi refinery, which is currently running at 50% of its capacity, will also be reconstructed.
The GOTX is looking for foreign investment to explore and develop its oil and gas industry and export routes to hard currency markets. Eight oil and gas resource areas have been made available for joint venture projects and production sharing. The GOTX has enacted a new hydrocarbons law and a program on licensing projects on exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources in Turkmenistan which both contain guidelines for licensing oil and gas investment projects, production sharing agreements, and joint ventures with foreign companies.
The GOTX is also interested in developing offshore oil fields in the Caspian Sea. An international tender for bidding on Caspian Sea offshore oil field development was held last year. The results of the tender are expected to be announced this year.
B. Sector Rank: 2 Sector Name: Electrical Energy: Development, Equipment and Services ITA Industry Code: PGE
Turkmenistan is self-sufficient in electricity. In 1996, production of electrical power amounted to 10.1 billion kilowatts of electric- ity and, in the first nine months of 1997, Turkmenistan produced about 6.5 billion kilowatt-hours. (Reportedly, present capacity is 14 to 17 billion kilowatts annually.) Approximately 15% to 17% of the electrical power produced in Turkmenistan is exported to its neighbors, often in barter arrangements. A new transmission line of 320 kilometers with a capacity of 200 to 500 megawatt-hours stretching to northern Iran (Nebitdag-Aliabad) will be put into operation this year. As part of the energy grid system connecting neighboring countries, the line will permit the export of Turkmen electrical energy to such countries as Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Turkmenistan has to import its electrical power equipment. The Ministry of Energy and Industry is interested in increasing the capacity and improving the efficiency of electricity production and plans to hold tenders on two large electrical energy production and distribution projects in the future. Also, to expand its electrical power export opportunities, the GOTX is interested in constructing an electrical power line across Afghanistan to Pakistan. Production of electrical equipment, cables, electric bulbs and other products has been planned by the GOTX as well.
C. Sector Rank: 3 Sector Name: Chemical/Mining Industry: Development, Equipment and Services ITA Industry Code: CHM, MIN
Turkmenistan possesses significant mineral resources, most of which have not been widely developed. There are 10 chemical enter- prises involved in the production of mineral fertilizers, iodine and bromine, carbon, sulfites, gypsum, and other minerals. Most of the chemical production facilities are in need of rehabilitation. The GOTX considers the upgrade and increase of iodine production, the expansion of carbomide and defoliant production, and the construction of a gas chemical complex to produce polyethylene, as priority projects.
Mining and other types of chemical manufacturing industries have not been developed in Turkmenistan. To meet domestic needs in various metals and expand export opportunities for domestically processed chemicals and minerals, the GOTX would like to develop such industries as magnesium oxide, aluminum, and mineral fiber production.
D. Sector Rank: 4 Sector Name: Transportation: Infrastructure Construction, Distribution and Services ITA Industry Code: AUT, APS, CON, TRN
The GOTX has embarked on a large-scale program to upgrade its air, rail and road transportation networks. Since independence, Turkmenistan has built a modern international airport and purchased six Boeing aircraft to service international routes. A second runway designed for heavy aircraft has recently been completed. In 1996, the 300-kilometer Tedjen-Serakhs-Meshed railroad opened, linking the Central Asian states to the Persian Gulf. Construction of two more rail connections (Kazanjik-Kizylatrek-Bender Turkmen (Iran) and Turkmenbashi-Yeraliyevo (Kazakhstan)) to link other CIS countries with the Persian Gulf has begun. The governments of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia have signed an agreement to upgrade a rail link to the Black Sea. Work is ongoing to upgrade the road system including the Ashgabat-Mary and Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi highways and construction of a rail and highway bridge over the Amu Darya River near Chardjou.
In 1994, the GOTX auctioned its late-model public taxi cabs, encouraging development of private taxi services. The next step in the privatization of transportation enterprises will include privatization of small enterprises engaged in transportation and repair services. Besides investment in the infrastructure of transportation, the GOTX foresees increased investment in loco- motives, aircraft, trucks and cars into the next century.
E. Sector Rank: 5 Sector Name: Communications: Equipment and Services ITA Industry Code: TEL, TES
Turkmenistan inherited an archaic, deteriorating tele- communications network. In 1994, a U.S. telecommunications consulting firm with funding from TDA developed a 10-year Master Plan for Turkmenistan's telecommunications sector. Based on the plan, the government has started gradual upgrading of its old communications system by building new digital telephone stations in Ashgabat, Chardjou, Nebitdag and Dashkhowuz. Two German companies, Siemens and Alkatel, are involved in implementation of these projects. These companies have been awarded contracts to construct two more digital telephone stations in Ashgabat, one station in Mary and another in Turkmenbashi.
The GOTX is also interested in upgrading its telecommunications infrastructure in rural localities, seeking low-interest financing. Turkmenistan is also the site of a 708-kilometer portion of the Transasian-European fiber optic telecommunications line initiated by the European Union. The line will extend from Frankfurt, Germany to Shanghai, China. The Iranian Tele- communications Company expects to put into operation the Turkmen portion in 1998.
Development of a telecommunications infrastructure in this country has provided favorable conditions for the development of Internet and other information services. The State Turkmentelecom Company and MCI (USA) have signed an agreement to provide Turkmenistan with direct access to the Internet and a direct telephone connection between the U.S. and Turkmenistan.
F. Sector Rank: 6 Sector Name: Environmental Technology and Services ITA Industry Code: POL
Turkmenistan possesses about 25 billion cubic meters of water resources of which 98 percent is surface water. The Amu Darya River supplies 22 billion cubic meters of water annually. Other major rivers are the Murgab, Tedjen and Atrek rivers--all which dry up during the summer months. All the rivers flow along borders with neighboring countries with which Turkmenistan has signed water sharing agreements. The Karakum Canal (1,300 kilo- meters in length) connects the Amu Darya River with the western areas of Turkmenistan and provides irrigation water for 1 million hectares of Turkmenistan's estimated 1.77 million hectares of arable land. Inefficient flood irrigation techniques, heavily silted water and high evaporation rates from the open canal result in widespread salinization and hamper efforts to maximize agricultural production. Irrigation pumping systems along the river and canal need major upgrading.
The Dashhowuz region is the most vulnerable region of Turkmenistan, suffering ecologically unsafe irrigation and potable water problems due to its proximity to the Aral Sea as well as to the extremely contaminated water of the lower Amu Darya. Also, the significant rise in recent years of the water level in the Caspian Sea has heightened environmental concerns about the oil fields and pipelines in western Turkmenistan. The Caspian Sea has expanded by as much as 150 meters inland, flooding oil terminals, ports and oil fields, although the GOTX says the Caspian began to recede last year. Non-environmentally friendly drilling techniques and storage facilities are threatening the area with potential environmental disasters in the coming years. Water and waste treatment are areas where the GOTX sees a significant need for improvement.
Part II: Best Prospects for Agricultural Products, Equipment and Services
Agriculture, especially cotton production, has been the country's second largest source of foreign exchange earnings after the oil and gas sector. Turkmenistan used to produce as much as 1.2 million tons of cotton annually. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, outdated equipment, and lack of a water supply, manpower, and key inputs, the 1997 cotton harvest increased to 630,200 tons in comparison with 436,000 tons of cotton harvested in 1996.
As a priority area of development in agriculture, the GOTX intends to become self-sufficient in wheat production. In 1997, Turkmenistan produced 707,000 tons of wheat, well below the state production target of 1.2 million tons. 1998 figures state that production reached 1,240,000 tons of wheat. Although Turkmenistan produces seasonal fruits, vegetables, rice, wheat and maize, it imports most of its foodstuffs. The food processing industry is extremely underdeveloped. A shortage of modern storage facilities aggravates existing procurement system problems in agriculture.
The GOTX began implementing mass agricultural privatization and land reform in December 1996. As an intermediate step, private farmers are leasing land, and will be able to acquire ownership if they keep using the land for agricultural production. However, these "private landowners" will have no right to sell, exchange or give away the land. Foreigners can only lease land. Various state agricultural associations are gradually trans- forming their relationships with farmers from state orders to a contract-based system. The government is also interested in distributing plots of land not currently under cultivation to private farmers to develop crop production.
A. Sector Rank: 1 Sector Name: Agricultural Equipment and Services; Irrigation Equipment and Technology: Dry Land Farming Technology and Seeds
-- Harvesting machinery -- Haying and mowing machinery -- Wheel tractors -- Dairy equipment -- Poultry equipment -- Other machinery and parts
American companies have already established a strong presence supplying farm machinery, tractors, combines and cotton pickers to replace outdated equipment. These contracts also include provisions for service and spare parts centers. This area will continue to be a strong market for the foreseeable future.
-- Sprayers-agricultural -- Pumps and equipment
Out of 48.8 million hectares of Turkmenistan's territory, 0.04% constitutes arable land of which only 70% is irrigated. In- efficient irrigation techniques and equipment have limited Turkmenistan's ability to expand its arable land to increase agricultural production and yields. The Karakum Canal connects the Amu Darya River with southern and western Turkmenistan and has been the only source of irrigation water for those regions. There are three water reservoirs built along the Karakum Canal, and as well as 115 pumps, dams, dikes and other facilities. Most of the facilities require reconstruction. The GOTX also plans to construct some new water collectors and reservoirs. The GOTX is interested in building a new Shorkelskiy water reservoir, two canals in the Zeidskiy water reservoir, an extension of the Karakum Canal to the Kizylkay water reservoir in the Kizylatrek district and beyond to Turkmenbashi and reconstruction of the Ozyorniy and Daryalykskiy water collectors. Opportunities for investment in and sales of pumping equipment, irrigation systems and services are widespread.
-- Planting and fertilizing machinery -- Plows and cultivators
Turkmenistan is the country with the lowest level of agri- cultural productivity among the countries of Central Asia. The necessary investments to develop dry land farming technology and create sound seed stocks have not been made in the past, and now the country is experiencing a shortage of seeds and modern technologies and the inexperience of private farmers in land cultivation.
Additionally, Turkmenistan requires an infusion of new cotton seed stock to ensure the continued quality of its cotton harvest and wheat seeds which will increase yield and be resistant to extended periods of drought. Significant potential exists for American technology and research to address these long-term needs.
B. Sector Rank: 2 Sector Name: Food Processing and Packaging Equipment
-- Packaging equipment -- Processing equipment
The GOTX wants to develop its agricultural processing facilities to reduce its dependence on food imports. The GOTX has been involved in numerous construction contracts in agriculture and food processing in the past, most of which have not been com- pleted because of financial difficulties. Many projects have been stopped and 80% of the equipment delivered to Turkmenistan has not been put into operation.
The GOTX welcomes proposals that include the entire construction/ production process for food processing --from the construction of a manufacturing facility to production to marketing. The SAFI would prefer to consider proposals that use local raw materials in the following projects:
-- Dairy processing and packaging -- Meat processing and canning -- Sausage production -- Cheese production -- Chicken production and processing -- Fruit and vegetable processing and canning -- Spice production -- Beer production -- Beverage production -- Wine production -- Agricultural waste processing. A memorandum of mutual understanding between the U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan was signed in April 1998. The two countries have agreed to advance scientific and technical cooperation in agri- culture.
Part III: Significant Investment Opportunities
The following are considered high priority investment projects:
1. Oil and Gas Ministry
a) Construction of oil and gas pipelines to transport Turkmen natural gas to Turkey, and, in time, to Europe, Pakistan and China. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is financing a feasibility study for a trans-Caspian pipeline to transport Turkmen gas to Turkey. Enron will prepare the study, due to be completed in mid- November 1998. b) Upgrading of the Chardjou oil refinery, specifically diesel fuel hydroprocessing with an annual capacity of 2,000 tons of fuel and utilization of gas of 100,000 tons annually. c) Construction of a gas and chemical production complex in Seidi with an annual capacity of 200,000 tons of polyethylene. d) The GOTX conducted a tender for the development of offshore oil fields in the Caspian Sea. An opportunity for the increase of export of U.S. oil and gas equipment and services are expected to take place after works are launched at the fields.
2. Ministry of Energy and Industry
a) Electrification of existing railroads for a total of 2,001 kilometers. b) Reconstruction of the Mary power generation plant to upgrade to a capacity of 4x215 megawatts to meet the country's demand for electricity and to increase export potential. c) Construction of a 1,100 kilometer electrical line across Afghanistan to Pakistan (Mary-Mazari Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar). The carrying capacity of the line will be 500 kilovolts. d) Construction of a new electrical power generation plant in Nebitdag, which will use local natural gas and have a capacity of 350 to 400 megawatts. e) Reconstruction of the Seidi thermoelectric power generation plant to upgrade to a capacity of 2x80 megawatts to meet regional demand for electricity. f) Construction of the Boyadag iodine and bromine production plant at the Boyadag field located 55 kilometers from Nebitdag. The concentration of iodine is 35 grams per cubic meter and bromine is 380 grams per cubic meter. The projected annual capacity of the plant is about 250 tons of iodine and 2,500 tons of bromine. g) Construction of the Gograndag iodine and bromine production plant at the Gograndag-Garadashli field located 60 kilometers from Nebitdag. The concentration of iodine and bromine in the water is 32.5 grams and 403 grams per cubic meter, respectively. The projected annual production capacity is 500 tons of iodine and 5,000 tons of bromine. h) Construction of the Goturdepe iodine and bromine production plant at the Goturdepe oil field located 32 kilometers from Cheleken. The concentration of iodine and bromine in the water is 23 to 28 grams and 190 grams per cubic meter, respectively. The projected annual production capacity is 100 to 150 tons of iodine and 1,000 to 1,300 tons of bromine. i) Construction of the Achak iodine and bromine production plant at the gas field located 18 to 20 kilometers from the village of Gasachak. The concentration of iodine and bromine in the water is 15 grams and 370 grams per cubic meter, respectively. The projected annual production capacity is 80 tons of iodine and 2,000 tons of bromine. j) Reconstruction of the Nebitdag iodine production plant located 30 kilometers from Nebitdag with an annual capacity of 300 tons of iodine and 3,000 tons of bromine. Renovation of the wells, road connections and water pipes is required. k) Construction of the Chardjou carbomide production plant near the Chardjou chemical plant. The carbomide production plant will operate using natural gas and will produce 350,000 tons of carbomide and 200,000 tons of ammonia annually. Turnkey construction of this plant is required. l) Construction of the Mary carbomide production plant with an annual capacity of 400,000 tons to meet the country's demand for mineral fertilizers. m) Construction of the Bekdash magnesium production and magnesium oxide production facilities with annual capacities of 5,000 to 12,000 tons of magnesium and 50,000 to 100,000 tons of magnesium oxide. The construction sites will be located near the Karabogazsulfate enterprise near the Caspian Sea. n) Construction of a potash fertilizer production plant at a site located 20 kilometers from the village of Gaurdak in the Lebap Velayat. Projected annual capacity of the plant will be 200,000 to 250,000 tons of fertilizer. o) Construction of a strontium carbonate production plant in the village of Gaurdak that will produce 20,000 tons. The construction site will be located near the existing Gaurdak sulfur production plant which has been producing chemicals that contain 85 percent strontium sulfate. p) Construction of a methanol, formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resin production facility with annual capacity of 100,000 tons of methanol.
3. Food Production and Processing
See food processing and packaging equipment section under Part II.
4. Ministry of Communications
Upgrading of the rural telecommunications infrastructure to include trunk line development from Ashgabat to Dashhowuz, Nebitdag, Turkmenbashi and three other cities, and intercity telephone digital communications system modernization.
5. State Company "Turkmenautoyollary" (highway construction)
a) Rehabilitation and expansion of transasiatic highway from Chardjou to Mary to Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi:
- Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi length: 560 km. - Ashgabat-Mary length: 352 km. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a loan to finance this project, estimated at $75 million. - Mary-Chardjou length: 230 km. b) Construction of a bridge for trains and motor vehicles over the Amu Darya River near Chardjou.
6. State Railway Administration
Construction of four railway lines: Kazanjik-Kizylatrek: length 245 km; Kazanjik-Kizylkaya: length 170 km; Chardjou-Kerki-Kerkichi: length 240 km; Turkmenbashi-Kuulisol-Bekdash: length 400 km.
7. State Steamship Administration
Reconstruction of the seaport at Turkmenbashi and moorings at Kuulisol and Ufra. The TDA has funded a feasibility study for a seaport modernization project, and EBRD has approved financing for this project.
8. Khakimlik of Balkan Velayat
Due to GOTX plans to expand oil and gas and other industries' operations in the Balkan Velayat, the issue of improving the water supply has become vital for this region. Caspian Sea water de- salinization and purification is considered a high priority for Turkmenistan. To receive detailed information on this project, companies should also approach the SAFI.
9. Ministry of Transportation
a) International cargo delivery development, a result of the agreement to develop transit trade between the ECO member-states. This project will include the purchase of about 200 heavy trucks and service infrastructure development worth $20 million. The extension of a credit line or truck leasing are the options being considered. b) Expansion of Turkmenistan's fleet of dump trucks, the result of Turkmenistan's need for highway construction and development. The GOTX is interested in purchasing or leasing dump trucks. c) Construction of automobile service facilities (called Karavan- Saray) along highways throughout Turkmenistan. This project includes construction of motels, service stations and automobile spare parts stores and the provision of telephone and fax communications, insurance and medical services. d) Conversion of gasoline-powered vehicles to natural gas with the construction of a natural gas conversion facility with a monthly capacity of 100 to 5,000 vehicles. e) Construction of a chassis production facility that can assemble vehicles and trucks using universal chassis. The projected annual capacity of the plant is 1,000 to 5,000 light trucks and 500 to 900 medium capacity trucks. f) Tire rehabilitation facility designed to help meet the country's annual demand for 2 million tires. The Ashgabat automobile repair plant will house a tire rehabilitation shop with an annual capacity of 100,000 tires. g) Storage battery production development will require purchase of storage battery production technology and equipment to be installed in the Mary automobile repair plant. The projected annual capacity of the equipment is 80,000 batteries. h) Production of automobile spare parts, including windshields, belts and other parts.
10. Ministry of Textile Industry
a) Reconstruction of the Ashgabat cotton fabric production plant to increase annual production capacity to 35 million square meters of cotton fabric. b) Reconstruction of the Ashgabat silk production plant to increase annual production capacity to 60 tons of raw silk. c) Reconstruction of the Ashgabat shoe production factory to expand annual shoe production to 3 million pairs. d) Reconstruction of the Bezmein carpet production plant to increase the annual production capacity to 2.45 million square meters of carpets. A wool washing shop is also needed to process 2,000 tons of wool. e) Reconstruction of the Nebitdag hosiery factory to increase the annual production capacity to 30 million hosiery items. f) Rehabilitation of the Chardjou silk plant to increase the annual production capacity to 15 million square meters of silk fabric. g) Reconstruction of the Chardjou knitted goods factory to increase the annual production capacity to 12.7 million pieces. The factory plans to produce fabric made of synthetic thread, curtains and laces. h) Completion of construction of the Seidi cotton fabric factory to produce up to 7,000 tons of cotton fabric annually. i) Completion of construction of the Yolotan cotton fabric factory to annually produce up to 5,000 tons of fabric annually. j) Completion of construction of the leather processing plant to produce 80 million hides.
11. State Tourist Corporation
Plans to develop tours, tourist services and recreational facilities are part of the state's program for tourism development. Foreign investments are expected to be the main catalyst for creating this new industry in Turkmenistan. Hotel franchises are a possible area for development. The government is also interested in building the following tourist facilities:
-- campground in Bokurdak in the Ahal Velayat; -- campground in Darvaza in the Ahal Velayat; -- tourist facility in Chuli in the Ahal Velayat; -- tourist complex facility in Cheleken and Turkmenbashi in the Balkan Velayat; -- campground on the Sarykamysh Lake in the Dashkhovuz Velayat; -- tourist complex in Charjou; and -- tourist complex in Mary.
It should be noted that, so far, Turkish construction companies have been the primary competitors in most hotel construction projects implemented in Turkmenistan.
12. Ministry of Health Care and Medical Industry
Because of a shortage of modern medical facilities and supplies, the GOTX has ambitious plan to upgrade existing facilities and construct new clinics and hospitals:
-- construction of a surgical material production plant in Ashgabat with a capacity of 2 million pieces a year; -- construction of an IV solution production plant in Ashgabat with a capacity of 10 million pieces a year; -- construction of clinics with diagnostic facilities in the Mary, Lebap, Dashkhowuz, and Balkan velayats; -- construction of a research oncology institute with 250 beds in Ashgabat; -- construction of an absorbent cotton production factory with a capacity of 800 tons a year in Ashgabat; -- construction of tuberculosis facility with 300 beds and a poly- clinic in Ashgabat; -- construction of a disposable syringe production plant with a capacity of 120 million pieces and 10 million disposable systems a year.
There is considerable foreign competition from the German firm, Siemens, in medical equipment and services.
The GOTX has set up the State Fund for the Development of Health Care and Medical Industry having allocated $20 million there to support sustainable supply of medicines and medical items. The U.S. companies interested in the opportunity to export American medical supplies to Turkmenistan should contact the Ministry of Health Care and Medical Industry at the following address:
Mr. Kurbankuli Berdymukhamedov, Minister Ministry of Health Care and Medical Industry 90 Makhtumkuli Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744000 Tel: [9](9312) 35-10-63, 35-58-33, or 35-45-21 Fax: [9](9312) 35-50-32
Comment The above mentioned projects reflect the GOTX's thinking con- cerning priority areas. Implementation will be determined by availability of internal budgetary resources and external financing. Nevertheless, U.S. investors should seriously consider appropriate projects in Turkmenistan.
The Government of the United States acknowledges the contribution that outward foreign direct investment makes to the U.S. economy. U.S. foreign direct investment is increasingly viewed as a complement or even a necessary component of trade. For example, roughly 60% of U.S. exports are sold by American firms that have operations abroad. Recognizing the benefits that U.S. outward investment brings to the U.S. economy, the government of the United States undertakes initiatives, such as Overseas Private Investment Corporation programs, Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiations and business facilitation programs, that support U.S. investors.
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