OREANDA-NEWS. On 09 June 2009 Turkmenistan announced an international contest for the best architectural project on development of Ashgabat. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed Vice Premier Deryageldi Orazov to set up a special expert commission for this purpose. The contest winner will be awarded a cash prize worth USD  300 thousand established by the President of Turkmenistan.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also issued instructions to hold an international conference and exhibition this year focusing on architecture and town-planning. The head of state expressed his confidence that these forums would "bring together representatives of major construction companies and well-known architects from all over the world."