OREANDA-NEWS. On 24 March 2009 was announced, that Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on the expansion of the national tourist zone Awaza at a government meeting held in the city of Turkmenbashi on 20 March.

Under the decree, a total of 5000 hectares of land of the western coast of the Caspian Sea were allocated for the seaside resort. At present, only 750 hectares are being developed and improved under Awaza project.

The head of state also instructed relevant officials to speed up preparation of new projects and agreements, allocation of plots for construction of facilities on the sea coast. He noted that "the second phase of Awaza project should provide for construction of theatres, all kinds of attractions, casinos and other entertainments so that people could have good rest and enjoy their leisure activities."

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also instructed the national parliament "to identify laws related to the implementation of the national tourist zone Awaza that do not meet modern requirements and prepare new laws."