The fresh signal that Turkmenistan is trying to get out of its shell is that the country's legislator approves procedures allowing possible abroad tourists to get an e-visa.
The rules on electronic visas were among the acts adopted by Medžlis, the Turkmen legislative body.In the reports on the adoption of electronic visa rules, the authoritative information agency Turkmenistan present did not specify erstwhile the fresh procedures would become applicable, nor did it supply details specified as costs. "Information systems for accounting, processing and retention of information are created and systematically improved in the Turkmenistan Migration Service", stated Turkmenistan Today.
If e-visitors are introduced, they can be a real breakthrough for abroad tourists and possible partners, greatly facilitating visiting the country. The Turkmen state, widely regarded as 1 of the most closed and repressive in the world, presently grants visas through a tedious process requiring immense patience. Withmany visa applications end with refusals for no clear reason.
However, late the Turkmenistan leaders have sent signals that they want to incorporate the country into developing regional trade networks. In March, Ashchabad yet launched a long-term gas exchange agreement with Turkey. This means that Turkmenistan first entered into an agreement to send any of its large reserves westward by bypassing Russia. In February, Turkmen officials expressed interest in a task of 4 countries aimed at establishing transit connections between Central Asia and the European Union. The electronic visa strategy is seen as an essential component in the improvement of trade links under the Mid Corridor initiative.
Source: Eurasianet
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