Free economic zone launched in Turkmenistan

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ASHGABAD, July 23 (AFP): Turkmenistan's first free economic zone was inaugurated over the weekend in the Caspian sea resort of Turkmenbashi, as part of new President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov's efforts at economic revival of his Central Asian state.
"Turkmenistan will set aside one billion dollars to develop infrastructure" in the area, famous for its clean seawater, mineral springs and healing mud, Berdymukhammedov said, adding that the area is already equipped with sea and airports, highways and railroads.