Below is translated Abdulgamid’s post from the Russian-language part of our blog

According to International Labour Organization data the level of unemployment in Turkmenistan was 60% in 2007. with regards to this unfortunate index our country shared 4-5 position in the world rating following straight away after Nauru, Liberia and Zimbabwe. Exactly the similar level of unemployment was registered only in Cocos Islands, small Indian Ocean country populated by 569(!) people. Though the unemployment situation in Turkmenistan started to improve in 2008.

The 2008 first quarterly job fair was held in Ashgabat. Some 2000 jobs were offered to Ashgabat residents at the fair. “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper reported that, as before, about 80% of job offers accounted for labor force professions, half of which constituted construction professions. Turkish construction companies, French Bouygues company and Chinese Capital Longie company offered some 600 jobs. Ashgabatgurlushyk and Arkachgurlushyk trusts also offered a number of jobs.
Other than this, various motor transportation organizations and the trolley bus fleet directorate looked for some 200 drivers. The demand for skilled electricians, welders and seamstresses is still high. Medical workers, teachers and trainers were again high in demand in the category of white collar workers.

Rough estimates demonstrate that the employable population of Turkmenistan is around 60% of total population. This means that the number of unemployed in Turkmenistan was about 1 800 000 in 2007. In case if such jobfairs offering 2000 vacant positions are held every three months, then not only in Ashgabat, but also in all 5 regions the unemployment issue will be resolved completely within mere 45 years.