Association connects with Turkmen

Nine public officials from Turkmenistan met with NCACC Outreach Coordinator Lisa Nolen (third from left), Executive Director David F. Thompson (sixth from left) and Deputy Director Patrice Roesler (right) on Sept. 22. (Photo by Jason King)

The Association hosted a delegation of nine visitors from Turkmenistan on Sept. 22 as part of the "Community Connections" program through the International Affairs Council. The Turkmen, who work in the areas of city planning, development and management, municipal service delivery and public-private partnerships, met with David F. Thompson, Patrice Roesler and Lisa Nolen to learn about the structure of county government in North Carolina.

The visit to NCACC was part of a three-week visit by the regional and republic officials, who expressed special interest in the differences between the roles of elected and appointed officials, the authority to organize the government, our county tax structure and our expenditure patterns.

Attendees included the head of the Ministry of Finance of Turkmenistan, the chief engineer from Ahal Regional Authority, the chief architect of Mary Regional Authority, the head of the Ministry of Construction for Turkmenistan, the head of the Department for Privatization and Entrepreneurship for Turkmenistan, a specialist in industry and construction from the Dashoguz Regional Authority, the head of the Human Resources Management Department for the Balkan Regional Authority, and the specialist for Architecture and Urban Planning for the Lebap Regional Authority.

A former constituent republic of the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia and borders Iran to the north. Community Connections is a program of USAID that provides training and cultural exposure to participants from former Soviet states who are business entrepreneurs, government officials and other professionals.

Founded in 1973 by Gov. Terry Sanford, the International Affairs Council is a community-based organization that champions knowledge and understanding of world affairs and culture in the Research Triangle region by planning itineraries of visiting dignitaries and professionals interested in business development, education, and other topics.