Economy
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan intend to increase mutual trade turnover to $2 billion
10.08.2025Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan intend to increase mutual trade turnover to $2 billion. This issue was discussed at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties agreed to sign an agreement soon on the creation of a border trade zone between Shavat (Khorezm region) and Dashoguz (Dashoguz velayat) and to launch it in the near future. In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.15 billion, and in the first six months of 2025, it amounted to approximately $500 million.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan increase mutual trade volume
10.08.2025Between January and June 2025, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan amounted to US$140.2 million, equivalent to 0.57% of Azerbaijan's total foreign trade turnover. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Over the six months, exports of Azerbaijani goods to Turkmenistan reached $30.3 million, while imports from that country amounted to $109.8 million. Supplies of non-oil products from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan during the reporting period amounted to $29.5 million, which corresponds to 1.68% of the country's total non-oil exports. According to this indicator, Turkmenistan ranked 10th among the key importers of non-oil products from Azerbaijan.
Turkmenistan leads the Asian Development Bank's border crossing efficiency ranking
10.08.2025The Asian Development Bank has published the results of the Cross-Border Trade and Transport Facilitation Index (CBTTFI), in which Turkmenistan's border crossing points demonstrated impeccable performance. According to the report, Turkmen border crossing points received the maximum score of 100% in the key category of ‘transport regulation’. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The study covered six border crossing points in five countries in the region. Other participants included the Azerbaijani crossing point ‘Qırmızı Körpü’, which showed 71% overall efficiency, the Uzbek crossing point ‘Yallama’, which ranked with a total score of 77%, and the Pakistani ‘Torham’, which stood out for its best results in coordinating customs procedures (88%) and supporting transit operations (82%). ADB experts emphasise that Turkmenistan's performance in these areas strengthens its strategic position in the development of regional trade routes and transport and logistics cooperation. The data obtained is particularly important for optimising international freight transport and further integration of transport systems in Central Asia. The bank's report testifies to Turkmenistan's significant progress in establishing an effective border control and customs administration system, which contributes to improving the business environment and investment attractiveness of the country.
Deals worth $3.7 million were concluded at the SCRMET
04.08.2025At the recent auction of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan, 11 deals were concluded with a total turnover of more than 3.7 million US dollars. The main buyers were entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, who purchased aerated concrete blocks and liquefied gas produced by the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In addition, businessmen from Kyrgyzstan and other countries purchased cotton yarn, cotton lint and denim products. On the domestic market, domestic companies concluded deals for polypropylene, cotton yarn and terry products worth 6.3 million manats. These deals show that there is still a lot of demand for Turkmen products both internationally and domestically. Trading at the SCRMET keeps playing a big role in helping Turkmenistan build up its economic ties with other countries.
Small businesses and innovation open up new prospects for landlocked countries
04.08.2025During international discussions, experts and parliamentarians from landlocked countries emphasised the need to expand integration and connections at all levels, from transport infrastructure to digital technologies and financial support for small and medium-sized businesses. This was reported by the IIC. Particular attention was paid to the fact that connectivity must go beyond simple connections to ports and harbours. It is important to build effective communications between industry and markets, entrepreneurs and sources of finance, and to provide enterprises with modern technologies. A key factor for success is the alignment of financial legislative initiatives with national plans and the mobilisation of resources to support small and medium-sized businesses and job creation. It was also noted that international and regional partnerships are an important element in the implementation of the programme. UN organisations such as UNIDO and the International Trade Centre provide technical assistance in the areas of industrialisation and climate policy. Financial institutions and local unions in Africa and other regions provide access to financial instruments, while civil society and the private sector promote inclusiveness and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan will receive direct ferry service to Makhachkala
03.08.2025The Makhachkala Sea Trade Port (Russia) will launch regular ferry services to Turkmenistan, Iran and Kazakhstan by 2030, opening up new prospects for Turkmen exports and transit. This project is particularly important for Turkmenistan, which is actively developing its transport infrastructure and strengthening its position in regional logistics. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Preparations include the modernisation of port facilities – the creation of a new container terminal and an increase in cargo turnover by 2 million tonnes per year. For Turkmenistan, the new routes will become an additional channel of trade with Russia and the countries of the Caspian region, which will strengthen its role in the ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ international transport corridors. This project is in line with the general trend of developing international transport corridors involving Turkmenistan, which is actively developing its logistics infrastructure to strengthen its transit potential.
Turkmenistan develops transport corridors at six-party meeting in Beijing
02.08.2025An important meeting of representatives of the railway administrations of Turkmenistan, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Turkey took place in Beijing. The central topic of the negotiations was the development of two new transport corridors passing through the territory of Turkmenistan and connecting China with Europe. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation actively participated in the discussion of the prospects for railway communication in the directions China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey and China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran- Turkey. These routes, previously agreed upon in Tehran, will significantly optimise freight transport between Asia and Europe. Particular attention was paid to improving the efficiency of logistics and increasing Turkmenistan's transit potential. The implementation of new projects will contribute to the further integration of the country into the global transport system and strengthen its position as a key link between East and West.
Turkmen authorities discuss WTO accession with ADB
02.08.2025The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan held consultations with an expert from the Asian Development Bank as part of preparations for accession to the WTO. The meeting was an important step in shaping the country's foreign economic policy, according to the news agency Orient. Zhanar Aitzhan, Senior Policy Advisor on International Trade and Investment at the ADB, presented recommendations on all stages of the negotiation process, emphasising the need for interdepartmental coordination and the use of international experience, including that of Kazakhstan. The event was attended by representatives of key agencies, including the Mejlis, the Central Bank and the Customs Service of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the possibility of expanding technical support from the ADB was discussed, in particular, the conduct of training for specialists. The ministry expressed its gratitude to the bank and confirmed its readiness for further cooperation. The consultations will form the basis for the development of a roadmap for Turkmenistan's accession to the WTO.
Businessmen from Uzbekistan and Hong Kong have signed deals with Turkmenistan
01.08.2025On 31 July, two deals worth a total of US$1.591 million were signed on the foreign market of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. Entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan signed a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ for the purchase of liquefied gas. In addition, businessmen from Hong Kong concluded a deal with Turkmen entrepreneurs for the purchase of cotton lint. Both deals are the result of continued interest from foreign partners in Turkmen export products.
A regional seminar on maritime port security was held in Turkmenistan
01.08.2025On 28-29 July 2025, a regional training seminar was held in Turkmenbashi, organised by the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The event brought together representatives of customs services and experts from six countries in the region, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. During the seminar, participants discussed modern approaches to ensuring maritime transport security and managing potential risks. Particular attention was paid to issues of inter-agency and international cooperation in this area. The delegates highly appreciated the infrastructure capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the level of customs control in Turkmenistan. The holding of such a seminar underscores Turkmenistan's growing role as an important transport and logistics hub in the region and its commitment to international maritime safety standards. The event was an important step in strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging best practices in the field of maritime security.
Turkmenistan is mastering the industrial cultivation of Rosenberg shrimp
01.08.2025The ‘Elin Balyk’ fishery is completing a seven-month cycle of farming the first batch of Rosenberg king prawns. This ambitious project, which began with the import of tiny larvae from Thailand, is now showing impressive results - about one million individuals, each reaching 30 cm in length. This is reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In addition to shrimp, the farm successfully breeds tilapia, African catfish and sturgeon using modern aquaculture methods. Particular attention is paid to the quality of water from the Karakum River, which undergoes multi-stage treatment, and specially developed feed enriched with vitamins and minerals. The company's immediate plans are not only to saturate the domestic market, but also to enter the international market. The first batch of farmed shrimp will soon go on sale, which will be an important event for gourmets and restaurateurs in Turkmenistan. At the same time, work is continuing on the development of technology for farming Vannamei shrimp in the waters of the Caspian Sea. This project marks a new stage in the development of Turkmenistan's food industry, demonstrating the country's potential in the field of modern aquaculture and import substitution of delicatessen products.
EBRD highlights high export potential of Turkmen companies
31.07.2025Private business in Turkmenistan has advantages due to cheap energy resources and an affordable workforce. This was stated by Eric Livny, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Turkmenistan, in an interview with Trend agency, according to the news website Asmannews. According to him, state support provides entrepreneurs with preferential access to electricity, water and land, which contributes to the development of import substitution and export-oriented industries. The plastic packaging, construction materials and greenhouse products industries are developing particularly actively. Successful projects include ‘Tudana’, which supplies strawberries to the Uzbek chain ‘Korzinka’, and ‘Miwe’, an agricultural company that grows bananas in a 100-hectare greenhouse. The EBRD intends to expand its cooperation with Turkmen banks, including support for foreign economic operations and lending to small and medium-sized businesses.
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