Economy
Turkmenistan accelerates development of digital economy
06.01.2026Turkmenistan is consistently implementing the transition to digital public administration, viewing e-Government as a key factor in modernisation and national development. This was reported by the IIC. As part of the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026-2028,’ priority has been given to the digitisation of all sectors, based on the Interdepartmental Electronic Interaction System, which aims to increase the transparency and accessibility of public services. Based on international experience and in partnership with UNDP, the ‘X-Road’ platform has been implemented in the country, ensuring secure data exchange between agencies. The project contributes to the development of ‘smart cities’, the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the formation of a unified digital space. At the same time, Turkmenistan is investing in the training of IT personnel, viewing the development of professional competencies as a prerequisite for technological sovereignty and long-term stability.
Turkmenistan at the crossroads of global transport corridors
06.01.2026Turkmenistan is strengthening its status as a key initiator of global transport projects. This was reported by the IIC. To mark the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, the UN General Assembly has declared 2026-2035 the Decade of Sustainable Transport, supporting the strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to transform the region into a major transcontinental transport hub. According to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the country's transport initiatives are linked to addressing global challenges, including expanding women's rights and combating climate change. Turkmenistan, located on the route of the revived Great Silk Road, is working with international partners to create an integrated logistics network connecting Central Asia with Europe, the Caspian and Baltic regions, as well as South and Southeast Asia. The UN Decade will be a benchmark for the global economy: by 2030, investment in transport will exceed $11 trillion, with a focus on environmental sustainability, safety and AI technologies. Turkmenistan is already hosting global conferences and promoting initiatives such as World Bicycle Day, forming the legal and technological basis for a ‘green’ and interconnected world.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China exceeded $9 billion in 11 months
06.01.2026Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China for January–November of this year amounted to $9.1649 billion. This was reported by the publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing China's General Administration of Customs. In November 2025, the volume of mutual trade reached $821.2 million. The bulk of the turnover was generated by exports from Turkmenistan. Over 11 months, deliveries of Turkmen products to China amounted to $7.7202 billion. Imports of Chinese goods to Turkmenistan during the same period reached $1.4448 billion. Natural gas supplied via the pipeline system remains the key export item.
Turkmenistan enacts law on virtual assets
05.01.2026On 1 January 2026, the law ‘On Virtual Assets’ came into force in Turkmenistan, legalising the crypto market and establishing requirements for mining and trading digital assets. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Regulation is entrusted to the Central Bank, which is responsible for licensing and operating rules. Financial transparency is monitored by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, while technical issues — internet stability and electricity consumption — are overseen by the relevant departments. Mining is recognised as a type of entrepreneurial activity: to operate legally, it is necessary to register with the regulator, comply with energy consumption standards and use certified equipment. Crypto assets have been granted the status of civil rights objects, but cannot be used instead of the manat in settlements. Citizens are only allowed to mine through individual entrepreneurs with mandatory income declaration, and the state is not liable for any losses. Foreign investors are provided with legal protection, access to licensed exchanges, and clear rules within the framework of FATF standards. The key provisions of the law prohibit illegal mining, require income to be declared, and open the market to foreign players, subject to compliance with data security and localisation requirements.
Turkmenistan and EIB make progress in negotiations on framework agreement
04.01.2026Edvardas Bumsteinas, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Division for Central Asia, announced progress in negotiations on a Framework Agreement with Turkmenistan, which could pave the way for the EIB to start operating in the country. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In addition, E. Bumsteinas noted that the EIB has named 2025 as a key year for the development of EU cooperation with Central Asian countries and announced its intention to increase its activity in the region in 2026. In 2025, the bank increased its financing of projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure, digital connectivity and climate resilience as part of the Global Gateway initiative. In 2026, the bank plans to open its first regional office in Tashkent. The EIB also emphasised the strategic importance of Central Asia for the EU in terms of transport connectivity, energy security and climate policy.
Turkmenistan to expand transport links and exhibition activities in 2026
02.01.2026A number of international exhibitions are planned in Turkmenistan in 2026. Among them is the International Conference and Exhibition ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2026’. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan. In recent years, the country has been actively developing its transport and logistics infrastructure: airports, railways, motorways and bridges are being built to expand regional and international connections. The development of modern modes of transport and the activities of the Turkmen Logistics Association contribute to the integration of Turkmenistan into global transport systems and the strengthening of its position in the world economy.
The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex exceeded its target for 2025
01.01.2026The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex ended the 2025 reporting period with 106.7% of its oil refining plan fulfilled, according to the news website Asmannews. During the year, the enterprise, which is part of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, processed over 4.5 million tonnes of oil. The complex is one of the largest industrial facilities in the country. The plant's employees ensured consistent production of a wide range of petroleum products, including petrol, kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel oil, lubricating oils, petroleum bitumen, polypropylene and liquefied gas. The products are supplied both to the domestic market and abroad.
Turkish pharmaceutical company signs export contract with Turkmenistan
27.12.2025Turkish pharmaceutical company ‘Türk İlaç ve Serum Sanayi A.Ş.’ (TRILC) has signed an export contract worth $4.994 million with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, according to a report published on 26 December on the KAP platform, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Agreement provides for the supply of medicines and serums, with deliveries and payments to be completed by February 2026. The order has already been officially received, and production and logistics will be carried out according to schedule. TRILC, based in Ankara, manufactures a wide range of medicines and is also involved in the import, marketing and representation of pharmaceutical, veterinary and cosmetic products.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector
27.12.2025The pharmaceutical industry of Turkmenistan is strengthening regional cooperation: an agreement has been signed in Tashkent combining the scientific potential of Uzbek universities and investments from Turkmen businesses. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The document provides for the joint production of medicines, technology transfer and the training of Turkmen personnel at relevant educational institutions in Uzbekistan. The key partner is the Pharmaceutical Technical University within the framework of ‘Tashkent Pharma Park,’ a modern international-level educational, scientific and production cluster. The ‘Altyn Kanun Maslahat’ division will be responsible for project support, providing consulting and support to businesses and students. The partnership will allow Turkmenistan, which is developing a medical cluster in Arkadag, to integrate more quickly into the regional drug safety system and build on existing development models.
Turkmenistan's fuel and energy complex: key achievements in 2025
26.12.2025In 2025, Turkmenistan continued to actively implement its energy strategy aimed at modernising the fuel and energy complex and developing innovative technologies. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The State Concerns ‘Türkmennebit’, ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ Corporation focused on exploring and developing new fields, increasing hydrocarbon production and processing, ensuring reliable energy transportation and expanding international cooperation. An important event was the continuation of the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, including the launch of the ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’ stage on the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section. This project will not only ensure gas supplies to Asian countries, but also create jobs in Afghanistan and bring the country annual revenues of over $1 billion. Turkmenistan is actively developing energy exports and is engaged in the industrial development of the Caspian Sea shelf and the world's largest onshore gas field, ‘Galkynysh’. A new well has been put into operation at the ‘Uzynada’ field, and geological exploration and infrastructure construction are continuing, including the third oil loading berth at the ‘Kenar’ enterprise. The country is demonstrating its commitment to international climate obligations by reducing emissions at the Darwaza gas crater. Turkmenistan is also actively participating in international forums and exhibitions, such as ‘TEIF 2025’, ‘ADIPEC-2025’ and ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025’, attracting investment and strengthening international cooperation. An office of ‘ADNOC’ has opened in Ashgabat, which is developing blocks in the Caspian Sea in partnership with ‘Petronas’ and national companies. Overall, the country's fuel and energy complex showed consistent development in 2025 and made a significant contribution to the implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Programme for 2022-2052.
Turkmenistan and Iran agree to expand transit through Serakhs
25.12.2025The border authorities of Turkmenistan and Iran have reached an agreement to increase transit traffic through the Serakhs checkpoint. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The negotiations were held in Serakhs itself. During the meeting, the parties also confirmed their intention to continue cooperation in order to ensure security on the common border. Following the negotiations, a border protocol was signed, providing for the expansion of transit flows, as well as the coordination of customs service operating modes and schedules. The Serakhs railway and road checkpoint is located in north-eastern Iran, 185 kilometres from Mashhad, on the border with Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan expands transport services by modernising locomotives
24.12.2025The Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan has signed a contract with the Chinese company ‘CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd.’ through the joint-stock company ‘Demirýollary’ for the overhaul of locomotives with the aim of increasing passenger and freight traffic, according to the online news resource TerraNews. Under the agreement, 20 freight locomotives (40 units) are to be overhauled. Eleven locomotives have already been put into operation, which has made it possible to increase train speeds, reduce downtime at stations and increase the length and weight of trains. The modernised locomotives are equipped with modern systems that meet safety requirements and ensure efficient freight transport.
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