Economy
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are expanding their cooperation in strategic areas
10.07.2026Making effective use of the geographical advantages of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan creates significant opportunities for expanding and diversifying cooperation in strategically important areas. This was discussed at a meeting between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mikayil Jabbarov, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State noted that his recent state visit to Azerbaijan had marked an important stage in the development of bilateral relations. The high-level negotiations held during the visit had laid new foundations for further strengthening cooperation in priority areas. During the meeting, the parties emphasised the need to make more effective use of the two countries’ advantageous geographical location. Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation, implementing joint projects in the energy sector, developing transport and transit routes, improving logistics infrastructure and promoting initiatives of international significance. The important role of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was also noted. As noted, the Commission is a key mechanism for coordinating joint work and contributes to the development of ties in trade and economic, logistical, scientific and technical, and other priority areas.
Ashgabat and Baku are developing their partnership in the energy and transport sectors
10.07.2026The ninth meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation took place in Ashgabat. The main topics were the development of a strategic partnership in the electricity sector and the transport and logistics sector, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. It was noted at the meeting that the 1,574 MW power station currently under construction in the Turkmenbashi etrap of the Balkan velayat would form the basis for expanding cooperation in the electricity sector. The participants also discussed the development of transport corridors. It was emphasised that the modernised infrastructure of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the Baku International Sea Trade Port facilitates efficient transit freight transport between Asia and Europe and strengthens the logistical capacity of the Caspian region.
Turkmenistan and ‘TRANSHOLD’ discussed cooperation opportunities in Islamabad
10.07.2026On 8 July, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with Babar Badat, Chairman of the transport and logistics company ‘TRANSHOLD’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. At the start of the discussion, the guest spoke highly of the country’s policy of neutrality and its active role in international partnerships. The main topic of discussion was the development of the transport and logistics sector. The parties paid particular attention to Turkmenistan’s advantageous geographical position as a key hub between Europe and Asia, as well as the large-scale infrastructure projects currently being implemented in the country. At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors emphasised the importance of modernising transit corridors and introducing advanced logistics solutions, and expressed their mutual interest in further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation.
Turkmenistan is expanding its international freight transport capacity
10.07.2026A large-scale modernisation of border infrastructure and the introduction of digital technologies have enabled Turkmenistan to significantly increase the volume of international freight transport. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Total freight traffic through border checkpoints exceeded 10.5 million tonnes, which is 10 per cent higher than last year’s figures, whilst the volume of export and import operations rose by 6 per cent. Transit shipments through the country’s territory covered more than 90 countries worldwide, increasing by 15 per cent to over 3.5 million tonnes. The main driver of this growth was the complete modernisation of the State Customs Service’s posts. The installation of modern screening systems and the launch of end-to-end digital systems have enabled the automation of transport clearance procedures from the moment vehicles enter the customs zone. This has drastically reduced processing times and increased the throughput capacity of international transport corridors, whilst the planned modernisation of key routes continues as part of government programmes.
Turkmenistan and Armenia have increased the volume of their bilateral trade
09.07.2026Trade between Turkmenistan and Armenia increased by more than 60 per cent by the end of 2025, reaching approximately 36.5 million US dollars, according to Arsen Avagyan, Armenia’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, the volume of trade rose from US$21.1 million in 2022 and US$22.3 million in 2024 to the current figure. This positive trend has continued into 2026: between January and April, trade turnover reached US$17.5 million. The diplomat noted that the growth in trade figures reflects the expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries. The Armenian-Turkmen business forum, held on 15 January in Yerevan, marked a new stage in this cooperation. A. Avagyan emphasised that the potential for cooperation has not yet been fully realised. Promising areas remain energy, transport and logistics, industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, high technology and digitalisation. The parties are paying particular attention to developing transit opportunities and strengthening regional connectivity.
The ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway is boosting the country’s transport capacity
08.07.2026The opening of the ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway marks a new stage in the implementation of a major infrastructure project in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The 600-kilometre motorway was constructed in three stages: ‘Ashgabat–Tejen’, ‘Tejen–Mary’ and ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’. The six-lane motorway meets international standards and is equipped with modern road infrastructure, including service facilities, electronic payment systems, CCTV and speed control systems. The new road reduces journey times for passengers and freight, increases the capacity of the transport network and strengthens Turkmenistan’s transit potential. The motorway expands the country’s capabilities within international transport corridors between Europe and Asia, contributing to the development of logistics and trade. The project was carried out by members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The opening of the motorway reflects the involvement of the national private sector in the implementation of major infrastructure projects and will contribute to the further development of the country’s transport system.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador discussed cooperation with ‘Damen Shipyards’
08.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan, visited the headquarters of the Dutch company ‘Damen Shipyards’, where he discussed with the company’s management the prospects for expanding cooperation in the field of shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the negotiations, the parties explored the possibility of jointly building vessels at the shipyard of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. The Ambassador also toured the company’s production facilities. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the field of dredging. It was noted that ‘Damen Shipyards’ has considerable experience in this area and has already carried out joint projects with Turkmenistan. The Ambassador emphasised that Turkmenistan is developing its maritime infrastructure, modernising its port facilities and strengthening transport and logistics connectivity, viewing cooperation with Dutch companies as a source of modern technologies and best practice. In addition, the Turkmen side announced plans to hold business events involving executives from major Dutch companies interested in cooperating with Turkmenistan. Representatives of ‘Damen Shipyards’ were invited to take part in these events. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in the fields of shipbuilding, port infrastructure and maritime technologies.
The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ exhibition is to be held in Ashgabat
07.07.2026From 19 to 22 August 2026, Ashgabat will host the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ International Universal Exhibition and Fair. This was announced by the press office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. According to the source, the event is aimed at developing the children’s goods and services industry and will provide companies with an opportunity to showcase their products and solutions. ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ will serve as a platform for showcasing innovative products and services in the children’s sector. The exhibition will also open up further opportunities to enter the Turkmenistan market and attract international partners, investors and industry representatives from various countries.
An increase in cross-border transport has been recorded in Turkmenistan
06.07.2026The volume of cross-border transport passing through Turkmenistan continues to grow. The phased modernisation of customs infrastructure and the introduction of digital technologies are strengthening the country’s role as a regional transport and logistics hub, according to the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. In the first six months of this year, cargo turnover through border crossing points exceeded 10.5 million tonnes, which is 10 per cent higher than the figure for the same period last year. The volume of foreign trade shipments, including exports and imports, rose by 6 per cent. The most significant growth was recorded in the transit transport segment. More than 3.5 million tonnes of cargo were transported in transit through the country, representing a 15 per cent increase year-on-year. The cargo was destined for 94 countries, indicating an expansion in the geographical scope of transit flows. Modern customs posts, equipped with inspection and screening facilities, provide digital monitoring at all stages of cargo movement. This speeds up customs procedures, increases throughput and reduces the time taken to clear vehicles at the border.
The World Bank has reaffirmed its support for infrastructure projects in Turkmenistan
03.07.2026The World Bank has confirmed its readiness to support key projects in Turkmenistan in the water resources and transport sectors. This was stated in a press release from the organisation’s regional office for Europe and Central Asia following a meeting in Tashkent between World Bank Vice-President Antonella Bassani and Merdanguly Palivanov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the implementation of a framework cooperation programme setting out the main areas of collaboration between the World Bank and Turkmenistan. The Bank expressed its support for the country’s national priorities, including the development of infrastructure and the water sector. The meeting took place as part of a visit by a World Bank delegation to Uzbekistan to attend a meeting of the ‘Swiss Group’ of founding member countries. The World Bank had previously stepped up its activities in Central Asia by approving funding for the restoration of the Northern Aral Sea ecosystem and launching a regional energy programme worth $1 billion.
Gas production figures are rising in Turkmenistan
01.07.2026The ‘Körpeje’ Gas Production Department of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern has significantly exceeded its natural gas production targets. During the reporting period, the enterprise produced approximately 1.416 billion cubic metres of gas, exceeding the target by a factor of 2.6, according to the news website Asmannews. Production exceeded the target by more than 1.357 billion cubic metres, whilst the growth rate compared with the same period last year stood at 102.3 per cent. The company, which operates the ‘Körpeje’, ‘Çekişler’ and ‘Akpatlawuk’ fields, is continuing to modernise its production infrastructure by introducing state-of-the-art technologies and automated control systems. At the ‘Çekişler’ field, a gas treatment plant with a capacity of up to 5 million cubic metres per day is in operation, whilst at the ‘Keýmir’ compressor station, associated petroleum gas is reused for gas lift, thereby increasing the efficiency of oil production and reducing resource losses. After processing, the produced gas is supplied to consumers, ensuring a consistent gas supply to enterprises within the country’s oil and gas sector.
SINOPEC has produced over 1 million tonnes of oil in Turkmenistan over the past four years
01.07.2026The Turkmenistan branch of the International Oilfield Services Company, part of the Chinese petrochemical corporation SINOPEC, has produced over 1 million tonnes of oil in four years. The value of the work carried out amounted to approximately 200 million US dollars, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The project is being implemented under a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. The introduction of modern technologies has enabled an increase in daily oil production of more than 1,500 tonnes. The company carries out a range of oilfield services, including sidetracking, directional and horizontal drilling, well workover, acid and water-blocking treatments, as well as the modernisation of surface and downhole equipment. In addition to projects at the ‘Türkmennebit’ fields, the SINOPEC branch participated in work at the Shatlyk, Dovletabat, Yashyldepe and Bagtyyarlyk fields. Drilling operations, well workover and measures to increase oil and gas production were carried out there. The newspaper ‘Biznes reklama’ notes that these achievements strengthen SINOPEC’s position in Central Asia and expand opportunities for cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue introducing technologies, improving the efficiency of field development and implementing new projects in Turkmenistan.
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