Economy
A forum on the development of Turkmen-Chinese economic partnership has begun in Ashgabat
29.04.2026A business forum has opened in Ashgabat at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan as part of the Turkmen-Chinese exhibition, bringing together representatives of government bodies, the business sector and the expert community from both countries. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants are discussing the implementation of previously reached agreements and new areas of cooperation in the context of global economic changes. Key topics include energy, transport, logistics and industrial cooperation. The Chinese side is interested in expanding imports of Turkmen products and introducing technologies into joint projects, whilst Turkmenistan has confirmed its readiness to develop investment attractiveness and transport corridors. Particular attention was paid to B2B negotiations between business representatives, where specific contracts and joint ventures were discussed. Experts view the forum as an indicator of growing trust and a transition towards a more long-term technological partnership.
The Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum is taking place in Ashgabat
28.04.2026The Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition opened in Ashgabat on 28 April. The events are being held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will conclude on 30 April, according to the state news agency TDH. Representatives of over 200 Chinese companies are taking part in the forum. The opening ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of ministries and departments, and heads of diplomatic missions. Participants heard a congratulatory message from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which highlighted the commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation. A key area of the partnership is the fuel and energy sector. This year, Turkmenistan and China are marking the 20th anniversary of their cooperation in the gas sector. Work has recently commenced on drilling wells and constructing a gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year at the ‘Galkynysh’ field – the fourth phase of its development. More than 70 exhibition stands feature Chinese companies from the oil and gas, transport, telecommunications, agriculture, medicine and education sectors. Exhibits on artificial intelligence, robotics and the development of ‘smart’ cities attracted particular interest from visitors. Bilateral meetings between the heads of relevant ministries in Turkmenistan and representatives of Chinese businesses took place during the exhibition. A detailed discussion on trade cooperation is scheduled for the second day of the forum.
Trade between Turkmenistan and China continues to grow rapidly
28.04.2026According to data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, trade between Turkmenistan and China reached $2.228 billion in January–March 2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In March 2026, bilateral trade between the countries amounted to $672.093 million. Turkmen exports accounted for the lion’s share of the trade balance. In the first quarter of 2026, Turkmenistan supplied goods worth $1.895 billion to China, whilst imports of Chinese products over the same period amounted to approximately $332.3 million. By way of comparison, by the end of 2025, total trade between the two countries had reached $10.046 billion.
Turkmenistan took part in discussions on inter-trade union cooperation in Central Asia
28.04.2026A delegation from the National Trade Union Centre of Turkmenistan took part in the General Assembly of the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian Countries, which was held on 27 April in Tashkent. This was reported by the IIC. The role of Uzbekistan’s trade unions in fostering constructive dialogue and promoting the principles of decent work and social protection was highlighted. It was emphasised that cooperation in the region is based on strategic dialogue between the leaders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and is already yielding practical results, including the development of cross-border trade and humanitarian ties. The Turkmen side noted the strengthening of inter-trade union cooperation following the 2025 Ashgabat meeting and supported the further institutional development of the association based on trust and shared goals. In conclusion, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to partnership, stability and the joint resolution of the region’s socio-economic challenges. Following the meeting, the organisation was transformed into the Confederation of Trade Unions of Central Asia.
The Turkmen-Chinese exhibition opened in Ashgabat
28.04.2026The Turkmen-Chinese Exhibition was officially opened at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In an address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, read out at the ceremony, it was emphasised that China remains a key trade and economic partner for the country. The priority areas for cooperation were identified as the oil and gas sector, transport and logistics, digital technologies, telecommunications, as well as science, education and tourism. Companies from both countries are participating in the exhibition. Among the Chinese exhibitors are ‘NUCTECH’, ‘HUAWEI’, ‘LOVOL’, ‘SHANTUI’ and others. The ‘Geely’ car brand is being showcased separately with its 2025 models. A Turkmen-Chinese business forum is scheduled for 29 April, where the development of bilateral cooperation and joint projects will be discussed. The events will run until 30 April, and a cultural programme has also been organised for guests from the PRC.
Last week, 28 transactions were recorded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange
27.04.2026Last week, 28 transactions were concluded on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan, covering products from the oil and gas and light industries. The foreign trade segment saw active purchases of base oil by businesses from China and Uzbekistan, according to the IIC. Exports also included building materials and textiles. Buyers from China, the UAE, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan purchased Portland cement, denim clothing, cotton yarn and wheat flour. The total value of foreign exchange contracts exceeded $20 million, indicating stable external demand. On the domestic market, Turkmen enterprises purchased technical sulphur, polypropylene, road bitumen, as well as raw silk and cotton fibre. The volume of investment by domestic businesses amounted to over 529.8 million manats.
A Turkmen delegation attended an industrial forum in Tashkent
24.04.2026From 20 to 22 April, a Turkmen delegation led by B. Tatov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction of Turkmenistan, took part in the 6th International Industrial Exhibition ‘INNOPROM. Central Asia’ in Tashkent. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. As part of the exhibition, the delegation took part in the first meeting of the Ministers of Industry of the Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation. The parties discussed industrial cooperation, the implementation of joint projects and the training of personnel for the industrial sector.
The Turkmen company ‘Aýdyň gijeler’ plans to supply equipment to Azerbaijan
23.04.2026The Turkmen company ‘Aýdyň gijeler’ is exploring the possibility of supplying tablets and computer equipment manufactured in-house to meet the needs of Azerbaijan’s energy sector. This was announced by Ruslan Tashov, the company’s head of supply and procurement, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. He noted that the company already has experience of cooperating with Azerbaijani partners in the field of digitalisation and the supply of electronic products. Furthermore, ‘Aýdyň gijeler’ is considering prospects for expanding cooperation, including working with enterprises in the country’s oil and gas sector. The company was founded in 2016. Today, its production base covers more than 5 hectares and comprises over ten workshops. Its product range includes more than 30 items, including LED lighting, cable and wire products, computer equipment and telecommunications equipment.
The ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ Trust is achieving strong results in oil and gas production
23.04.2026The production units of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ are making a significant contribution to the development of the country’s oil and gas industry, engaging in the exploration, development and exploitation of fields, including those in the Balkan velayat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In the first quarter of this year, the ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ trust achieved high production figures. A total of 110 wells were overhauled and brought back into operation, exceeding the target by six wells. As a result, an additional 24,000 tonnes of oil were produced, and the target was met by 105.8%. The production growth rate stood at 161.7%. Additionally, over the three-month period, an extra 28,000 cubic metres of gas were produced, with growth rates significantly exceeding the planned targets. The ‘Goturdepe’, ‘Barsagelmez’ and ‘Gamyşlyja’ departments made a significant contribution to these results. The trust’s team is focused on achieving its annual targets ahead of schedule and further improving production efficiency, utilising the conditions created for sustainable growth in output.
Turkmenistan took part in the conference of heads of customs services in the European region
22.04.2026A delegation from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part in a conference of heads of customs authorities from the European region, held at the headquarters of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the meeting, the focus was on the priorities of regional cooperation, as well as on ways to improve the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms. Participants discussed the World Customs Organisation’s current initiatives in the region and were briefed on the work of relevant bodies and regional networks. The country’s participation in this event demonstrates its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the customs sector, exchanging best practices and developing the national system in line with modern international standards.
A delegation from Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the World Bank
21.04.2026During the annual meetings of the World Bank Group, the Turkmenistan delegation held a series of bilateral negotiations aimed at expanding international economic cooperation and strengthening ties with leading development institutions. This was reported by IIC. One of the key events was a meeting with Antonella Bassani, World Bank Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia. During the negotiations, the parties noted the dynamic nature of the partnership and discussed prospects for its further development. Particular attention was paid to strategic areas in which the World Bank can support Turkmenistan’s national development priorities, including assistance in implementing socio-economic reforms and modernising key sectors of the economy. The parties also discussed the adoption of international best practice and the use of modern financial instruments to support national development programmes. Following the meetings, mutual interest was reaffirmed in continuing active cooperation aimed at strengthening economic stability and achieving the country’s long-term goals.
18 trades were concluded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange over the course of the week
21.04.2026Last week, 18 transactions were recorded at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Turkish business representatives purchased technical sulphuric acid produced by the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern in exchange for foreign currency, whilst businesses from Uzbekistan purchased base oil produced at the processing facilities of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern. In addition, cotton yarn and fabrics, muslin, dyed and printed satin, liquorice root extract, undistilled fatty acids from cotton soapstock, children’s denim products, terry towelling and wheat flour were sold for foreign currency. Among the buyer countries were the United Arab Emirates, India and Kyrgyzstan. The total value of foreign trade transactions exceeded 28 million 74 thousand US dollars. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased cotton fibre, raw silk and cotton yarn worth 20 million 955 thousand manats.
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