Economy
A freight train from Lahore to Astrakhan will pass through Turkmenistan
13.06.2025On 22 June, Pakistan will send its first freight train to Russia, which will pass through Turkmenistan on the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The train will depart from Lahore and travel through Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to Astrakhan. The total length of the route is about 8,000 kilometres, and the journey time is 20–25 days. Due to different track gauges, the cargo will be transshipped in Zahedan, Iran. The train will then travel through Turkmenistan, which provides a key link between Iran and Kazakhstan, where a single gauge allows unhindered transit to Russia. Pakistani Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi called the project part of a strategy to develop ties with Central Asia and expand foreign trade.
Ekerem drillers contribute to Turkmenistan's energy future
13.06.2025In the International Year of Peace and Trust, drillers from the Ekerem drilling department of the ‘Nebitgazburawlaýyş’ trust of the ‘Turkmennebit’ State Concern are demonstrating steady success, marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality with significant labour achievements. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Since the beginning of the year, they have drilled 19,500 metres of underground rock and completed the drilling of two wells with industrial potential. Of particular significance was the commissioning of the 356th well at the North Goturdepe field, where industrial oil flow was obtained using the Uralmash-3D rig. Positive results have also been noted at the Shatut field, where the introduction of modern drilling rigs has increased the efficiency and stability of operations. Drilling of the 101st well at the Ekerem field is entering the final stage and will be put into operation in the near future.
Turkmenistan develops international cooperation in the textile sector
13.06.2025The Minister of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan, Nurmukhammet Orazgeldiyev, held a series of working meetings with the heads of leading foreign textile companies. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the prospects for technological partnership and modernisation of the industry. This was reported by the IIC. The main focus was on the supply of modern equipment for textile industry enterprises in Turkmenistan. The participants in the negotiations considered specific cooperation projects aimed at improving production efficiency and the quality of products. The Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan is actively developing international ties, seeking to introduce advanced technologies and best international practices into the industry. The meetings were an important step in strengthening business partnerships with foreign manufacturers.
Italian fashion expert presents international platform for young designers in Ashgabat
13.06.2025Mariana Micheli, President of Milan Fashion Week ‘Mad Mood Milano’, visited Turkmenistan for the first time, where she presented her fashion platform as part of the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ exhibition. At the fashion show, she presented a collection by young Italian designer Leonardo Ligorio. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. M. Micheli said that the ‘Mad Mood Milano’ platform she created specialises in supporting emerging fashion designers around the world. Mariana collaborates with organisers of major fashion events in Serbia, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Singapore, as well as finding and developing talent in South America and Bulgaria. The expert paid special attention to her unique project, MEDITERRANEAN FASHION AND FOOD WEEK, which combines fashion and gastronomy. According to M. Micheli, this event allows designers and chefs to represent their countries through cultural exchange in southern Italy. When asked about possible cooperation with Turkmen designers, Micheli expressed interest in joint projects. Her visit to Ashgabat opens up new prospects for the integration of Turkmen fashion designers into the global fashion industry.
European expert highly praised the potential of Turkmen textiles
13.06.2025President of the Central Asian-European Creative Alliance Elena Kharitonova visited Turkmenistan for the first time, where she took part in the ‘TurkmenTextile Expo – 2025’ exhibition. The Brussels expert expressed her admiration for the organisation of the event and the professionalism of local designers. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Elena Kharitonova noted that Ashgabat impressed her with its cleanliness. She emphasised that the country's main asset is its hospitable and friendly people. The expert was particularly impressed by the skill of Turkmen designers in working with textiles, as well as the unique embroidery combining ethnic motifs with individual authorial style. According to the president of the Alliance, the Ashgabat exhibition stands out for its comprehensive approach, combining light industry, fashion, modern equipment and cultural heritage. As part of the business programme on 13 June, Kharitonova plans to hold a master class on innovative textile technologies and take part in a round table on ‘textile diplomacy’.
Turkmen scientists have created an environmentally friendly insulation material from plastic waste
12.06.2025Scientists from the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed a unique technology for producing synthetic fillers from recycled plastic waste, including PET bottles. This environmentally friendly solution was presented at an industry conference dedicated to the development of the country's textile industry. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The new development not only allows plastic waste to be recycled, but also creates high-quality insulation for textile products. The conference, which brought together leading scientists and experts from various universities in the country, also showcased more than 100 samples of locally produced chemical products, ranging from fertilisers to medical materials. Participants paid particular attention to the prospects for using the mineral resources of the Garabogaz Bay, which is rich in valuable elements. According to experts, the integration of science and production contributes to the development of environmentally friendly technologies and strengthens the position of Turkmen textiles in the international market.
A seminar on new EU requirements for reducing methane emissions was held in Ashgabat
12.06.2025An international seminar dedicated to new EU environmental requirements for energy imports was held at the ‘Turkmengaz’ Scientific Research Institute of Natural Gas. The event, organised with the support of the EU and Germany as part of the GIZ project, brought together experts to discuss the Regulation on the reduction of methane emissions. This was reported by the online publication TerraNews. Participants examined in detail the provisions of the document, including mandatory monitoring, reporting and reduction of methane emissions at all stages of the gas supply chain. Particular attention was paid to international control instruments: the UN's OGMP 2.0 programme and GHGSat satellite technologies for detecting leaks. Representatives of the European Commission emphasised that the adoption of new methane standards plays a key role in combating climate change by creating a solid foundation for the development of responsible international energy partnerships.
Turkmenistan has produced over 1.2 million tons of oil since the beginning of 2025
12.06.2025During the January-May 2025 period, over 1.27 million tonnes of oil were produced in Turkmenistan's oil fields. This information was provided by Orient publication, citing a source specialising in the country's oil and gas industry. According to data from the ‘Nebitgazçykaryş’ trust, the total production volume during the reporting period amounted to 1,278,817 tonnes. The most significant contribution to the implementation of the production plan was made by the experts of the ‘Nebitgazburawlaýyş’ trust, who drilled 57,246 metres of production wells and 16,051 metres of exploration wells. Uninterrupted technical support for drilling operations was provided by the ‘Burnebitgazhyzmat’ department. This department's area of responsibility includes the logistics, preparation, and maintenance services for drilling and well pipes supplied to the strategically important Goturdepe, Körpeje, Ekerem, Akpatlavuk fields, as well as the Barsagelmez and Uzynada fields. Sector representatives emphasize that the coordinated efforts of relevant departments and supporting services have contributed to the stable continuation of oil production and the achievement of planned targets.
Non-cash payments in Turkmenistan exceeded 6.7 billion manats in 2025
12.06.2025From January to March 2025, the total volume of non-cash transactions using bank cards in Turkmenistan exceeded 6 billion 773 million manats. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the electronic publication ‘Bank habarlary’, issued by the country's Central Bank. The majority of transactions were payments via POS terminals — 5 billion 756 billion 232 thousand. According to information from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, as part of the development of digital services during the same period, transactions worth over 736 million 113 thousand manats were made via the E-Commerce platform. More than 12 million 189 thousand manats were processed through mobile banking applications. In addition, non-cash payments amounting to more than 75 million 339 thousand manats were made through the Halkbank terminal system.
Large-scale work is underway in Turkmenistan to modernise the trading system
12.06.2025Turkmenistan is actively implementing a programme to modernise its trade system and expand access to global markets for high-quality and environmentally friendly products. One of the significant steps in this direction has been the introduction of a barcode system, under which tens of thousands of product names have already been labelled accordingly, reports the state news agency TDH. The country's accession to the international GSI (Global Standard) system confirms its status as a reliable and responsible participant in global trade and economic partnership. Given the growth in production volumes and increased demand for Turkmen goods, the use of barcodes opens up new opportunities for the development of foreign trade, expansion of the export range and strengthening of economic ties with foreign countries. The transition to a market economy has contributed to the development of new forms of trade, including through commodity exchanges. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan (SCRMET) plays a key role in this area, analysing the validity of imports and exports, controlling the formation of prices for export products and focusing on the tasks set by the Head of State. The SCRMET actively studies international experience and applies it to stimulate foreign economic activity and strengthen Turkmenistan's position in the global economy. The legislative framework governing its activities is also being developed in line with modern requirements. In the first five months of this year, the SCRMET held 124 trade sessions, during which 11,714 contracts were concluded.
Turkmen farmers have begun receiving John Deere sprayers
11.06.2025Turkmen farmers have begun receiving modern M732i trailer-mounted sprayers from John Deere, designed for applying fertilisers and protecting crops from pests. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The model can be aggregated with John Deere, CLAAS and MTZ tractors and is controlled via an electronic system. The working width reaches 24 metres, with the possibility of adjustment to 6, 12 and 18 metres. The tank capacity is 3,200 litres, and the weight of the fully loaded sprayer is about 7 tonnes. The equipment allows the track width to be adjusted depending on the row spacing (60, 75 or 90 cm) and ensures accurate solution dosing. To demonstrate the capabilities of the new product, a seminar was held in Lebap velayat with the participation of industry experts and agricultural students. The equipment has already been sent to farms to begin field work.
Turkmenistan is actively developing foreign economic relations and entrepreneurship
10.06.2025The development of trade and entrepreneurship is an important area of Turkmenistan's economic policy aimed at improving living standards and ensuring food abundance. Changes in these areas demonstrate the effectiveness of market reforms and large-scale social programmes, according to the state news agency TDH. The trade sector plays a key role in the economy, providing significant tax revenues and employment. At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 17 May, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Resolution on the development of the State Budget of Turkmenistan for 2026. The document sets priorities for sustainable development, digitalisation, business support and investment in production. The first five months of 2025 saw steady growth in trade, industry and entrepreneurship. The revenue side of the budget was fulfilled by 101.2%, and trade and production volumes increased. Both domestic producers and imports coordinated by the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations play an important role in supplying the domestic market. The textile industry is developing successfully, demand for Turkmen brands is high, and programmes to modernise and enter international markets are being actively implemented. Carpet production is preserving traditions and successfully entering foreign markets. Work is also underway to introduce digital solutions, including product labelling and integration into the GSI system. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan is actively involved in regulating export and import operations, ensuring the growth of foreign trade activity. Turkmenistan is strengthening international partnerships by participating in forums and commissions, expanding export routes and developing infrastructure. Conditions have been created for investors to operate, production is growing, and output volumes are increasing. Support for the private sector has strengthened the position of local producers. The ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ programme promotes national brands on the international stage. The introduction of digital technologies in trade is a priority of the state strategy. In this regard, regulatory documents for distance trading are being developed.
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