Economy
Major transport projects planned for Turkmenistan in 2026
11.01.2026In 2026, Turkmenistan plans to implement major investment projects in the transport and communications sector. This was announced at a government meeting by Deputy Prime Minister Mammethan Chakyev, according to AsmanNews. Among the priority areas are the construction of railway stations and sea vessels, the construction of industrial and social facilities, as well as the repair of diesel locomotives and rolling stock. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the planned measures are aimed at increasing freight turnover through more efficient use of the country's transport infrastructure and transit potential. Steps are also planned to digitise the industry, attract investment and develop international cooperation. Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has instructed that the transport and communications complex be brought up to modern standards.
Turkmenistan sets out trade policy priorities for 2026
11.01.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev presented working plans for the trade complex for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The plans include measures to ensure an abundance of goods and stable prices in the domestic market, develop trade and the digital economy, expand textile production and improve its quality. Particular attention is paid to preserving the national art of carpet weaving. The plans also include the introduction of modern e-Commerce methods at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange, the modernisation of exhibitions and conferences of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the expansion of import-substituting and export production through the development of the private sector and the strengthening of international trade ties. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to continue work on the implementation of these tasks and ensure the effective use of the production capacities of the textile industry, and the Deputy Prime Minister to organise their implementation.
Turkmenistan's oil and gas industry: priorities and objectives for 2026
10.01.2026On 9 January, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov presented the oil and gas complex's plans for 2026 at a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’ will focus on the development of fields, the production of oil, gas and condensate, the production of liquefied gas, deep oil processing and the export of energy resources. The State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ will be engaged in the search for oil, gas, solid minerals and groundwater deposits, as well as the introduction of innovative technologies and digital systems. Among the priorities are new stages in the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field and the construction of an important section of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline, the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section, known as ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of increasing production and the efficient use of capacity and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement the plans.
Preferential loans as a tool for sustainable economic development in Turkmenistan
10.01.2026Turkmenistan has summarised the interim results of the implementation of the state strategy for financial support of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the social sector. This was reported by the IIC. As of December 2025, the preferential lending system has become one of the key instruments of the country's economic development. As part of the policy, about two thousand large investment projects have been financed. The implementation of these initiatives has created over 16,700 new jobs, which has contributed to increased social stability and strengthened the productive capacity of the regions. A significant amount of state support has been directed to the agro-industrial complex. Dayhan associations and private agricultural producers have gained access to long-term loans at 1% per annum. Financial resources are used for the technical re-equipment of the industry, the purchase of modern agricultural machinery, and the implementation of projects in livestock and poultry farming. The financing model used contributes to securing the domestic food market and gradually increasing the export potential of domestic products. In the social sphere, improving the housing conditions of the population remains a priority. The country has a mortgage lending system that provides for the purchase of housing for up to 30 years at 1% per annum with a five-year grace period. Special attention is paid to the city of Arkadag, where housing construction is carried out using modern technologies, and the existing financial mechanisms ensure the availability of housing for various categories of citizens. Young families receive additional targeted support — more than 185,000 couples have already taken advantage of preferential loans for home improvement. The dynamics of lending activity testify to the effectiveness of the socio-economic policy being implemented. Financial incentives for various industries form a stable basis for the further development of the national economy.
Ashgabat to host international exhibitions in the field of agriculture and food industry
08.01.2026The international exhibitions ‘AGRO PACK TURKMENISTAN 2026’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan 2026’ will be held in Ashgabat from 12 to 14 May 2026. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The exhibitions will feature equipment and technologies for food and beverage production, packaging solutions, food ingredients, as well as developments for the baking and hospitality industries. A separate section will be dedicated to the agro-industrial sector: technologies for greenhouse farming, horticulture and forestry, grain storage systems, milling equipment, and solutions for poultry and livestock farming. Participants will also showcase agricultural products, seeds, fertilisers, plant protection products and irrigation systems. As noted, 75 companies from Belarus, Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkey and Turkmenistan took part in the 2024 exhibitions. In 2026, the geography and scale of the event is expected to expand, with more than 120 companies confirming their participation.
Turkmenistan to increase fertiliser exports through new gas chemical complex
08.01.2026Turkmenistan continues to build up the potential of its oil and gas chemical industry, consistently developing a large industrial centre of regional significance in the Balkan velayat. The next stage of this strategy was the start of construction of a new urea production plant in the Turkmenbashi etrap, according to IIC. The planned capacity of the future plant will be 1.155 million tonnes of urea per year. Leading technology companies from Japan and Turkey are involved in the construction, which will involve the use of modern innovative solutions and compliance with high environmental standards. Completion of construction and commissioning of the plant are scheduled for February 2030. The new facility will continue the success of the ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant, which has been operating since 2018 and focuses on the export of high-quality chemical products. The project is of significant socio-economic importance. Its implementation will contribute to an increase in foreign exchange earnings, the creation of hundreds of new jobs, the development of infrastructure and an improvement in the standard of living of the population of Balkan velayat. Particular attention is being paid to the involvement of young people and the training of skilled personnel for the high-tech sector. The construction of the new gas chemical complex reflects the state's policy of industrialisation and the production of high value-added products. It will be another contribution to strengthening the economic sustainability of Turkmenistan and expanding international cooperation, including in the field of global food security.
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.
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