Economy
Turkmenistan presented its transit and logistics capabilities to the ECO member states
14.08.2026On 12 August, an international video conference was held between the heads of the chambers of commerce and industry of the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). This was reported by the press office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the development of economic cooperation, trade integration and the strengthening of inter-regional ties. The Turkmen side presented the country’s transit and logistics capabilities, as well as approaches to increasing trade turnover and expanding export potential. Separate consideration was given to the organisation of joint exhibitions and business forums involving entrepreneurs from ECO member states. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to develop economic cooperation with the organisation’s member states on a long-term basis. The ECO comprises ten member states: Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Ashgabat to host the ITTC 2026 International Logistics Forum
14.08.2026The fifth International Logistics Forum and ITTC 2026 exhibition, entitled ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2026’, will take place in Ashgabat from 24 to 26 November. The event will take place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The organisers are ‘Talwas Ýoly’ CJSC, a division of OGUZ Forum & Expo, the Ministry of Road Transport, the Ministry of Rail Transport, the State Service ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’, the State Service for Maritime and River Transport, the Transport and Logistics Centre and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The programme will cover the development of transport infrastructure and transit corridors, multimodal transport, the digitalisation of the sector, the development of the Middle Corridor and routes across the Caspian Sea, investment, air freight and sustainable transport. More than 500 delegates, over 1,000 trade visitors and more than 100 companies from over 25 countries are expected to attend. B2B and B2G business meetings are also planned. Registration for the forum and exhibition is now open.
Turkmenistan and Georgia are developing cooperation in the field of transport and transit
13.08.2026The Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan highlighted the high level of bilateral relations with Georgia and active cooperation at regional and inter-regional levels. One of the key areas remains the development of transport corridors between Asia and Europe, including the Central and Trans-Caspian routes, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that the parties are implementing a number of international transport initiatives. In November 2017, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Afghanistan signed a five-party agreement on the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ Corridor. In March 2019, in Bucharest, the Heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Romania signed memoranda on the establishment of the ‘Caspian Sea–Black Sea’ Corridor. The expansion of mutual trade and the utilisation of Georgia’s transport and transit potential are also aimed at addressing regional challenges, including environmental issues in the Caspian Sea. Active cooperation between government bodies and companies in the two countries is contributing to the further development of interregional partnership.
Turkmen gas workers are entering the final stage of the TAPI pipeline’s construction
12.08.2026Construction of the 153-kilometre ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ gas pipeline — a key section of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) project, known as ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’ — is nearing completion. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Surveying work along the route has been fully completed. The technical design documentation and construction drawings have been prepared in accordance with international standards. 120 kilometres of 1,422-millimetre-diameter pipes, out of the total required for the entire route, have been delivered to the construction site, and deliveries are continuing. Of the 25 contracts for the project’s logistical support, the majority have been fully executed. The bulk of the certified equipment has cleared customs and been delivered to the site in Afghanistan. Around 300 units of specialised machinery are being used in the construction and installation works. The route of the gas pipeline has been surveyed over a distance of 140 km, and a 123-km-long access road has been constructed. Welding and installation work on the pipeline has been completed over a distance of 117 km, and the welded sections are undergoing hydraulic pressure testing in stages. The necessary facilities have been provided for workers involved in the construction: temporary accommodation camps No. 1 and No. 2 have been built at the 12th and 86th kilometres of the gas pipeline.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its transport and transit capacity
12.08.2026Turkmenistan is continuing to modernise its transport and communications infrastructure and to develop international transport and transit corridors. The main focus is on increasing passenger and freight traffic, expanding the capacity of transport systems and improving the quality of services, according to the news agency TDH. At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 10 July to review the results of the first half of the year, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to further improve the transport and communications sector. As part of the ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investment in 2026’, the reconstruction of roads connecting the country’s regions and neighbouring states is continuing. Particular attention is being paid to rail transport. The rolling stock is being modernised, and diesel locomotives, passenger carriages, tankers and specialised carriages for the transport of various goods are being procured. One of the priorities remains the modernisation of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi’ railway line, which links the country’s regions with the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the ‘Lapis Lazuli’, ‘TRACECA’, ‘North–South’ and ‘East–West’ international corridors. The modernisation of road infrastructure is continuing. A major project has been the 600-kilometre ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. Construction began on 24 January 2019 and was carried out in three sections: ‘Ashgabat–Tejen’, ‘Tejen–Mary’ and ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’. The final section was opened on 10 April 2026 in the presence of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Transport infrastructure is also being developed in the west of the country. As part of the ‘Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz–Kazakhstan’ border road, a 207-kilometre section is currently under construction. A 354-metre-long road bridge has also been built across Garabogaz Kol Bay. These projects are aimed at expanding regional transport links and transit capacity. The Ministry of Road Transport of Turkmenistan continues to strengthen its material and technical base and improve the quality of passenger services. At the same time, work is underway to bring national legislation in the field of road transport into line with international standards. Civil aviation plays an important role in the transport system. The country’s aircraft fleet is being renewed, specialist personnel are being trained and airports are being modernised. ‘Turkmenistan’s National Civil Aviation Development Programme up to 2030’ provides for the introduction of modern technologies and international best practice. Turkmenbashi International Airport has undergone a major refurbishment, whilst a new international airport has been built and brought into operation in Balkanabat. At the same time, measures are being taken to expand the transit capacity of the airports. ‘Turkmenistan’s State Programme for Ensuring Civil Aviation Flight Safety’ sets out the main directions of state policy in this area, taking into account the international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). In addition, the development of maritime transport is continuing. Port infrastructure is being modernised, freight and passenger traffic volumes are increasing, and safety and navigation systems are being improved. At the ‘Balkan’ Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard, domestic and foreign vessels are being repaired, and ships are being built for the national fleet. The plant has built and commissioned the dry cargo vessel ‘Gadamly’ – the first of its kind in the country. At the same time, the communications sector is being improved. At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers to review the results of the first six months of 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the need to modernise the sector and introduce new types of services. By a Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the ‘State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026–2028’ and the Action Plan for its implementation have been approved. The documents provide for the wider application of information and communication technologies and innovations, the improvement of the quality of public services, the development of entrepreneurship and the creation of a digital ecosystem. One of the priority areas of digitalisation is artificial intelligence. Pilot projects are being implemented in Turkmenistan to apply AI in education, healthcare, agriculture and traffic management. Developments are also underway in the fields of big data, blockchain and cybersecurity. Work is continuing to improve the telecommunications infrastructure and the legal framework governing information and communications services. Following the launch of the country’s first national satellite, opportunities for the development of satellite communications, television and radio broadcasting have expanded. Work is underway on a programme of cooperation with foreign states and international organisations to ensure the cybersecurity of the digital system for the period 2025–2027. Particular attention is being paid to increasing the capacity of international communication channels and diversifying telephone traffic and data transmission. Opportunities are being explored to expand connections with neighbouring states and increase the transit of information flows between Asia and Europe. Turkmenistan also continues to put forward initiatives on the development of transport corridors and communications systems at international forums and high-level meetings. The implementation of projects in the transport, communications and digital sectors is aimed at enhancing the country’s transit potential, expanding international links and establishing a modern transport and communications infrastructure.
Ashgabat and Kabul discussed the development of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ corridor
12.08.2026On 10 August, as part of a working visit to Afghanistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, discussed the development of the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ international transport corridor with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Afghanistan. This was reported by TDH. The parties noted the corridor’s importance for expanding transport and transit links between Central and South Asia, as well as the regions of the Caspian, Black and Mediterranean Seas. An agreement on the establishment of the ‘Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey’ route was signed in Ashgabat in 2017. Turkmenistan had previously proposed measures to improve the corridor’s efficiency, including the creation of a Single Logistics Centre, the development of infrastructure at cargo dispatch and reception points, the harmonisation of tariff policies, the simplification of customs procedures based on the ‘Single Window’ principle, and the preparation of a digital atlas of the route.
Turkmenistan’s private sector is expanding production and exports
12.08.2026In Turkmenistan, the private sector is expanding its production capacity, introducing modern technologies and adopting new market mechanisms. This is reported by the online news site AsmanNews. Entrepreneurs are playing a part in supplying the food market, promoting import substitution and increasing exports. Domestic enterprises are also obtaining international quality and safety certificates, including ISO and HACCP. Particular attention is being paid to the agro-industrial sector and the food industry. Greenhouse farms ensure year-round vegetable production, which makes it possible to supply the domestic market and expand export deliveries. The private sector is also involved in the development of the electronics industry and the diversification of the economy. The next area of focus is the introduction of digital systems in line with the objectives of Turkmenistan’s National Programme for Socio-Economic Development for 2022–2052.
Commercial gas production has commenced at the ‘Magtymguly’ field
12.08.2026Production well No. A8, with a depth of 4,981 metres, has been drilled at the ‘Magtymguly’ gas field in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. The daily output amounted to over 1.3 million cubic metres of natural gas and around 130 tonnes of gas condensate, according to the website of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. The field is located within the ‘Block 1’ contract area. The well is in the initial stage of development, so production volumes are expected to increase in the future. The work is being carried out under a Production Sharing Agreement between the Malaysian company ‘PETRONAS Çarigali’ and the state-owned concern ‘Türkmennebit’. This year marks the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia in the oil and gas sector. During this period, five platforms have been constructed in the Caspian Sea and the coastal zone, and around 40 exploration, appraisal and production wells have been drilled. Joint production has exceeded 44 billion cubic metres of gas and 16 million tonnes of liquid hydrocarbons. A gas processing plant and an onshore gas terminal have also been commissioned. The next phase involves the development of the 19th and 20th offshore blocks in the Caspian Sea and the conduct of 2D seismic surveys in blocks 11, 12, 13 and 14.
The private company ‘Parahat’ is expanding its production and exports
12.08.2026The private company ‘Parahat’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, is expanding its food production and increasing its exports. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The company produces juices, drinks, dairy products, meat products and confectionery. Local fruit and vegetables, which are stored in modern cold stores, are used in the production process. The production processes are equipped with digital technologies and modern machinery. The plant has the capacity to produce up to 40,000 litres of juice per day. ‘Joş’ and ‘Eçil’ juices, ‘Han’ iced tea, and ‘Özi’ and ‘Arma’ drinks are supplied to overseas markets, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Georgia. Other brands include ‘Süýtli dere’, ‘Däp’, ‘Ýeserje’, ‘Güneşli’, ‘Köşüli’, ‘Eşretli’ and ‘Halal’. The company also intends to increase its production capacity and expand the geographical reach of its exports of Turkmen products.
Afghanistan is inviting Turkmen investors to take part in new projects
11.08.2026The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has invited Turkmen entrepreneurs, industrialists and investors to visit the country as part of an economic delegation. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The invitation was extended during a working visit by a delegation from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment to Turkmenistan, organised at the invitation of the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Chamber for Provincial Affairs, met with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, as well as Turkmen entrepreneurs, industrialists and investors. The participants discussed joint investment projects, the establishment of enterprises, the conclusion of long-term contracts and the expansion of business ties. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi emphasised the need to increase the number of direct contacts and reciprocal visits by business delegations. The Afghan side invited Turkmen companies to visit the country to explore investment opportunities and develop bilateral cooperation. The priority sectors identified include the oil and gas sector, energy, industry, mining, agriculture, transport, railway infrastructure, transit, logistics and warehousing.
The Bayramali Textile Complex has launched a wool processing workshop
11.08.2026A new workshop for processing camel wool and goat down has been commissioned at the Bayramali Textile Complex. The enterprise is already producing yarn for the domestic and foreign markets, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The raw materials used in production are sourced from state-owned and private livestock farms. The workshop is equipped with high-performance machinery from the People’s Republic of China and the Italian company ‘Cormatex S.r.L.’. Production capacity stands at 130 tonnes of wool yarn per year. Operations are organised into three shifts. The workshop comprises a spinning section, a laboratory and a fibre-dyeing section. Quality is monitored at all stages of production. The yarn is characterised by its thermal insulation properties, lightness and a wide range of colours. It is intended primarily for the manufacture of special-purpose fabrics. It is planned to use recycled wool to produce duvets, pillows, belts and other home textiles. The launch of this new production facility expands the processing of domestic raw materials and creates further opportunities for developing the textile industry’s export potential.
59 trades were concluded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange over the course of the week
11.08.2026A total of 59 transactions were concluded over the course of the week at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Foreign buyers from Turkey and Serbia purchased cotton yarn and liquorice root extract using foreign currency. The value of the export contracts exceeded 224,000 US dollars. On the domestic market, Turkmen businesses purchased petroleum road bitumen, polypropylene and petroleum coke produced by the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’, as well as cotton fabric and raw silk. The total value of the transactions in manats amounted to over 428 million 978 thousand.
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