On 22 July, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Babaniyaz Yalakov took part in the plenary session of the Central Asian International Economic Forum (CAIEF-2025), which was held in Dushanbe. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Among the topics discussed were the development of transport corridors, digital platforms and technologies in industry and agro-industrial complexes. The session was a continuation of the ‘Journey to the Heart of Eurasia’ expedition. Participants discussed cooperation in the digital economy, logistics, education and the humanitarian sphere, including the promotion of the Russian language. Special attention was paid to energy, water resources, digitalisation and the green economy. The forum concluded with the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen economic integration and jointly respond to regional and global challenges.
On July 22, several significant trade deals were concluded on the foreign market involving Turkmen and foreign entrepreneurs. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. Representatives from Afghanistan agreed with the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ on the purchase of liquefied gas. Entrepreneurs from the UAE and Turkey signed a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ for the purchase of grade ‘B’ urea. In addition, businessmen from Kyrgyzstan reached an agreement with Turkmen partners to purchase raw fabric. During the auction, five transactions were concluded for a total of $92.6 million.
Registration is now open for the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2025 (TIF 2025), which will take place on 18–19 September in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The forum will be an important economic platform for the region, bringing together representatives of business, government and the expert community. The focus will be on the development of key sectors: energy, transport, agriculture and technology. Participants will discuss investment opportunities in Turkmenistan, promising projects and mechanisms for cooperation between the private sector and the state. The forum programme includes business meetings (B2B and B2G), discussions, presentations, master classes and cultural events. It should be noted that TIF 2024 brought together more than 400 participants from 44 countries and ended with the signing of contracts and agreements worth $166.9 million. In 2025, TIF will continue to strengthen partnerships and improve the country's investment climate.
The production of cotton oil under the brand name ‘Ahal’ is actively developing in the Ovadandepe geneshlik in the Gokdepe etrap of Turkmenistan, according to the news website Asmannews. The enterprise has established itself due to its environmentally friendly production, high product quality and preservation of all the beneficial properties of cotton seeds. In the first six months of this year, the volume of production exceeded 58 million manats, which is more than 126% higher than in the same period last year. Only local resources and modern technologies are used in production, which ensures the high competitiveness of ‘Ahal’ oil on the domestic market. The product is supplied to retail chains throughout the country in 1, 5 and 10 litre packages.
On 22 July, the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan, on behalf of the Ministry of Railway Transport, announced an international tender for the design and construction of a plant in the Baherden district of the Ahal velayat. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The project envisages the production of 300,000 reinforced concrete sleepers and 100 sets of rails for switch points per year. Applications will be accepted until 29 August 2025 at the Department of Marketing and Foreign Economic Relations of the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan.
The State Association of the Food Industry of Turkmenistan has announced an international tender for the construction of a modern cotton seed processing plant with a capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year in Dashoguz velayat. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The project also includes plans to produce cotton oil that meets international quality standards. The deadline for submitting tender proposals is 30 working days from the date of official publication of the announcement in the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Those wishing to participate in the tender can obtain the technical specifications and application form from the State Association of the Food Industry of Turkmenistan.
On June 21, two foreign trade transactions worth a total of 836,400 US dollars were concluded at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. Entrepreneurs from Afghanistan purchased a batch of liquefied gas from the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. Also, within the framework of the auction, Kyrgyz businessmen signed a contract with Turkmen manufacturers for the purchase of cotton yarn.
Silk production is an important industry in Turkmenistan with deep historical roots. One of the leading enterprises in this field is the Turkmenabat Silk Production Association, which has been operating since 1931 under the auspices of the State Concern ‘Türkmenpagta’. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the years of independence, the association was modernised, which significantly increased production efficiency. In the first six months of 2025, the enterprise fulfilled its raw silk production plan by 119.3%, producing about 33.5 tonnes of products. It also produced 4.94 million square metres of cotton fabric and 60,000 square metres of silk fabric, exceeding its targets by more than 106% and 115%, respectively. The enterprise operates in two shifts, employees are provided with transport and have the opportunity to relax at the ‘Hasyl’ health centre in the ‘Avaza’ tourist zone. The association has workshops for processing cocoons, spinning, weaving, dyeing and the production of consumer goods. Raw materials are supplied by silk producers in the Lebap, Mary and Dashoguz velayats. Special attention is paid to the handcrafting of high-quality silk carpets and souvenirs. All of these items are available in the company's brand store at reasonable prices.
A batch of diesel locomotives from Turkmenistan underwent major repairs and modernisation at the CRRC Ziyang plant in China. The work was completed on 18 July, after which the locomotives were prepared for shipment back to Turkmenistan for operation. This was reported by the news agency Orient. These machines, exported to the country 20 years ago, had travelled more than 2 million km and were in need of serious technical upgrades. The repair contract was signed at the end of 2024 — the first time that diesel locomotives from Turkmenistan had returned to China for modernisation. The project included the repair of key components and the installation of new safety, control and ergonomic systems. Training was also provided for Turkmen specialists and technical manuals were prepared. CRRC Ziyang's partnership with ‘Türkmendemirýollary’ has been ongoing since 2004. During this time, 294 locomotives have been delivered, serving more than 98% of the country's freight traffic. The project has become an example of successful cooperation within the framework of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’.
From 26 to 27 November, Ashgabat will host an International Conference and Exhibition entitled ‘International Transport Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2025’ at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. Participants will discuss the development of international transport and transit corridors, the digitalisation of logistics, environmentally friendly technologies and the role of education in the industry. The event will include a specialised exhibition, ‘Transport and Logistics,’ which will showcase the latest achievements in the field of road, sea, air and rail transport. The event is organised by the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Net Fuar Organizasyon Ltd.Sti.
From 3 to 5 December, a specialised exhibition dedicated to Turkish products will be held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. For many years, this specialised exhibition has served as a platform for presenting Turkish products and exchanging modern technologies. The forum aims to develop bilateral relations and expand business cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey, with a focus on investment and innovation opportunities, increasing competitiveness and modernising key sectors of the economy. The event will be attended by manufacturing companies and private enterprises from Turkey. The exhibition will feature equipment and spare parts for industry and agriculture, construction materials, household and electronic appliances, home goods and textiles.
On 18 July 2025, a business meeting was held in Brussels between Turkmenistan's Ambassador Sapar Palvanov and Heinrich Kerstgens, Director of Strategic Projects at the Rhenus Group. The talks focused on the German logistics company's plans to significantly increase freight traffic through Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. During the discussion, the representative of the Rhenus Group emphasised that the company considers Turkmenistan not just as a transit territory, but as a strategically important transport hub capable of providing consistent and efficient logistics links between Europe and Asia. Particular attention was paid to the potential of the international seaport of Turkmenbashi and the country's modern railway infrastructure. Ambassador Palvanov provided detailed information on Turkmenistan's large-scale investments in the development of the transport system, including the construction of new motorways, the modernisation of railways and the expansion of port facilities. These projects are aimed at strengthening the country's position as a reliable link in international transport corridors. The parties expressed mutual interest in developing long-term partnership and agreed to continue consultations at the expert level to implement joint initiatives.