Economy
Turkmenistan is increasing oil production at its Caspian Sea fields
20.04.2026The State-owned Enterprise ‘Hazarnebit’, part of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, is increasing its hydrocarbon production and expanding the geographical scope of its operations. This is evidenced by production figures and the progress of field development, according to the website AsmanNews. The company is modernising its production facilities and introducing new technologies. This is enabling it to increase production volumes from existing wells. At the same time, development of Caspian fields, including Eastern Cheleken, is continuing. Due to geological exploration and production activities, the volume of oil sent for refining has increased. Specialists are also developing deeper reservoirs, which creates an additional resource for boosting production. In the first three months of the year, the company produced over 36,000 tonnes of oil. The target has been exceeded by more than 100%. The figures are higher than those for the same period last year. The work is carried out by the company’s specialists — engineers, geologists, mechanics and operators. Technical monitoring of the wells is carried out on an ongoing basis.
The State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘QazaqGaz’ have identified new areas for cooperation
19.04.2026Maksat Babayev, Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, held negotiations in Ashgabat with Alibek Zhamauov, Chairman of the Board of ‘QazaqGaz’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation in the gas sector and prospects for its expansion. Opportunities for implementing new joint projects were also explored. Furthermore, as part of the conference ‘Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Partnership in the Gas Sector’, A. Zhamauov met with the leadership of CNPC and SOCAR. Key issues regarding cooperation in the sector were discussed.
Turkmenistan and China discussed expanding trade cooperation
19.04.2026On 16 April 2026 in Ashgabat, Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, held negotiations with a delegation led by Ren Hongbin, Head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place as part of the scientific and practical conference and exhibition ‘Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Partnership in the Gas Sector’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of trade and economic cooperation. The role of international exhibitions in expanding business contacts was also addressed. Issues relating to increasing trade turnover, developing investment cooperation and supporting entrepreneurship were examined. Following the negotiations, a commitment to further cooperation was confirmed.
Minnikhanov spoke about negotiations with Turkmenistan at ‘KazanForum-2026’
18.04.2026Preparations for the International Economic Forum ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum-2026’ are drawing to a close in Kazan. The Head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, presented the results of these preparations at a meeting of the organising committee chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, reports Turkmenportal. Minnikhanov announced that three intergovernmental commissions with Indonesia, Nigeria and Mali will take place as part of the forum. Tatarstan is also ready to host meetings of the co-chairs of intergovernmental commissions with Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Palestine, as well as a working group meeting with Malaysia. The key themes of ‘KazanForum-2026’ will be Islamic finance, investment, the halal industry, culture, sport and the role of women in modern society. Kazan’s status as the cultural capital of the Islamic world lends particular significance to the forum. The programme includes a congress of culture ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). According to Minnikhanov, OIC member states account for around half of Tatarstan’s foreign trade turnover. Anton Kobyakov, an adviser to the Russian President, announced that from 10 to 20 May, 24-hour consular offices for foreign participants will be operating at Moscow and Kazan airports. The forum will take place from 12 to 17 May at venues in Kazan. The main business programme, comprising over 120 events, will be held on 14–15 May at the ‘Kazan Expo’ International Exhibition Centre. Representatives from over 60 countries and around 20 regions of Russia are expected to attend. According to the organisers, Turkmenistan will present a national pavilion as part of the forum’s exhibition programme, showcasing investment projects and areas of bilateral cooperation.
CNPC plans to introduce new technologies in Turkmenistan’s gas industry
18.04.2026As part of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development, plans are in place to establish a demonstration facility featuring cutting-edge technologies, efficient management, environmentally friendly solutions and mutual benefit. This was stated by Dai Houliang, Chairman of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), at the International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Partnership in the Gas Sector’, reports the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. He noted that against the backdrop of global changes and the transformation of the world energy market, deepening cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the energy sector is of strategic importance. According to him, CNPC is ready, with the support of the leadership of both countries, to develop an energy partnership and strengthen cooperation. The company will adhere to an approach of high standards and continuous improvement in the implementation of the ‘Galkynysh’ project. There are also plans to expand cooperation in the fields of new energy sources, oil refining, petrochemicals and engineering. Particular attention will be paid to the exchange of technologies in exploration and production, as well as the implementation of solutions based on artificial intelligence and big data in the gas industry. The forum in Ashgabat served as a platform confirming the development of long-term energy cooperation between Turkmenistan and China.
The Chechen Republic has received its first consignment of tomatoes from Turkmenistan
17.04.2026On 14 April, the first consignment of tomatoes from Turkmenistan was delivered to the Chechen Republic. The shipment was carried out in compliance with all phytosanitary requirements and the necessary certificates, according to the news agency Orient. Entering this new market reflects the expansion of trade and economic ties and the growth of Turkmenistan’s export potential. Turkmen tomatoes, renowned for their quality and environmental friendliness, already enjoy steady demand in foreign markets. The opening of this new supply route creates additional opportunities to increase exports and further promote the country’s agricultural produce abroad.
‘Türkmengaz’ strengthens its partnership with CNPC
17.04.2026Maksat Babayev, State Minister of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, summarised the results and outlined the prospects for cooperation with China. The statement was made at the International Scientific and Practical Conference marking the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership in the gas sector, reports AsmanNews. During the high-level plenary session, he noted that over this period, ‘Türkmengaz’ and CNPC had implemented large-scale projects. At the ‘Galkynysh’ field, three gas processing plants with a combined capacity of 30 billion cubic metres of gas per year have been built and commissioned as part of the first phase. The facilities are operating normally and meet domestic demand as well as supplying exports. A key milestone in the cooperation was the signing in 2007 of the Production Sharing Agreement for the ‘Bagtyyarlyk’ contract area on the right bank of the Amu Darya. A modern production infrastructure was established as part of the project. Investments totalled US$10.7 billion and have been fully recouped. As of 1 April 2026, the Turkmen side’s revenue from the project exceeded US$19.2 billion. The project involves not only gas production but also the processing of hydrocarbon feedstock, including the production of gas condensate and industrial sulphur. Around 8,700 people work at ‘Bagtyyarlyk’, over 90% of whom are citizens of Turkmenistan. Staff training programmes are being implemented, including training at the China University of Petroleum. The implementation of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ project and the development of the ‘Bagtyyarlyk’ area have been identified as priorities for further cooperation. Particular attention is being paid to technological modernisation, including digitalisation and the introduction of modern management systems. As Maksat Babayev noted, CNPC remains a strategic partner of ‘Türkmengaz’, and the parties intend to deepen their cooperation. According to him, cooperation in the gas sector has contributed to the economic development and strengthening of the region’s energy security.
Turkmenistan and China marked the 20th anniversary of their gas partnership
17.04.2026On 16 April, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference entitled ‘Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Cooperation in the Gas Sector’. It was timed to mark the 20th anniversary of strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the gas sector, reports AsmanNews. The plenary session was devoted to energy partnership, investment and the development of the gas industry. The session was moderated by Rahymberdi Jepbarov, Chairman of the Board of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan. Presentations were delivered by Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan; Ding Xuexiang, First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China; Maksat Babayev, Minister of State and Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, and Dai Houliang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the China National Petroleum Corporation. Participants noted the importance of energy dialogue for the region’s development. The conference programme included two thematic sessions. The first was devoted to Turkmenistan’s gas projects, resource base, investments and the development of export infrastructure. The second focused on issues of personnel training, educational programmes and scientific cooperation between specialists from both countries. The forum brought together representatives of government bodies and major energy companies. The outcomes of cooperation and the prospects for the development of the fuel and energy sector were discussed. As part of the event, a thematic exhibition was also opened, showcasing technologies and developments in the gas industry of Turkmenistan and China.
Discussions were held in Ashgabat on the entry of Turkmen brands into the EU market
15.04.2026Turkmenistan’s private sector is preparing to enter the EU market, focusing on high value-added products and the development of its own brands. On 13 April, a seminar organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) was held in Ashgabat, bringing together designers and representatives of the garment industry, according to the news agency Orient. For 29 small and medium-sized enterprises, participation in the EU trade development project served as a practical guide to the requirements of the European retail sector. The key objective is compliance with environmental and certification standards, including the principles of the ‘European Green Deal’. Participants studied market requirements and began developing their ‘Spring–Summer 2027’ collections, adapting national motifs for an international audience and shaping a unique brand identity. Particular attention was paid to product range strategy, visual merchandising and promotion – from collection planning to building a recognisable brand. The seminar served as preparation for participation in the ‘Who’s Next’ exhibition in Paris, where companies hope to establish contacts with buyers and strengthen their export potential.
The country’s tourism potential was showcased at a forum in Ashgabat
15.04.2026The Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, Atageldi Shamyradov, highlighted the country’s significant tourism potential at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ conference in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to him, Turkmenistan is home to historical tourist sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include ancient Merv and Old Nisa, which attract foreign tourists. The potential for ecotourism was also highlighted. Popular destinations include the Koytendag caves and sites with dinosaur footprints, which continue to be studied by experts. The Minister reported on the development of cruise tourism on the Caspian Sea. Work is being carried out in collaboration with Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Iran. The ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ exhibition and conference are taking place in Ashgabat from 14 to 16 April.
‘Nazarly Arzuw’ presented a fresh perspective on tourism at ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’
15.04.2026The International Forum ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’, dedicated to the development of tourism in Central Asia, has kicked off in Turkmenistan. One of the notable participants was the company ‘Nazarly Arzuw’, which presented a concept for travel along the Silk Road with an emphasis on authentic experiences and the region’s ‘hidden gems’, reports IIC. The company focuses on an in-depth immersion in the culture and history of Central Asian countries, offering itineraries ranging from Uzbek bazaars to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the deserts of Turkmenistan. Particular attention is paid to a personalised approach: tours are tailored to travellers’ interests. Participation in the forum enabled ‘Nazarly Arzuw’ to establish itself as a major player in the regional tourism market. The organisers note that ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ remains a platform for professional dialogue and the promotion of the region’s tourism potential.
UNDP is introducing laser technology to promote sustainable agriculture in Turkmenistan
15.04.2026UNDP in Turkmenistan has handed over two sets of equipment for laser levelling of agricultural land to the district administration of Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi in Dashoguz velayat and to the ‘Obahyzmat’ production association in the Darganata etrap of the Lebap velayat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The handover took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan on sustainable land management in the Aral Sea basin, supported by the GEF. The new technology enables fields to be levelled with precision, improving the distribution of irrigation water, reducing soil salinisation and waterlogging, and increasing crop yields. The equipment will be used on pilot sites, with subsequent roll-out to farmers. Training sessions on how to use the technology have already been held for specialists and local farmers. The project aims to restore degraded land, conserve ecosystems and introduce sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
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