Economy
Russian Ambassador: Agreement on Turkmen-Russian university nears completion
17.01.2026The draft inter-governmental agreement on the establishment of a Turkmen-Russian university in Ashgabat is in its final stages. This was announced by Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ivan Volynkin, according to Turkmenportal. According to him, the document defines the conditions for the creation and operation of the Russian-Turkmen university in the capital of Turkmenistan. Ivan Volynkin noted that more than 54,000 students from Turkmenistan are studying at Russian universities. In 2025, the Russian Federation government's quota for Turkmen applicants was 500 state-funded places. Also on the agenda is a project to build a new building for the lower grades of the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School, which has been operating since 2002. The Ambassador said that in 2025, Russian-Turkmen cooperation in the cultural sphere remained active. More than 190 humanitarian events were held, attended by about 16,000 people. He separately noted the interest of the Ashgabat audience in the Russian Embassy's musical project ‘Diplomaticheskiye notki’ (Diplomatic musical notes), which included concerts featuring works by Russian classics.
The ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ brand presented textiles at an exhibition in Germany
17.01.2026From 13 to 16 January, Germany hosted the world's largest textile exhibition, ‘Heimtextil 2026’. For the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan, participation in the event marked a strong international start to the year: the Made in Turkmenistan brand confirmed its competitiveness, according to the Orient news agency. Digital printing, which allows complex patterns and designer images to be applied with high precision, attracted particular attention at the Turkmenistan stand. This opens up opportunities for personalised textiles and interiors with long-lasting designs. Among 3,000 participants from 65 countries, Turkmen manufacturers held successful negotiations with buyers and designers, demonstrating the industry's readiness for global integration. The Frankfurt experience will be followed by ‘TurkmenTextile Expo 2026’ in Ashgabat (4–6 June), where foreign partners are invited to implement global trends in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan entered the top 10 countries in terms of imports to Uzbekistan
16.01.2026Turkmenistan entered the top ten largest suppliers of goods to Uzbekistan in January–November 2025. This was reported by ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing a report by the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan. Imports from Turkmenistan amounted to US$926.2 million. The country ranked eighth among Uzbekistan's trading partners. The top ten also included China (US$12.8 billion), Russia (US$7.8 billion), Kazakhstan (US$3 billion), Turkey (US$1.7 billion), South Korea (US$1.5 billion), Germany and India (US$1 billion each), Belarus (US$698.8 million) and the United States (US$656.1 million). Uzbekistan's total imports for the reporting period reached US$41.9 billion, which is 18.7 per cent more than a year earlier. Supplies were made from 180 countries. Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for January–November 2025 amounted to $1.064 billion.
Turkmenistan modernises its fleet of high-tech agricultural machinery
15.01.2026Turkmenistan continues to actively upgrade its agricultural machinery with a view to improving the efficiency of field work and implementing agro-industrial projects. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. In 2025, 400 sprayers and 400 mineral fertiliser spreaders from ‘John Deere’ were purchased to modernise the agricultural sector. New ploughing tractors and grain harvesters from various manufacturers are also expected to be delivered in the near future. Today, modern grain and cotton harvesters, tractors and trailer equipment are used in Turkmen fields, ensuring the smooth running of sowing and harvesting campaigns. The machine and tractor fleet is based on multifunctional ‘John Deere’ models and ‘Claas’ harvesters. The renewal of the technical base and the introduction of automation and telematics reduce the burden on farmers and increase productivity, which is considered one of the strategic directions for the development of agriculture in Turkmenistan.
Environmental transformation: Turkmenbashi Port implements ‘smart’ technologies
15.01.2026The Turkmenbashi International Seaport will be part of a large-scale environmental transformation. As part of a five-year OSCE project, the Italian company RINA and the German company ‘HPC Hamburg Port Consulting’ will help the port implement ‘smart’ and ‘green’ technologies, according to the news agency Orient. The programme provides for a transition to renewable energy, digital monitoring of environmental impact, improving the energy efficiency of infrastructure, and training Turkmen specialists in international environmental management standards. The growth of transit flows along the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ and ‘North-South’ routes makes the port's environmental status a competitive advantage, attracting carriers focused on sustainable development. Similar projects are being implemented in the ports of Baku, Aktau, Kuryk and Batumi to create a single ‘green’ transport corridor between Asia and Europe.
The fintech market in Turkmenistan: growth potential and development prospects
14.01.2026The fintech market in Turkmenistan is in its infancy and has high growth potential, according to the December report by the Asian Development Bank. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The sector's development is facilitated by the growth of internet access, the spread of mobile devices and government digitalisation programmes, with state banks and telecommunications companies playing a key role. State financial institutions remain the main drivers of digital banking, while commercial banks are gradually introducing mobile applications and online services for customers. At the same time, a market is forming for fintech companies working with mobile payments, digital wallets and remote lending, with the support of telecom operators and international organisations. ADB experts believe that the further development of fintech in Turkmenistan will depend on strengthening cooperation between the state, banks and technology companies.
First natural gas flow obtained at the ‘Hazarly’ field in Turkmenistan
14.01.2026Industrial natural gas flow has been obtained from a new well at the ‘Hazarly’ gas field located in Lebap velayat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The ‘Hazarly-3’ well, drilled by the ‘Marynebitgazgözleg’ expedition of the ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ State Corporation, provides up to 120,000 cubic metres of gas per day. It is noted that this is the first gas-bearing well at this field, which creates the conditions for further development of ‘Hazarly’ and expansion of the resource base of the gas industry in Turkmenistan.
‘Türkmennebit’ ended 2025 with growth in production indicators
14.01.2026In 2025, specialists from the production structures of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern ensured the production of 4 million 25 thousand tonnes of oil and gas condensate, according to Turkmenportal, citing the ‘Nebit-Gaz’ newspaper. According to the source, the ‘Nebitgazçykaryş’ trust's divisions additionally produced 205,000 tonnes of raw materials. As a result, the planned targets were met by 108.6%. During the year, more than 4.6 billion cubic metres of natural gas were supplied to consumers. The divisions ‘Goturdepenebit’, ‘Gumdagnebit’, ‘Nebitdagnebit’, ‘Gamyşlyjanebit’, ‘Galkynyşnebit’, ‘Keýmir’ and ‘Körpeje’ made a significant contribution to these volumes. At the same time, work was carried out to restore the well fund. During the reporting period, 437 wells were repaired instead of the planned 413. Additional oil production from these wells amounted to 292,600 tonnes, which allowed the plan to be fulfilled by 124%. In 2025, 39 new wells were drilled, 33 of which have already been put into operation.
Oil and gas complex strengthens Turkmenistan's energy strategy
14.01.2026The fuel and energy complex remains one of the key sectors of Turkmenistan's economy. Its development is linked to the tasks of energy security, diversification of supplies, introduction of technologies and reduction of environmental risks, reports TDH. For decades, Turkmenistan has been implementing major projects in the oil and gas industry. These projects are aimed at ensuring reliable energy supplies, expanding export routes, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The country's energy policy provides for the development of the oil and gas industry, its integration into international markets and the introduction of environmentally friendly production and processing technologies. Turkmenistan has large reserves of hydrocarbons and is consistently expanding its export geography. The priorities remain the export of natural gas to foreign markets and the implementation of new infrastructure projects. At an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 11 July 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined the tasks for the development of the fuel and energy complex and the diversification of gas exports. The Head of State instructed to more actively implement scientific achievements, conduct geological exploration, increase oil and gas production and processing, and produce competitive and environmentally friendly products. The energy sector includes enterprises in the gas, oil and electricity industries. The country has modern gas-fired power plants, which has made it possible to increase production capacity. More than half of industrial production is accounted for by the gas sector. New fields are being developed and gas processing is being expanded. Modern plants with deep processing of raw materials have been built. The oil industry is also developing. Work is continuing on the search for new deposits and the modernisation of infrastructure. The petrochemical sector is increasing its output of products that meet international standards. Turkmen polyethylene and polypropylene are supplied to domestic and foreign markets. The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex and the Seydi Oil Refinery play a key role in oil processing. They produce a wide range of fuels, lubricants, polymers and bitumen. Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in the energy sector and attracting investment. In April 2025, Kuala Lumpur hosted an international forum on attracting foreign investment to the economy of Turkmenistan. It was organised by the ‘Türkmengaz’ State Concern, the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The forum discussed issues related to hydrocarbon production, oil and gas processing, attracting investment, introducing digital and environmental technologies, as well as projects in the oil and gas and petrochemical sectors. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Galkynysh’ field and export routes, including the Turkmenistan-China and TAPI gas pipelines. On 14 May, talks were held in Ashgabat between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the management of Petronas and ADNOC, as well as representatives of the United Arab Emirates. As a result, Cooperation Agreements were signed with ‘Türkmennebit’ and ‘Türkmengaz’. The environmental component remains an important part of the energy strategy. Technologies are being introduced in the country to reduce emissions and minimise the impact on the environment. A regulatory framework for environmentally safe subsoil use has been created. On 5 June 2025, the ‘Türkmengaz’ State Concern's Natural Gas Research Institute hosted an international scientific and practical conference on the environmental aspects of hydrocarbon field development. It was attended by representatives of international organisations, financial institutions and major energy companies. At the end of 2025, the fuel and energy complex confirmed its leading role in the strategy of industrialisation, digital development and expansion of Turkmenistan's export opportunities. The projects being implemented strengthen the country's position in international energy markets and contribute to the sustainable development of the economy.
Turkmenistan's resource potential shapes the development of the energy sector
13.01.2026Natural resources remain a key factor in Turkmenistan's socio-economic development. The extraction and rational use of minerals, primarily oil and gas, are directly linked to economic and social development, according to the news resource AsmanNews. Geological exploration in the country is carried out in stages — from regional studies to the assessment of productive formations. Based on the data obtained, priority areas are identified for detailed geological and geophysical work and subsequent analysis. Oil and natural gas are of the greatest importance to the country. The areas adjacent to the Caspian Sea are considered promising. More than 150 oil, gas and gas condensate fields have been discovered in Turkmenistan. One of the largest is the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field, which is among the world's largest in terms of gas reserves. The oil and gas produced fully cover the country's domestic needs and are exported. The western regions are also rich in iodine, bromine, potassium, magnesium and other chemical elements. The significant resource potential and regular international industry forums with the participation of foreign experts and oil and gas companies confirm the sustainable prospects of Turkmenistan's energy sector.
Turkmenistan's agricultural sector invited to exhibition in Xinjiang
13.01.2026China has opened applications for the International Agricultural Machinery Exhibition in Xinjiang, which will take place on 25–27 May 2026. The forum is of practical interest to Turkmenistan in the context of the technical modernisation of its agro-industrial complex, according to Orient. Under the slogan ‘Smart agriculture – the key to future cooperation and innovative development of the Silk Road,’ the exhibition organisers have tailored the programme to the needs of Central Asian countries. For the Turkmen side, the key areas are intelligent cotton harvesters and high-powered tractors adapted to local climatic conditions. The venue for the event is Xinjiang, one of the most mechanised agricultural regions in China, where more than 90% of cotton harvesting is automated. Participants will be presented with agricultural drones, crop monitoring systems, water-saving irrigation technologies, and robotic solutions for agriculture. In 2026, there will be a special focus on business interaction. A B2B meeting zone is planned in Urumqi, where Turkmen companies will be able to discuss issues of equipment supply, service maintenance and financing directly with manufacturers. Turkmenistan's participation in the exhibition is seen as an opportunity to explore current technological solutions, expand contacts with foreign manufacturers and take into account global trends in the digitalisation of the agricultural sector.
ADB investments strengthen Turkmenistan's electricity infrastructure
13.01.2026Since 2018, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been involved in modernising Turkmenistan's electricity system. The $500 million National Power Grid Development Investment project was the first initiative of an international financial institution in the country's energy sector, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. As part of the project, approximately 1,400 km of power lines of various voltages and 11 substations were built in a number of velayats and Ashgabat. This contributed to an increase in electricity exports from 3.4 TWh in 2017 to 9.3 TWh in 2023. Technical assistance in the amount of $1.5 million was provided through a JFPR grant, with co-financing from ‘Türkmenenergo’ amounting to $175 million.
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