Economy
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.
Turkmenistan strengthens its role as a transit hub on the East-West route
12.01.2026The formation of the ‘Tajikistan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey’ multimodal transport corridor is nearing completion in Central Asia. Turkmenistan is considered a key transit link on the route, according to the Orient news agency. One of the key decisions was Tajikistan's agreement with China on the transit of goods through the territory of the PRC to third countries. This allows the ‘China-Tajikistan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey’ route to be used for the land transport of goods from Southeast Asian countries. At the same time, Tajikistan is expanding its legal framework with European countries. An agreement on international transport with Serbia is in the process of ratification. Draft documents with Hungary and Lithuania are being agreed upon. There are also plans to sign agreements with Turkey and Bulgaria to ensure the smooth transit of freight transport. The implementation of these agreements will enable transport along a single route from the borders of China to the countries of the European Union. It is expected that the flow of transit cargo will pass through the territory of Turkmenistan. Within the corridor, Turkmenistan provides a link between Central Asia, Iran and Turkey. This strengthens its role in the regional transport system and contributes to the growth of transit traffic between East and West.
Turkish companies to showcase export solutions at exhibition in Ashgabat
12.01.2026From 10 to 12 February, Ashgabat will host the 12th specialised exhibition of export goods from the Republic of Turkey. The exhibition will be held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the Orient news agency. The Ashgabat exhibition will be one of the first foreign presentation platforms for Turkish companies in 2026. The exhibition will cover key sectors of the Turkish economy. Textile and furniture products will be presented, as well as solutions for the agro-industrial complex, including greenhouse equipment and irrigation systems. A separate section will be devoted to food products, cosmetics and household chemicals. The exhibition is focused on direct business contacts and the conclusion of contracts without intermediaries. The Turkish side provides visa support to participants. Turkmenistan is considered by Turkey to be an important partner and a platform for entering the markets of Central Asia. It is expected that new agreements will be signed during the exhibition, contributing to the growth of bilateral trade.
Turkmenistan prepares large-scale construction projects for the current year
12.01.2026Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Baymyrat Annamammedov presented draft work plans for the construction and industrial complex for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. They include quality control of the construction of social and industrial facilities, the provision of building materials, the construction of new and reconstruction of existing enterprises, the modernisation of the energy sector, the introduction of modern technologies and the development of exports of chemical and construction products. New roads, bridges and engineering infrastructure are also planned in Ashgabat. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of high-quality implementation of the plans, increasing the production of building materials, modernising the energy sector and monitoring the construction of motorways. The Head of State approved the plans for 2026 and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to organise their implementation.
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.
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