Economy
Turkmenistan and ‘TRANSHOLD’ discussed cooperation opportunities in Islamabad
10.07.2026On 8 July, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with Babar Badat, Chairman of the transport and logistics company ‘TRANSHOLD’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. At the start of the discussion, the guest spoke highly of the country’s policy of neutrality and its active role in international partnerships. The main topic of discussion was the development of the transport and logistics sector. The parties paid particular attention to Turkmenistan’s advantageous geographical position as a key hub between Europe and Asia, as well as the large-scale infrastructure projects currently being implemented in the country. At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors emphasised the importance of modernising transit corridors and introducing advanced logistics solutions, and expressed their mutual interest in further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation.
Turkmenistan is expanding its international freight transport capacity
10.07.2026A large-scale modernisation of border infrastructure and the introduction of digital technologies have enabled Turkmenistan to significantly increase the volume of international freight transport. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Total freight traffic through border checkpoints exceeded 10.5 million tonnes, which is 10 per cent higher than last year’s figures, whilst the volume of export and import operations rose by 6 per cent. Transit shipments through the country’s territory covered more than 90 countries worldwide, increasing by 15 per cent to over 3.5 million tonnes. The main driver of this growth was the complete modernisation of the State Customs Service’s posts. The installation of modern screening systems and the launch of end-to-end digital systems have enabled the automation of transport clearance procedures from the moment vehicles enter the customs zone. This has drastically reduced processing times and increased the throughput capacity of international transport corridors, whilst the planned modernisation of key routes continues as part of government programmes.
Turkmenistan and Armenia have increased the volume of their bilateral trade
09.07.2026Trade between Turkmenistan and Armenia increased by more than 60 per cent by the end of 2025, reaching approximately 36.5 million US dollars, according to Arsen Avagyan, Armenia’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, the volume of trade rose from US$21.1 million in 2022 and US$22.3 million in 2024 to the current figure. This positive trend has continued into 2026: between January and April, trade turnover reached US$17.5 million. The diplomat noted that the growth in trade figures reflects the expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries. The Armenian-Turkmen business forum, held on 15 January in Yerevan, marked a new stage in this cooperation. A. Avagyan emphasised that the potential for cooperation has not yet been fully realised. Promising areas remain energy, transport and logistics, industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, high technology and digitalisation. The parties are paying particular attention to developing transit opportunities and strengthening regional connectivity.
The ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway is boosting the country’s transport capacity
08.07.2026The opening of the ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway marks a new stage in the implementation of a major infrastructure project in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The 600-kilometre motorway was constructed in three stages: ‘Ashgabat–Tejen’, ‘Tejen–Mary’ and ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’. The six-lane motorway meets international standards and is equipped with modern road infrastructure, including service facilities, electronic payment systems, CCTV and speed control systems. The new road reduces journey times for passengers and freight, increases the capacity of the transport network and strengthens Turkmenistan’s transit potential. The motorway expands the country’s capabilities within international transport corridors between Europe and Asia, contributing to the development of logistics and trade. The project was carried out by members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The opening of the motorway reflects the involvement of the national private sector in the implementation of major infrastructure projects and will contribute to the further development of the country’s transport system.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador discussed cooperation with ‘Damen Shipyards’
08.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan, visited the headquarters of the Dutch company ‘Damen Shipyards’, where he discussed with the company’s management the prospects for expanding cooperation in the field of shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the negotiations, the parties explored the possibility of jointly building vessels at the shipyard of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. The Ambassador also toured the company’s production facilities. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the field of dredging. It was noted that ‘Damen Shipyards’ has considerable experience in this area and has already carried out joint projects with Turkmenistan. The Ambassador emphasised that Turkmenistan is developing its maritime infrastructure, modernising its port facilities and strengthening transport and logistics connectivity, viewing cooperation with Dutch companies as a source of modern technologies and best practice. In addition, the Turkmen side announced plans to hold business events involving executives from major Dutch companies interested in cooperating with Turkmenistan. Representatives of ‘Damen Shipyards’ were invited to take part in these events. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in the fields of shipbuilding, port infrastructure and maritime technologies.
The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ exhibition is to be held in Ashgabat
07.07.2026From 19 to 22 August 2026, Ashgabat will host the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ International Universal Exhibition and Fair. This was announced by the press office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. According to the source, the event is aimed at developing the children’s goods and services industry and will provide companies with an opportunity to showcase their products and solutions. ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ will serve as a platform for showcasing innovative products and services in the children’s sector. The exhibition will also open up further opportunities to enter the Turkmenistan market and attract international partners, investors and industry representatives from various countries.
An increase in cross-border transport has been recorded in Turkmenistan
06.07.2026The volume of cross-border transport passing through Turkmenistan continues to grow. The phased modernisation of customs infrastructure and the introduction of digital technologies are strengthening the country’s role as a regional transport and logistics hub, according to the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. In the first six months of this year, cargo turnover through border crossing points exceeded 10.5 million tonnes, which is 10 per cent higher than the figure for the same period last year. The volume of foreign trade shipments, including exports and imports, rose by 6 per cent. The most significant growth was recorded in the transit transport segment. More than 3.5 million tonnes of cargo were transported in transit through the country, representing a 15 per cent increase year-on-year. The cargo was destined for 94 countries, indicating an expansion in the geographical scope of transit flows. Modern customs posts, equipped with inspection and screening facilities, provide digital monitoring at all stages of cargo movement. This speeds up customs procedures, increases throughput and reduces the time taken to clear vehicles at the border.
The World Bank has reaffirmed its support for infrastructure projects in Turkmenistan
03.07.2026The World Bank has confirmed its readiness to support key projects in Turkmenistan in the water resources and transport sectors. This was stated in a press release from the organisation’s regional office for Europe and Central Asia following a meeting in Tashkent between World Bank Vice-President Antonella Bassani and Merdanguly Palivanov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the implementation of a framework cooperation programme setting out the main areas of collaboration between the World Bank and Turkmenistan. The Bank expressed its support for the country’s national priorities, including the development of infrastructure and the water sector. The meeting took place as part of a visit by a World Bank delegation to Uzbekistan to attend a meeting of the ‘Swiss Group’ of founding member countries. The World Bank had previously stepped up its activities in Central Asia by approving funding for the restoration of the Northern Aral Sea ecosystem and launching a regional energy programme worth $1 billion.
Gas production figures are rising in Turkmenistan
01.07.2026The ‘Körpeje’ Gas Production Department of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern has significantly exceeded its natural gas production targets. During the reporting period, the enterprise produced approximately 1.416 billion cubic metres of gas, exceeding the target by a factor of 2.6, according to the news website Asmannews. Production exceeded the target by more than 1.357 billion cubic metres, whilst the growth rate compared with the same period last year stood at 102.3 per cent. The company, which operates the ‘Körpeje’, ‘Çekişler’ and ‘Akpatlawuk’ fields, is continuing to modernise its production infrastructure by introducing state-of-the-art technologies and automated control systems. At the ‘Çekişler’ field, a gas treatment plant with a capacity of up to 5 million cubic metres per day is in operation, whilst at the ‘Keýmir’ compressor station, associated petroleum gas is reused for gas lift, thereby increasing the efficiency of oil production and reducing resource losses. After processing, the produced gas is supplied to consumers, ensuring a consistent gas supply to enterprises within the country’s oil and gas sector.
SINOPEC has produced over 1 million tonnes of oil in Turkmenistan over the past four years
01.07.2026The Turkmenistan branch of the International Oilfield Services Company, part of the Chinese petrochemical corporation SINOPEC, has produced over 1 million tonnes of oil in four years. The value of the work carried out amounted to approximately 200 million US dollars, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The project is being implemented under a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. The introduction of modern technologies has enabled an increase in daily oil production of more than 1,500 tonnes. The company carries out a range of oilfield services, including sidetracking, directional and horizontal drilling, well workover, acid and water-blocking treatments, as well as the modernisation of surface and downhole equipment. In addition to projects at the ‘Türkmennebit’ fields, the SINOPEC branch participated in work at the Shatlyk, Dovletabat, Yashyldepe and Bagtyyarlyk fields. Drilling operations, well workover and measures to increase oil and gas production were carried out there. The newspaper ‘Biznes reklama’ notes that these achievements strengthen SINOPEC’s position in Central Asia and expand opportunities for cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue introducing technologies, improving the efficiency of field development and implementing new projects in Turkmenistan.
The tanker “Dostluk” arrived at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport
28.06.2026The oil tanker “Dostluk” (“Friendship”), donated by Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan, has arrived at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. A ceremonial welcome and concert were held in honor of the vessel and its crew, according to the IIC. Port officials, representatives of government authorities, elders, and young people gathered to greet the tanker. Turkmen cultural groups and dance ensembles performed for the guests. The ship’s crew was also welcomed with traditional refreshments. The tanker was handed over to the Turkmen side during the recent state visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Baku. The vessel was built at the Baku Shipyard to expand Turkmenistan’s commercial fleet. It is 141 meters long, 17 meters wide, with a deadweight of nearly 8,000 tons. The tanker meets modern environmental standards and maritime safety requirements and is intended for transporting crude oil and petroleum products across the Caspian Sea and beyond. The vessel’s name symbolizes friendship between nations and is linked to the joint development by Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan of a hydrocarbon field of the same name. The tanker is expected to begin its first commercial voyages in the coming days, contributing to the development of regional transport and transit corridors.
Turkmenistan and the WCO Expand Cooperation in Customs Digitalization
28.06.2026A bilateral meeting was held in Brussels between Maksat Khudaýkulyyev, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, and Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO). Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, also participated in the talks, according to the Orient News Agency. The parties noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the World Customs Organization has reached a new qualitative level over the past year. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude to the WCO for its support in organizing an international conference in Ashgabat dedicated to the activities of customs training centers. Particular attention during the meeting was paid to the digitalization of customs procedures and the training of customs personnel through the WCO Regional Training Centre in Turkmenistan. The parties positively assessed the results of joint educational programs implemented during 2025–2026. Within these programs, Turkmen customs officers received training in risk management, data analysis, release time measurement, and the digital transformation of customs processes. The discussions also focused on further strengthening human resource capacity. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to send representatives to participate in the WCO Career Development Programme for 2026–2027, including short-term internships. Ian Saunders highly praised the ongoing reforms in Turkmenistan's customs system and recalled his previous visit to the country, including a tour of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, which he described as an important transport hub for the region. The WCO leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the educational center in Ashgabat and promoting its best practices throughout the region.
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