Economy
Turkmen businesses showcased new brands at the UIET exhibition
20.03.2026A major exhibition showcasing the achievements of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET) took place in Ashgabat at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The exhibition featured an updated catalogue of private brands, including contact details, websites and profiles of the country’s leading entrepreneurs. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The exhibition showcased successes in the processing industry and food production. Private enterprises are equipped with modern machinery, supply the domestic market and are actively expanding into export markets. The brand catalogue demonstrates the technological innovation and competitiveness of Turkmen business. The growth in the number of private brands confirms that entrepreneurship has become one of the driving forces of the economy, capable of rapidly introducing innovations and adapting to global trends. The exhibition and the register of manufacturers reflect a new reality in which Turkmen brands are becoming a mark of quality both within the country and beyond its borders.
Delegates at ‘IFT 2026’ discussed the agro-industrial and energy sectors
19.03.2026On the sidelines of the ‘IFT 2026’ International Investment Forum, which brought together hundreds of delegates from dozens of countries, active efforts were made to strengthen international cooperation. The event served as a platform for dialogue and concrete solutions, reports IIC. Bilateral meetings were the central focus of the forum: 36 rounds of negotiations were held in B2B and B2G formats. The IFT platform brought together government bodies, the private sector of Turkmenistan and international financial institutions. Discussions centred on strategic economic directions. Particular attention was paid to the agro-industrial and fuel-energy sectors. Members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan discussed joint projects in construction, logistics and the textile industry. Cooperation with global financial institutions to support innovative initiatives was also considered. The main outcome of the forum was the signing of a package of agreements, which lays the foundation for long-term industrial and technological cooperation. The agreements are aimed at introducing modern technologies into production and expanding Turkmenistan’s export potential. The forum confirmed the steady growth in the country’s investment attractiveness, creating a platform for the region’s sustainable development.
Turkmenistan is launching a major digital transformation and AI development initiative
19.03.2026The Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, has announced the implementation of a large-scale digital transformation programme for the country. At the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’, he spoke about plans to build a national data centre, develop a state strategy in the field of artificial intelligence, and establish a specialised AI Development Centre based at the ‘Türkmentelekom’ State Enterprise, reports Turkmenportal. The digital transformation is being carried out as part of the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028. The programme covers the introduction of 5G technologies, cloud services, big data, the Internet of Things and fintech, as well as the modernisation of e-government, telemedicine and distance learning. Pilot projects utilising artificial intelligence are already being implemented in education, healthcare, agriculture and traffic management. At the same time, construction of the second phase of the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag is continuing, using cutting-edge digital solutions, and IT centres are being established in both the capital and Arkadag. Hudayguliyev reported on negotiations with major foreign internet platforms regarding the development of e-commerce and called on foreign investors to invest in Turkmenistan’s digital infrastructure, noting that this is one of the most effective ways to modernise the telecommunications sector.
Chinese companies are strengthening ties with Turkmen businesses at the ‘IFT 2026’ forum
19.03.2026The business consultancy company ‘Huahe International’ plans to use the Silk Road Economic Alliance platform to promote Turkmenistan’s investment climate among Chinese enterprises and to develop permanent trade channels in key sectors of bilateral cooperation. This was announced by the company’s founder and CEO, Liu Chuanwu, at the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ (‘IFT 2026’), reports Turkmenportal. According to Liu Chuanwu, ‘Huahe International’ has been operating in the field of international business consultancy for many years, facilitating cross-border cooperation between Chinese and foreign organisations. In 2014, the company initiated the establishment of the Silk Road Economic Alliance, of which the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan is a member. The company’s Head highlighted three areas of cooperation: promoting Turkmenistan’s investment opportunities among Chinese companies; expanding cooperation with Turkmen businesses in the fields of agricultural machinery, energy equipment, chemical products and agricultural goods, including professional support for procurement in China; and organising regular bilateral business visits and negotiation missions. ‘Turkmenistan has a stable investment environment, abundant natural resources and enormous investment potential,’ noted Liu Chuanwu, adding that the capabilities of Chinese enterprises ‘fully meet the needs of Turkmenistan’s industrial development.’ The ‘IFT 2026’ Forum is being held to mark the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. More than 500 delegates from 25 countries are taking part in the event.
The Turkmen agricultural holding is ready to collaborate on international projects
18.03.2026At the plenary session of ‘IFT 2026’, Yhlas Hudaynazarov, Director of ‘Miwe’ OJSC, presented the company’s achievements as one of Central Asia’s leading agro-industrial enterprises. The holding company manages a land portfolio of 8,825 hectares and is actively implementing high-tech solutions, reports IIC. Particular attention was paid to the irrigation system utilising natural elevation differences, which allows fields to be irrigated by gravity and reduces energy costs. ‘Miwe’ was the first company in Turkmenistan to receive the international GLOBAL G.A.P. certificate for almond cultivation, opening up access to markets in Europe, the UAE and China. In the protected cultivation segment, the company operates 65 hectares of banana greenhouses equipped with automated systems from Germany and Spain, which boosts yields and conserves resources. The holding company is actively developing processing under the ‘Erem’ brand. Fruit freeze-drying technology has been introduced, preserving up to 98% of vitamins without preservatives. The products have already received high praise at international exhibitions, including ‘Gulfood 2026’ in Dubai. The company demonstrates the readiness of Turkmenistan’s private sector to participate in global food security chains, as confirmed by experience at international summits in the US and UN forums. ‘Miwe’ invites investors to participate in joint projects. Among the priorities are the construction of industrial processing plants, the introduction of AI-based digital agronomy, and the development of cross-border logistics. The aim of these initiatives is to create an agro-hub for the direct supply of high-quality Turkmen products to global markets.
Atagulyev: The private sector’s share of Turkmenistan’s GDP continues to grow
18.03.2026The private sector’s share of Turkmenistan’s GDP is set to reach 72.9% by the end of 2026. This was announced by Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, at the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ (‘IFT 2026’), reports Turkmenportal. According to him, this growth is ensured by state support for entrepreneurship, which has been implemented in the country over recent years. In 2026, the total volume of investment in the economy will exceed 41 billion manats. Around 70% of the funds — more than 28.2 billion manats — will be directed towards the creation of production facilities. The private sector will account for 32% of the investment, or around 13.2 billion manats. The forum coincides with the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, which brings together over 29,000 members. Since the organisation was established, over 422,000 jobs have been created. Currently, 155 projects are being implemented as part of the Presidential Programme for Socio-Economic Development for 2022–2028. By the end of 2025, the country’s GDP had grown by 6.3%. A total of 116 industrial and socio-cultural facilities were commissioned. Atagulyev also highlighted the key factors driving investment attractiveness: political stability, the raw materials base, competitive energy prices and the development of investment legislation. He called on foreign partners to expand cooperation.
IFT 2026: Turkmen-Turkish cooperation reaches a new level
18.03.2026The Turkish Chairperson of the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council and President of the ‘Burç Group’, S. Gomdeniz, speaking at the ‘IFT 2026’ International Investment Forum, emphasised the importance of the long-standing cooperation that began in 1991. This was reported by IIC. At present, the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council brings together thousands of companies contributing to the diversification of the Turkmen economy on the basis of long-term partnership and trust. Cooperation is built through collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan with their Turkish counterparts, and the signed memoranda create a solid foundation for major projects. Turkish businesses are ready to invest and share their expertise in digital transformation and high technology, which opens up new opportunities for the sustainable development of both countries. The aim of the cooperation is to achieve a trade turnover of US$5 billion, focusing on the supply of strategic goods, including plastics, fertilisers and other industrial materials. Turkey’s private sector confirms its readiness to play an active role in Turkmenistan’s economic growth.
Chinese investors are stepping up their cooperation with Turkmenistan
18.03.2026Liu Chuanwu, founder of the Silk Road Economic Alliance and Head of ‘Huahe International’, addressed the International Forum on Private Sector Investment ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ (‘IFT 2026’) in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. He emphasised Turkmenistan’s strategic role as a consistent and reliable investment partner. The Chinese delegation, comprising more than twenty executives from leading companies, expressed its readiness to invest in key sectors of the country’s economy. Investors’ interests span smart agriculture, seed production, energy equipment manufacturing, satellite communications and IT. Liu Chuanwu noted that the technological capabilities of Chinese companies align with Turkmenistan’s plans for industrialisation and private sector development. Particular attention was paid to the cooperation between ‘Huahe International’ and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan: strengthening interaction with state bodies, establishing permanent trade channels and organising regular business missions. According to Liu Chuanwu, ‘IFT 2026’ could serve as a starting point for the practical implementation of agreements and a new level of investment partnership between Turkmenistan and China.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its position in global trade and logistics
18.03.2026Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, spoke at the ‘IFT 2026’ International Forum, highlighting key areas of economic development and the country’s accession process to the WTO. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to P. Yagshiyev, a draft Memorandum on the foreign trade regime has now been prepared, and WTO standards are being phased in in coordination with the WTO Secretariat and international partners. In 2025, Turkmenistan’s GDP exceeded US$77.4 billion with growth of 6.3%, investment amounted to over US$12.8 billion (+6%), inflation fell to 3.2%, and external debt did not exceed 3% of GDP. There has been no domestic debt since January 2022. Foreign trade turnover reached US$21.8 billion (+10.3%). The main areas for foreign investment are the oil and gas and chemical industries, energy, construction and the agro-industrial sector. Particular attention is paid to transport and logistics capacity: Turkmenistan participates in international corridors, including the Trans-Caspian route, a branch of the ‘North-South’ corridor and the Lapis Lazuli corridor. The third phase of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway is scheduled for completion in 2026.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of CNPC
18.03.2026On 16 March, Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, held a meeting in Beijing with Dai Houliang, Chairman of the Board of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed deepening cooperation in the gas sector. G. Agajanov noted that the partnership in the gas industry had become a strategic project going beyond simple supplies, and that the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline and the development of the right bank of the Amu Darya were strengthening joint opportunities. Dai Houliang emphasised his readiness to continue investing, making effective use of Turkmenistan’s resources and the potential of the Chinese market. The parties noted the importance of mutual trust and reaffirmed their intention to develop the technological level of joint projects, strengthening the ‘energy bridge’ between Central Asia and China.
The EBRD supports the development of public-private partnerships in Turkmenistan
18.03.2026The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) confirmed its readiness to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan at the ‘IFT 2026’ international investment forum, focusing on the development of public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms. This was reported by IIC. According to Eric Livny, Head of the EBRD’s Representative Office in Turkmenistan, this model is effective for modernising infrastructure and stimulating economic growth. PPPs offer businesses the opportunity to participate in large-scale state programmes, sharing risks and resources between the state and the private sector. The introduction of such mechanisms attracts foreign investment and facilitates the adoption of modern technologies in key sectors. Turkmen construction companies are already actively adopting this model, and joint projects with the EBRD will provide access to long-term financing and strengthen international competitiveness. The development of PPPs is seen as an important step towards building a sustainable and diversified economy for the country.
The private sector is showcasing its projects at an exhibition in Ashgabat
18.03.2026On 17 March, an exhibition marking the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan opened at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. More than 100 companies from various sectors – ranging from the food industry to high technology – are taking part in the exhibition. The event aims to showcase the capabilities of the private sector, develop business contacts and facilitate the exchange of experience. Among the participants is the menswear manufacturer ‘Nurland’. The company was founded in 2016 and previously operated under the name ‘Biçüw’. Its production combines handcrafting with modern technologies, including 3D solutions. The company collaborates with foreign suppliers of fabrics and accessories. The brand has two boutiques in Ashgabat. A branch has also been opened in Dubai. The boutiques use body-scanning systems to select clothing tailored to the customer’s measurements. The exhibition will run until 19 March. As part of the event, the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ will take place on 18 March.
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