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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.
A seminar involving professors from Germany has begun in Turkmenistan
14.01.2026On 12 January, a training seminar began at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan with the participation of professors from leading German universities. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The programme, which runs until 16 January, is dedicated to the introduction of modern educational methods, improving the professional level of teachers and students, and the exchange of international experience. At the end of the seminar, participants will receive international certificates. The event is being held as part of Memoranda of Cooperation with Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg and Clausthal University of Technology.
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 wrestlers to compete in key international tournaments in 2026
14.01.2026In 2026, the Turkmenistan wrestling team is looking forward to a busy international season. The United World Wrestling (UWW) has published the official competition calendar, which includes key continental and world tournaments involving Turkmen athletes, according to IIC. The season will open with the Asian Championships for adults. The tournament will take place from 6 to 12 April in Bishkek and will be the first major event of the year, as well as an important stage in preparation for the world championships. Youth and junior teams are also included in the international programme. At the end of May, the Asian Championships for athletes under 17 and under 23 will be held in Danang. World championships are planned for the summer: the U-17 World Championship will take place from 27 July to 2 August in Baku, and the U-20 tournament from 17 to 23 August in Bratislava. The key event of the season will be the Asian Games, which will take place from 30 September to 3 October in Nagoya. Participation in this tournament is considered one of the most prestigious events on the continent. The autumn part of the calendar will be devoted to world championships among older age groups. The U-23 World Championships will take place from 12 to 18 October in Las Vegas, and the season will end with the World Championships among adults, which will be held in Manama from 24 October to 1 November. Thus, in 2026, Turkmenistan's wrestlers will compete in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East, gaining the opportunity to strengthen the country's position in the international wrestling arena.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received a congratulatory letter from the President of Ireland
14.01.2026President of the Republic of Ireland Catherine Connolly sent a congratulatory letter to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In her message, the President of Ireland wished the President of Turkmenistan happiness and joy, and expressed her hope that the Christmas and New Year holidays would bring peace and prosperity to the peoples.
A veteran from Turkmenistan shared the secrets to a long and happy life
14.01.2026The newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’ reported on 107-year-old Great Patriotic War veteran Aydogdy Amadyev. He confidently states that he lives a happy life, considering true wealth to be not years, but the goodness and meaning invested in them, according to the news website Asmannews. ‘I have lived through different times. I have seen years of deprivation and hardship, survived the war, and worked honestly, sparing no effort. All this has strengthened my character and taught me to appreciate peace, tranquillity and human warmth. Today, I feel particularly keenly the value of a peaceful sky and confidence in the future,’ the veteran shared. He noted that Turkmenistan is becoming stronger every year: the economy is developing, schools and kindergartens are being built, families' well-being is growing, and young people are receiving an education. All this fills him with pride and joy. A special joy for Aydogdy Amadyev is his large and friendly family. He is the father of four daughters and two sons, the grandfather of 34 grandchildren, the great-grandfather of 94 great-grandchildren and the great-great-grandfather of 42 great-great-grandchildren. Their successes, laughter and family celebrations give him strength and inspiration. As he enters a new year of his life, he believes that true happiness lies in peace, harmony, honest work and love for one's country and family, and that every day should be filled with good deeds and joy.
Turkmenistan expands research into salt-tolerant flora
13.01.2026Halophytes, plants adapted to life in saline soils and salt water, are widespread in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. These species differ in appearance and survival strategies: from creeping forms to vertically growing ones capable of maintaining water-salt balance. In conditions of salinisation, which accelerates desertification, halophytes become important for ecology and agriculture. There are up to 2,500 known species of halophytes in the world, with around 760 in Central Asia. In Turkmenistan, they grow on the Caspian coast and saline plains, forming a food base. Against the backdrop of climate change and freshwater shortages, their study is becoming particularly important for the restoration of degraded lands.
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.
FAO conference on climate and nutrition to be held in Ashgabat
13.01.2026On 22 January, Ashgabat will host an International Conference on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change entitled ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’, organised with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by IIC. The forum will bring together experts and government officials to discuss measures to protect agri-food systems from climate risks. The conference will be a continuation of international initiatives presented at the Nutrition for Growth Summit held in London and the Climate Conference in Brazil. The key theme will be the concept of ‘One Health,’ which examines the interrelationship between human, animal, plant and environmental health. Participants will discuss food security, supply chain sustainability and adaptation to extreme weather conditions. The programme includes a ministerial segment and specialised technical sessions. The meeting is expected to result in practical recommendations and strengthened international cooperation in the field of sustainable development and nutrition.
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