News
Oil and gas production in Turkmenistan increased in January 2026
07.02.2026On 6 February, Deputy Prime Minister B. Amanov presented the results of the country's oil and gas complex for January 2026 at a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. According to him, the oil production plan of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ was fulfilled by 107.5%, reports TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, oil refining at plants reached 106.4%, gasoline production – 126.5%, diesel fuel – 104.6%, polypropylene and lubricating oils – 100%, liquefied gas – 122.1%, and natural and associated gas production – 108.3%.
Turkmenistan's GDP growth of 6.3% was the key indicator in January
07.02.2026According to TDH, in January 2026, Turkmenistan's GDP grew by 6.3%, as reported by Deputy Prime Minister H. Geldimyradov at a government meeting on 6 February. The Deputy Prime Minister noted growth in industry of 2%, construction of 6%, transport and communications of 9.3%, trade of 8.2%, agriculture of 2% and services of 8.5%. The volume of production increased by 10%, and retail turnover by 10.1%. The state budget revenue plan was fulfilled by 102.2%, and the expenditure plan by 97.1%. Salaries, pensions, benefits and scholarships were paid on time. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, capital investments in January increased by 21.3% compared to last year. A report was also presented on the implementation of the National Rural Programme and the progress of construction of various facilities.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in the celebration of Waitangi Day in New Zealand
07.02.2026The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to New Zealand, A. Bayramov, who is based in Tokyo, took part in official events to mark New Zealand's National Day, Waitangi Day, which is celebrated annually on 6 February. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During his working visit, the Diplomat held a series of meetings with representatives of the country's leadership, at which issues of strengthening bilateral relations were discussed. At a meeting with New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro, the Ambassador conveyed congratulations on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and invited her to visit Turkmenistan. A. Bayramov also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, Minister for Trade and Investment H. Todd McClay and representatives of parliament. The parties discussed the development of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Following the meetings, the parties expressed their readiness to consider holding the first political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries, developing interparliamentary cooperation, creating mechanisms for economic cooperation and organising bilateral visits.
Ashgabat anticipates a major football match: ‘Arkadag’ will play against ‘Al-Nassr’
07.02.2026The new year in Turkmenistan began under the influence of football. Interest in the world's most popular game has grown significantly, uniting both young people and the older generation, for whom football has long been part of their personal and cultural history. Memories of legendary matches and great players of the past are still alive, and new events only strengthen this connection between eras, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Fans were particularly excited by the news of the upcoming AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ in Ashgabat. For the country, this is not just a sporting event, but a landmark international event that has become a symbol of a new stage in the development of football culture. Interest in the match was so high that its organisation required the implementation of modern digital solutions. Specialists from the Information Services and Digital Technologies Department of the Ashgabat City Administration were involved in preparing for the game. Special software was developed to sell tickets and coordinate processes, taking fan service to a new level. From the very first days of sales, demand was record-breaking, once again confirming the scale of expectations surrounding the upcoming match. For the first time, world-class footballers will play on Turkmen soil, making the match truly historic. The match is seen not only as a sporting contest, but also as an important step in strengthening the country's international image. It is symbolic that this path is linked to the ‘Arkadag’ football club, created in the ‘smart’ city of the same name as a continuation of the large-scale Olympic movement. The club, which has received steady support and development, has managed to make a name for itself on the international stage in a short period of time. It is its successes that have given Turkmen fans the opportunity to witness the event that will take place on 11 February at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat and will undoubtedly go down in the history of domestic sport.
Turkmen referee officiated at the Asian Futsal Cup quarter-final
06.02.2026Turkmen FIFA referee Timur Ramazanov refereed the Asian Futsal Cup quarter-final match in Indonesia between Japan and Afghanistan, together with his Iranian colleague Ebrahim Mehrabiafshar. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. T. Ramazanov had already worked at the tournament: he refereed the group stage match between Japan and Australia and was the third referee in the match between Iraq and South Korea. His high qualifications allowed him to be included in the pool of referees for the key stages of the championship. In the quarter-finals, Japan defeated Afghanistan (6-0), Iraq beat Thailand (4-2), Indonesia defeated Vietnam (3-2), and Iran defeated Uzbekistan (7-4).
Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed expanding economic cooperation
06.02.2026On 2 February, Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met with Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of the Department of Economic and Trade Affairs at the UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. They discussed the possibility of holding exhibitions and presentations of Turkmen products in the UAE, as well as the current state and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation. Particular attention was paid to expanding trade, strengthening business ties and developing contacts between entrepreneurs of the two countries. The participation of Turkmen businessmen in international events in the UAE and visits by UAE representatives to events in Turkmenistan were also discussed. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their readiness to maintain regular dialogue and cooperation in the interests of both countries.
Istanbul discussed strengthening Turkmen-Turkish educational ties
06.02.2026On 5 February 2025, Istanbul Medipol University hosted a ceremony dedicated to the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by the Consul General of Turkmenistan in Istanbul, Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, the university's management and teaching staff, as well as Turkmen students studying in Turkey. The speakers emphasised the importance of the motto for strengthening Turkmenistan's sovereignty and enhancing its international authority, noting that the image of winged horses symbolises the country's rapid development and its focus on the future. University representatives highlighted the dynamics of Turkmen-Turkish relations and expressed their readiness for further cooperation in the field of science and education. In addition, Turkmen diplomats held a meeting with Medipol students, discussing issues of study and youth participation in social and cultural life.
A symphony evening was held in Ashgabat with the support of the SOKOLOV brand
06.02.2026The franchise of the Russian jewellery brand SOKOLOV organised a symphony concert at the Magtymguly Music and Drama Theatre in Ashgabat. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The event combined classical music, culture and jewellery art and brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, business and creative circles. The orchestra performed on stage under the direction of Honoured Artist of Turkmenistan Rovshen Nepesov with the participation of People's Artist of Turkmenistan Atajan Berdiyev. The programme included classical, national and contemporary works, including music by Georgy Sviridov, Turkmen composers Nury Halmammedov and Aman Agajikov, as well as compositions by European authors and symphonic versions of popular soundtracks. The concert was accompanied by visual effects that enhanced the artistic experience. According to Yhlas Mamedov, Director of the SOKOLOV premium store in Ashgabat, the evening became a dialogue between music and jewellery craftsmanship. The event was one of the week's notable cultural events and highlighted Ashgabat's role as a platform for interaction between national and world cultures.
Turkmenistan Customs Service launches online consultation service
06.02.2026The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has launched a new web service called ‘Questions and Answers,’ which also offers telephone consultations. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The platform is intended for participants in foreign economic activity, as well as for citizens crossing or planning to cross the customs border. It can be used to quickly obtain advice on current customs issues. The service provides explanations on customs clearance procedures for goods, the procedure for paying customs duties, as well as current prohibitions and restrictions. In addition, users can familiarise themselves with the requirements for vehicles imported into the country, the rules for their control and clearance, the list of necessary documents and the established customs duties.
A seminar on pregnancy and infections was held in Turkmenistan
06.02.2026From 2 to 4 February 2026, a three-day seminar on managing pregnancy in women with tuberculosis and coordinating work with the phthisiatria service was held at the UN building in Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and aimed to improve the qualifications of medical specialists and interdepartmental cooperation, according to TerraNews. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, employees of the M. Garryev State Medical University, obstetricians-gynaecologists, reproductive specialists and phthisiologists from Ashgabat, Arkadag and all velayats, as well as doctors from regional maternal and child health centres and health centres. Participants studied international protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in pregnant women, including childbirth management, the use of modern anti-tuberculosis drugs and breastfeeding rules. The development of clinical standards and coordination mechanisms between obstetric-gynaecological and phthisiatria services is aimed at standardising medical care and improving maternal and child health at the national and regional levels.
Turkmenistan continues to implement socio-economic development programmes
06.02.2026In 2025, Turkmenistan implemented state programmes for socio-economic development aimed at increasing production, modernising infrastructure and improving living conditions for the population. The work was carried out as part of long-term and medium-term programmes designed to run until 2052 and 2028, according to TDH. The construction and industrial complex plays a key role in these transformations. High GDP growth rates allow for an increase in production volumes and expansion of the service sector. Over the years of independence, dozens of industrial, social and cultural facilities equipped with modern equipment and focused on import substitution and export have been put into operation in the country. In March, with the participation of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the ‘Bäherden’ ceramic products factory was opened in the Baherden etrap of the Ahal velayat. The enterprise became the first in the country to produce such products. Its equipment complies with international standards, which is confirmed by certificates from Italian companies. The production is recognised as environmentally safe. In September, a glass production workshop began operating in the northern part of Ashgabat. The daily capacity of the enterprise is 100 tonnes. Local raw materials are used in the production cycle, which reduces costs and ensures consistent operation. At the same time, the development of the regions continues. As part of the national programme to transform social and living conditions, modern infrastructure is being built in rural areas. In September, on the 34th anniversary of independence, new villages were commissioned in the Ahal and Dashoguz velayats. Residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, medical and cultural institutions have been built there, and engineering networks and roads have been created. Large-scale projects are also being implemented in industry. During a working trip to Balkan velayat, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the laying of the foundation stone for a complex for the production of urea with a capacity of more than 1.1 million tonnes per year and in the start of construction of the ‘Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz-Kazakhstan’ border section of the motorway. These facilities should strengthen the country's logistics and export potential. A water treatment plant and a road bridge across the Garabogaz Bay were also opened in the region. The chemical industry is expanding its production capacity. In October, construction began in Turkmenabat on a complex for the production of phosphate fertilisers, which will replace imports and provide the agricultural sector with the necessary products. The state-owned concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ continues to modernise existing enterprises and train personnel. The development of the energy sector remains one of the priorities. New power plants have been built throughout the country, power lines have been upgraded, and generating capacity has been increased. New facilities of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan have been put into operation in Mary, expanding opportunities for training specialists. International exhibitions and conferences held in Ashgabat and the ‘Awaza’ tourist zone contribute to the promotion of the industry and the attraction of partners. These platforms are used to discuss joint projects and exchange experience. The implementation of comprehensive programmes in the construction, industrial, energy and chemical sectors is seen as the basis for sustainable economic growth and further improvement in the living standards of the population.
The MFA of Turkmenistan reported on the implementation of the FAO Country Framework Program
06.02.2026On February 5, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan held a briefing on cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by leaders and employees of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of the media. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova and FAO Deputy Director-General, Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia Viorel Gutu (via videoconference) delivered reports. The current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the FAO, key results, and priority areas for further work were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the official visit of FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu to Ashgabat in January 2026, which confirmed the strategic nature of the partnership. The importance of signing the Host Country Agreement, which established the legal basis for FAO representation in Turkmenistan, was noted. The completion of the Country Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025 was reported, under which projects were implemented on the digitalization of agriculture, improving the sustainability of food systems, rational use of land and water, introduction of nature-friendly technologies, and support for farms. Work is currently underway on a new Country Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030. The briefing ended with a question-and-answer session.
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