During the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum, Serdar Saparov, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Energy, presented an overview of the sector’s development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The country has 11 power stations with a total capacity of around 7,000 MW, which meets domestic demand and provides export opportunities. The implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ regional project, which strengthens the country’s role in the energy sector, was highlighted. The formation of a unified ring power system has been completed due to new high-voltage lines, which has improved power distribution and grid reliability. The focus on ‘green’ energy was highlighted separately: a combined solar-wind power station with a capacity of 10 MW is already in operation.
Batyr Jumayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’, spoke at the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum about the key role of the oil and gas sector in Turkmenistan’s economy and its significance for the Caspian region and Central Asia. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. B. Jumayev noted that the country has established a complete production cycle – from raw material extraction to the deep processing of gas condensate. Large oil refineries in Turkmenbashi and Seydi supply the domestic market and export high-quality products. As part of this cooperation, 29 contracts worth $439 million are being implemented. Turkmenistan is also purchasing modern Chinese equipment and machinery to modernise its energy sector. B. Jumayev highlighted the keen interest of Chinese companies in the Turkmen market and the effectiveness of joint projects, describing the partnership with China as a key factor in the further development of energy cooperation.
Ji Shumin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, stated during the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum in Ashgabat that the exhibition marked an important step in the implementation of the agreements reached between the leaders of the two countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador noted that relations had strengthened following the March visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, where negotiations with Xi Jinping culminated in the signing of major intergovernmental agreements. Separately, the diplomat highlighted the recent visit to Turkmenistan by Ding Xuexiang, Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, including his participation in the launch of the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field, which has strengthened the energy partnership. He also emphasised China’s interest in the development of non-resource sectors and its readiness to support their expansion.
In 2026, capital investment in the development of Ashgabat will amount to 8.781 billion manats, according to the ‘Socio-Economic Development and Investment Programme of Turkmenistan’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The bulk of the funds – 3.68 billion manats (41.9%) – will be allocated to the construction and modernisation of industrial facilities. Plans also include the regeneration of the capital’s architectural landscape, landscaping, the construction of new residential complexes and the modernisation of engineering infrastructure.
At the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan (CCIT), Minister of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan, Mammet Akmammedov, highlighted the country’s key role in the development of international transport corridors. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Among the significant projects highlighted was the ‘Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran’ railway line, which has expanded freight transport capabilities between the regions. As part of infrastructure modernisation, new stations are being built and tracks are being upgraded. On the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi’ section, trains reach speeds of up to 160 km/h (passenger) and up to 90 km/h (freight), which reduces journey times and improves logistics efficiency. The development of cooperation with China since 2005 was highlighted separately. In 2025, new rolling stock was delivered to the country, including diesel locomotives adapted to the local climate. Furthermore, the fleet of passenger carriages has been modernised through the purchase of 423 units, which has improved the level of comfort and safety of travel.
On 28 April, the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, held a meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Egypt to Turkmenistan, Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of education. The Turkmen side provided information on reforms in the education system, the development of digital technologies and improvements in the teaching of foreign languages and the exact sciences. Issues discussed included expanding the legal framework for cooperation, launching exchange programmes for students and teachers, and holding joint seminars and research projects, including in the field of artificial intelligence. Egypt proposed stepping up contacts between universities, providing quotas for Turkmen students, and organising short-term courses on international relations and the Arabic language. Following the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to implement joint initiatives.
During the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Finance and Economy, Mammetguly Astanagulov, presented updated macroeconomic data reflecting the consistent state of the national economy. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. By the end of 2025, the country’s GDP had reached US$77.4 billion, with economic growth standing at 6.3%. Turkmenistan’s investment appeal is confirmed by the share of foreign investment, which stands at around 10%. The modernisation of management and production processes has been identified as a priority of state policy. According to representatives of the agency, this creates additional opportunities for the development of joint projects, including with Chinese partners.
Representatives from Turkmenistan are taking part in the three-day international training seminar ‘DARYA SCAFFOLD’, taking place from 27 to 29 April in Almaty. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation consists of eight participants, including staff from the Ministry of Education, as well as heads and teachers from educational institutions. The event aims to enhance the professional skills of teachers, modernise educational processes and introduce contemporary approaches to teaching. The seminar is organised as part of the DARYA initiative, with the support of the European Union and the European Education Foundation, and brings together participants from Central Asian countries. During the event, participants are studying the practical SCAFFOLD tools, taking part in interactive sessions and exchanging experiences. Following the event, plans are in place to develop professional development programmes for teachers, tools to assess their effectiveness, and plans to implement the solutions gained into educational practice across the region.
A business forum has opened in Ashgabat at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan as part of the Turkmen-Chinese exhibition, bringing together representatives of government bodies, the business sector and the expert community from both countries. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants are discussing the implementation of previously reached agreements and new areas of cooperation in the context of global economic changes. Key topics include energy, transport, logistics and industrial cooperation. The Chinese side is interested in expanding imports of Turkmen products and introducing technologies into joint projects, whilst Turkmenistan has confirmed its readiness to develop investment attractiveness and transport corridors. Particular attention was paid to B2B negotiations between business representatives, where specific contracts and joint ventures were discussed. Experts view the forum as an indicator of growing trust and a transition towards a more long-term technological partnership.
On 28 April, a meeting took place in Chișinău between Toyly Atayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Moldova, and Serghei Mihov, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, along with representatives of the ministry. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations, confirming their readiness to strengthen political dialogue and expand the legal framework. Particular attention was paid to coordination within international organisations, including the UN, as well as to trade and economic cooperation. The agenda included issues of inter-parliamentary cooperation and the revitalisation of friendship groups. The participants emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties, scientific and educational exchanges, and the strengthening of mutual understanding. In conclusion, the Moldovan side was invited to participate in international events in Turkmenistan.
Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Allaberdi Saparov, Chairman of Turkmenistan’s State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. During the talks, the parties discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation in the field of sport. In particular, the Pakistani Ambassador proposed organising exchange visits between teams, as well as holding friendly matches and joint training camps in sports such as football, hockey, volleyball, martial arts, swimming and gymnastics. In addition, the Ambassador invited the Turkmen side to take part in the annual Shandur Polo Festival, which traditionally takes place in the first week of July on a high-altitude plateau at an elevation of around 3,700–3,800 metres. Particular attention was paid to the development of equestrian sports: F. Leghari proposed cooperation in disciplines such as tent pegging, polo, equestrian dancing and horse racing.
The Speaker of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, received the credentials from the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Turkmenistan, Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed. This was reported by TDH. D. Gulmanova congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in developing bilateral relations. The Ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan from the Egyptian leadership. During the meeting, the Ambassador was briefed on the priorities of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as on the structure and activities of the Mejlis. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Egyptian relations, including within the framework of the UN.