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Turkmenistan at the crossroads of global transport corridors
06.01.2026Turkmenistan is strengthening its status as a key initiator of global transport projects. This was reported by the IIC. To mark the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, the UN General Assembly has declared 2026-2035 the Decade of Sustainable Transport, supporting the strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to transform the region into a major transcontinental transport hub. According to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the country's transport initiatives are linked to addressing global challenges, including expanding women's rights and combating climate change. Turkmenistan, located on the route of the revived Great Silk Road, is working with international partners to create an integrated logistics network connecting Central Asia with Europe, the Caspian and Baltic regions, as well as South and Southeast Asia. The UN Decade will be a benchmark for the global economy: by 2030, investment in transport will exceed $11 trillion, with a focus on environmental sustainability, safety and AI technologies. Turkmenistan is already hosting global conferences and promoting initiatives such as World Bicycle Day, forming the legal and technological basis for a ‘green’ and interconnected world.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China exceeded $9 billion in 11 months
06.01.2026Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China for January–November of this year amounted to $9.1649 billion. This was reported by the publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing China's General Administration of Customs. In November 2025, the volume of mutual trade reached $821.2 million. The bulk of the turnover was generated by exports from Turkmenistan. Over 11 months, deliveries of Turkmen products to China amounted to $7.7202 billion. Imports of Chinese goods to Turkmenistan during the same period reached $1.4448 billion. Natural gas supplied via the pipeline system remains the key export item.
Turkmenistan strengthens rational use of natural resources
05.01.2026Environmental safety is one of the key priorities of Turkmenistan's state policy. The country's legislation is aimed at protecting nature, preserving biodiversity and ensuring the rational use of natural resources, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan has developed a National Strategy to Combat Climate Change and a National Forest Programme, and has adopted laws on radiation and chemical safety, water, plant, flora and fauna protection, waste, protected areas, environmental auditing and information, as well as updated Forest and Water Codes. These measures strengthen the legal and organisational framework for nature conservation and promote the rational use of resources. The country actively cooperates with the UN and other international organisations, implementing dozens of programmes and projects in partnership with the Global Environment Facility, FAO, the UN Development Programme and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia. Public organisations, including the Nature Conservation Society of Turkmenistan, conduct educational work and support state policy in the field of ecology. The main goal of the policy is to preserve natural resources, prevent their degradation and pollution, ensure the environmental safety of people and meet the needs of future generations. Economic reforms create conditions for solving long-term environmental problems and improving the quality of life of the population.
Turkmenistan and China pool expertise in protecting desert routes
05.01.2026Turkmen and Chinese scientists have strengthened cooperation in the study of desert areas as part of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan and the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences are focusing on China's experience in protecting transport infrastructure in extreme climatic conditions. Particular attention is paid to the motorway through the Taklamakan Desert, which is over 560 km long and protected by an artificial forest belt covering an area of over 3,000 hectares. The ecosystem of 20 million drought-resistant plants prevents sand drift and is supported by electrified wells with mineralised water. The project is recognised by the international community and contributes to the restoration of biodiversity and the application of technologies for growing cistanche on saxaul. The similarity of desert conditions with the Karakum Desert makes the exchange of experience particularly useful for Turkmenistan, which sees cooperation as a contribution to the development of sustainable ecosystems and the creation of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technology in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan's capital discusses motto for 2026
05.01.2026A solemn event dedicated to the motto of 2026, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ was held at the Centre for Public Organisations in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan.’ It is noted that the image of the ‘winged horse’ symbolises the country’s striving for new achievements and is associated with the Year of the Horse in the Eastern calendar, as well as the special role of Ahal-Teke horses in national culture. Within the framework of the event, an exhibition of decorative and applied arts with samples of horse equipment and jewellery was held, emphasising the continuity of traditions and the country's modern development. Participants also highlighted the social orientation of state policy in the areas of improving living standards, science and education.
Turkmenistan enacts law on virtual assets
05.01.2026On 1 January 2026, the law ‘On Virtual Assets’ came into force in Turkmenistan, legalising the crypto market and establishing requirements for mining and trading digital assets. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Regulation is entrusted to the Central Bank, which is responsible for licensing and operating rules. Financial transparency is monitored by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, while technical issues — internet stability and electricity consumption — are overseen by the relevant departments. Mining is recognised as a type of entrepreneurial activity: to operate legally, it is necessary to register with the regulator, comply with energy consumption standards and use certified equipment. Crypto assets have been granted the status of civil rights objects, but cannot be used instead of the manat in settlements. Citizens are only allowed to mine through individual entrepreneurs with mandatory income declaration, and the state is not liable for any losses. Foreign investors are provided with legal protection, access to licensed exchanges, and clear rules within the framework of FATF standards. The key provisions of the law prohibit illegal mining, require income to be declared, and open the market to foreign players, subject to compliance with data security and localisation requirements.
The Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Ashgabat hosted a celebration of Father's Day
05.01.2026A solemn event dedicated to Father's Day was held at the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ashgabat. The event was attended by the Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, students and teachers of the centre, residents of the capital, representatives of the public and the media, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Father's Day is a national holiday in Iran and is timed to coincide with the birthday of Hazrat Ali. It is celebrated as a day of respect for the head of the family. During the event, it was emphasised that the peoples of Iran and Turkmenistan are linked by common historical roots and similar values, including respect for parents, generational continuity and the preservation of family traditions. The festive programme included poetry readings, humorous skits and songs in Farsi, Turkmen, Russian and English. Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani thanked the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy for organising the event and noted the spiritual significance of the holiday. Abdollah Abbasi, Cultural Advisor to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasised that in Turkmenistan's culture, the role of the father also occupies an important place and is based on national traditions of respect for parents and the older generation.
Turkmenistan to participate in Caspian Region Transport Forum
05.01.2026On 15–16 April 2026, Astrakhan will host the 5th International Forum ‘Transport Logistics of the Caspian Region 2025.’ The agenda includes the development of the ‘North–South’ corridor and coordination of actions between the Caspian countries, including Turkmenistan. This was reported by Orient. Special attention will be paid to issues of cross-border cooperation, simplification of document flow and settlements with Central Asian countries, as well as increasing the throughput capacity of ports and the railway network. Participation in the forum is of practical importance for Turkmenistan. The country is developing the capacity of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and land routes within the ‘North-South’ corridor. Discussions with Caspian partners will allow for the synchronisation of logistics solutions and the strengthening of transit potential. The forum programme consists of two stages. Business visits to logistics facilities in the Astrakhan region are scheduled for 15 April. A plenary session with representatives of ports, shipping companies, railway operators and investors will be held on 16 April.
The President of Turkmenistan received New Year's greetings from foreign leaders
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received congratulatory messages on the occasion of the New Year 2026 from foreign leaders. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq sent New Year's greetings to the Head of State. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his wishes. In addition, a congratulatory letter was received from Deputy Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Fahd Al-Said. In his message, he expressed his wishes for health and well-being to the President of Turkmenistan and for progress and prosperity to the Turkmen people, noting his intention to continue developing friendly relations between the countries.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his anniversary
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of his 70th birthday. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted the steady development of Turkmen-German relations and confirmed his interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Frank-Walter Steinmeier good health and success in his public service for the welfare and prosperity of the people of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Switzerland
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his congratulations to Guy Parmelin on his inauguration as President of the Swiss Confederation. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted this event and expressed his wishes for good health, personal well-being and success in his new position in the interests of the further development and prosperity of the Swiss Confederation.
Ashgabat to host international textile industry exhibition
04.01.2026From 4 to 6 June, Ashgabat will host the international exhibition ‘TurkmenTextile Expo-2026’. The event is organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The exhibition will cover a wide range of areas, including textile equipment, natural fibre processing, clothing and footwear manufacturing, home textiles, spare parts and auxiliary materials. Chemicals and dyes, accessories, fittings and the latest technologies, including industry know-how, will also be presented. The exhibition will serve as a platform for demonstrating the potential of Turkmenistan's textile industry and strengthening international cooperation. Participants and guests will be able to learn about innovative developments, establish business contacts and discuss prospects for joint projects and further cooperation in the industry.
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