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Experts from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the determination of customs value of goods
27.05.2026An online training session was held between the customs services of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, dedicated to the determination of the customs value of imported goods. It involved representatives of educational institutions, lecturers, and specialists from customs payments units of both countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The event was organized within the framework of a memorandum of cooperation in the field of personnel training and a joint training plan for 2026. The session began with congratulations marking the 23rd anniversary of the Customs Institute of Uzbekistan, after which participants discussed national approaches to customs valuation, exchanged practical experience, and considered problematic issues in line with international standards.
Turkmenistan takes part in water agenda forum in Dushanbe
27.05.2026From May 24 to 26, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan participated in a forum in Dushanbe held within the framework of the GIZ “Green Central Asia II” program. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to the role of women parliamentarians in Central Asia in promoting the water agenda as a key element of sustainable development and climate change mitigation. Participants discussed strengthening regional cooperation, exchanging legislative and institutional experience, as well as developing coordinated approaches to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Representatives of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of the forum for expanding women’s participation in shaping water policy and sharing best practices. They also highlighted the country’s work in the areas of food security, rational resource use, environmental protection, and the development of women’s leadership in public and legislative spheres.
A French company plans to purchase urea and petroleum products from Turkmenistan
27.05.2026The French company “Ste SODIPP International” is exploring the possibility of large-scale purchases of Turkmen urea and petroleum products, as well as the development of sustainable logistics routes between Turkmenistan and Europe. This was reported by the company’s President, Lommo Thierry, according to the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. According to him, the company has received a mandate from a major French fruit and vegetable cooperative interested in supplying fertilizers from Turkmenistan, in particular urea-46 (UREA-46). “Ste SODIPP International” plans to establish a secure supply chain and is seeking partners among oil refining enterprises for the purchase of fuel and fertilizers, as well as logistics companies to organize shipments between Turkmenistan and France. “Ste SODIPP International” operates in the fields of energy, industry, investment banking, and international trade.
Turkmen grandmaster finished among the top three at the “Karshi Open-2026”
27.05.2026Turkmen grandmaster Saparmurat Atabayev took third place at the international chess tournament “Karshi Open-2026,” which was dedicated to the memory of Ismat Shukurov. The competition was held in Karshi, Uzbekistan, from May 19 to 24 and brought together 56 chess players from 10 countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The tournament was held under the Swiss system over 9 rounds with classical time control. At the end of the event, Vitaliy Bernadsky, Saidakbar Saidaliyev, and Saparmurat Atabayev each scored 7 points. Based on tie-break criteria, the Turkmen chess player won the bronze medal. For his performance, S. Atabayev received a cash prize of 30 million Uzbek soums. Saparmurat’s cousin, Yusup Atabayev, also participated in the tournament and finished eighth with 6 points.
Issues of improving living standards discussed at the Council of Elders meeting
27.05.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held another meeting of the Council of Elders of the Halk Maslahaty and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship on May 26. This was reported by AsmanNews. During the meeting, participants discussed issues related to improving the population’s standard of living, explaining the reforms being implemented in the country, educating young people in the spirit of patriotism, as well as supporting young and large families and children in need of guardianship. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants on Kurban Bayramy and emphasized the importance of the elders’ activities in strengthening social unity and promoting the principles of humanism. According to him, representatives of the older generation take part in outreach activities in the regions and contribute to the implementation of socially oriented state policy. Representatives of Ashgabat and the country’s velayats spoke during the meeting. They reported on educational initiatives, the socio-economic development of the regions, and the participation of elders in public life. R. Bazarov, Head of Administration of the Office of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, stated that the state continues to support young and large families, as well as children with disabilities. Special attention was also paid to the activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. During the meeting, R. Bazarov addressed Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a request to name a girl who had been left without parental care and is being raised at the Ashgabat Children’s Home. The National Leader of the Turkmen people proposed naming the child Arkadag gyzy Gurbangul. Summing up the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of the country’s further socio-economic development, support for the population, and the patriotic education of young people.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent condolences to Pakistan’s leadership
27.05.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the terrorist attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan province that resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the head of state emphasized that Turkmenistan strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and extremism and supports the efforts of the international community to combat these threats. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as personally, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
26.05.2026On May 25, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, Lee Won-chae. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the priorities of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, the activities of the national parliament, and efforts to improve legislation. Special attention was given to the country’s initiatives aimed at strengthening international peace and stability. During the talks, the steady development of Turkmen–Korean relations in the political, economic, cultural-humanitarian, and interparliamentary spheres was emphasized, as well as the participation of Korean companies in major projects in the energy, chemical, transport, and shipbuilding industries. The sides also highly appreciated the “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” format and confirmed their interest in further expanding cooperation. The important role of interparliamentary contacts was noted, including the work of friendship groups and exchanges between young parliamentarians and women parliamentarians. The Ambassador, in turn, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work in Turkmenistan, noting its peaceful foreign policy.
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan discussed the development of bilateral relations
26.05.2026On May 25, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, A. Gurbanov, held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan, A. Madmarov. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Progress in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation was noted. The role of high-level and top-level visits in strengthening interstate dialogue was particularly emphasized. An exchange of views also took place on the further development of cooperation both in a bilateral format and within international organizations. The sides highlighted the importance of joint events aimed at strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.
In Ashgabat, the forum “White City Ashgabat 2026” has concluded
26.05.2026The international universal exhibition and conference “White City Ashgabat 2026” has concluded in Ashgabat. The main topics of discussion included urban planning, industrial development, and the introduction of digital technologies into the urban environment. This was reported by the IIC. A separate section was dedicated to the concept of “smart cities.” Participants discussed engineering solutions and the implementation of large-scale construction projects. Representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and experts in architecture and design took part in the discussions. The focus was placed on developing the technological potential of the construction sector and expanding international cooperation. The second part of the forum was devoted to industry and the diversification of material supplies. Issues related to the chemical industry and the formation of sustainable logistics chains were considered. Representatives of international companies expressed interest in implementing projects in the country. Energy security and environmental sustainability were also discussed. Particular attention was paid to the transition to renewable energy sources and the development of digital systems for urban management. Experts from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) participated in the session. The forum concluded with an award ceremony. A message from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was read to participants, highlighting the significance of the platform for the exchange of experience and best practices in urban development.
Demand for petrochemicals and agricultural products recorded on Turkmenistan’s commodity exchange
26.05.2026Last week, 26 transactions were registered at the auctions of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan, according to TDH. For foreign currency, business representatives from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan purchased cotton yarn and cotton fiber. The total value of the deals exceeded 3 million 526 thousand US dollars. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs bought base oil (State Concern “Türkmennebit”), cottonseed oil, wheat flour, and raw silk. The total amount reached 173 million 734 thousand manats.
Consultations held on the development of social protection in Turkmenistan
26.05.2026UNICEF, together with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, and the State Committee on Statistics, held a series of national consultations following the assessment of the social protection system in Turkmenistan conducted using the Core Diagnostic Instrument (CODI). The International Labour Organization and the World Bank also participated in the work, according to IIC. The CODI assessment analyses the effectiveness of social protection policies and programmes and their alignment with the needs of the population. It is also used as a basis for discussing reform directions and strengthening the social support system. The consultations were held from 21 April and concluded with a final conference on 21 May. They were attended by representatives of the Mejlis, government agencies, district administrations (hyakimliks), the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the National Centre of Trade Unions, the Women’s Union, the Youth Union, organizations of persons with disabilities, the National Society of the Red Crescent, and other civil society structures. During the discussions, key findings of the assessment and reform priorities were reviewed. The focus was on developing a life-cycle approach to social protection—for children, families, the working-age population, persons with disabilities, and older citizens. Among the main recommendations were the development of a phased model of social services, expansion of child benefits, reform of support for persons with disabilities, strengthening of the pension system, closer links with youth employment programmes, and enhanced monitoring and strategic planning, including the development of a National Social Protection Strategy. Lakshmi Bhavani, Acting UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan, noted that the strategy could unify reforms into a single system if accompanied by financing, timelines, and an action plan. Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Halbibi Tachjanova stressed that the CODI results are considered a basis for further improvement of the system in line with international standards and national priorities. Following the conference, a package of recommendations aimed at accelerating reforms within the National Programme for Socio-Economic Development was also discussed. UNICEF expressed readiness to continue supporting Turkmenistan in implementing social protection reforms.
“Toyo Engineering” begins modernization of a polymer plant in Turkmenistan
26.05.2026The Japanese engineering company “Toyo Engineering” has begun the modernization of the Kiyanly polymer plant in Turkmenistan. This was announced by the company’s director, Tetsuji Miyazaki, at a conference in Ashgabat, as reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The project is being implemented in two stages: the first includes engineering work, procurement of equipment, and dismantling of outdated facilities, followed by technology commissioning and the launch of the upgraded production. T. Miyazaki noted active dialogue between the company’s management and the authorities of Turkmenistan and emphasized the strategic importance of the country for “Toyo Engineering.” The company, operating since 1961, has implemented more than a thousand projects in 60 countries and specializes in full-cycle support of industrial facilities.
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