News
Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector has exceeded its targets
03.10.2026In January–September 2026, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ exceeded its targets for oil production and refining, as well as for the production of key petroleum products. This was announced by G. Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, on 2 October at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the oil production target was met at 109.1 per cent, whilst the oil refining target was met at 106.8 per cent. Petrol production stood at 119.3 per cent of the target, diesel fuel at 114.7 per cent, lubricating oils at 100 per cent, and liquefied gas at 112 per cent. G. Agajanov noted that the target for the production of natural and associated gas had been met at 109.1 per cent. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed that efforts to improve the performance of the oil and gas sector should continue, that the production of high-quality products should be ensured, and that work on discovering new oil and gas fields should be stepped up.
Turkmenistan’s GDP grew by 6.3 per cent in the first nine months of 2026
03.10.2026Between January and September 2026, Turkmenistan’s GDP grew by 6.3 per cent. This was revealed in a report by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, H. Geldimyradov, at a Cabinet meeting on 2 October, according to the news agency TDH. Growth in industry stood at 3 per cent, in construction at 6.7 per cent, in the transport and communications sector at 10.4 per cent, in trade at 8.4 per cent, in agriculture at 4.1 per cent, and in the services sector at 8.4 per cent. Compared with the same period in 2025, output increased by 9.9 per cent. Retail turnover rose by 10.5 per cent, whilst foreign trade turnover increased by 8.3 per cent. Revenue targets for the State Budget for January–September were met at 100.1 per cent, whilst expenditure targets were met at 97.2 per cent. Wages, pensions, state benefits and student grants were paid on time and in full. The volume of capital expenditure utilised increased by 3.5 per cent compared with January–September 2025. A report was also presented on the implementation of the National Rural Programme, including the construction of facilities for various purposes. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, instructed that the work of the economic, financial and banking sectors be improved, that the analysis of the draft State Budget for the coming year be continued, and that measures be taken to maintain consistent GDP growth and the coordinated development of economic sectors.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan passed 8 laws and 14 Resolutions between January and September
03.10.2026Between January and September of this year, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted 8 legislative acts and 14 Resolutions. This was announced by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 2 October, according to the news agency TDH. The legislative acts adopted included the Laws of Turkmenistan ‘On the Establishment of the Turkmenistan Commemorative Medal “Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja”’ and ‘On the State Protection of Ahal-Teke Horses’. Amendments and additions were also made to existing laws concerning the protection of citizens’ rights and legitimate interests, industrial safety, accounting and financial reporting, licensing, road transport, environmental protection, aquatic biological resources and migration policy. During the reporting period, the Mejlis accepted seven letters of credence from Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of a number of countries. Thirty-seven meetings were held with representatives of foreign parliaments, diplomatic missions and international organisations. Members of the Mejlis and its specialists took part in 93 seminars organised by ministries and sectoral departments in conjunction with international organisations. Representatives of the parliament also undertook 20 official visits abroad to exchange experience in the field of law-making. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the need to further improve Turkmenistan’s legislation and modernise the country’s legal framework.
Teachers from Turkmenistan are taking part in a professional development programme in Tbilisi
03.10.2026Lecturers from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan are taking part in the ‘Crossroads Diplomacy Network’ professional exchange programme, which is taking place from 29 September to 4 October 2026 in Tbilisi. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen higher education institution. The programme aims to foster professional exchange and strengthen ties between young professionals from Central Asian countries and Georgia in the fields of diplomacy, international relations and related areas. The programme includes meetings and training sessions on Georgia’s foreign policy, diplomatic practice and international cooperation. Participants are also engaged in teamwork and the development of communication skills. Representatives from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international organisations, educational institutions and other organisations are taking part in the programme.
The Head of Turkmenistan congratulated the German leadership on German Unity Day
03.10.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, and the people of Germany on German Unity Day. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State noted that Turkmenistan and the Federal Republic of Germany are developing their cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and a spirit of peace. ‘Given the enormous opportunities available, we support the further development of bilateral relations,’ emphasised Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Head of State expressed his confidence in the further development and strengthening of Turkmen-German relations in the interests of both countries and their peoples. The President of Turkmenistan wished Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Friedrich Merz good health and happiness, and the people of Germany peace, well-being, progress and prosperity.
A scientist from Turkmenistan spoke at an IAEA meeting in Vienna
03.10.2026Kadyr Amanov, Head of the Technology Transfer Centre and lecturer in the Department of Livestock Product Processing at Turkmen Agricultural University, took part in a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. This was reported by the university’s press office. The meeting focused on the establishment of a regional network of isotope hydrology laboratories in Central Asia. Participants discussed the development of isotope hydrology methods, the management of transboundary water resources and cooperation within the GloWAL (Global Water Analysis Laboratories) network. Kadyr Amanov presented information on the scientific potential, laboratory facilities and experience of the Turkmen Agricultural University in the field of isotope hydrology.
Kim Jong-un sent a message of congratulations to Turkmenistan on Independence Day
03.10.2026Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, has congratulated the leadership of Turkmenistan on the country’s Independence Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his message, Kim Jong-un wished Turkmenistan success in its development efforts, as well as well-being and prosperity for the Turkmen people. The congratulatory message marked the latest diplomatic contact between Turkmenistan and the DPRK.
Turkmen customs officers have undergone training in China
03.10.2026A delegation from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan undertook a two-week training course in Urumqi (PRC) aimed at improving the efficiency of customs clearance at seaports. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The delegation comprised specialists from land and sea customs posts in Ashgabat and the Balkan velayat. The participants studied China’s experience in the areas of contactless inspection, automated document processing, intelligent risk management and the application of ‘Smart Railway Port’ technology. It is planned to apply the knowledge gained and the technologies studied at the customs posts of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.
Turkmenistan and India intend to expand bilateral cooperation
03.10.2026The President of the Republic of India, Draupadi Murmu, has congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the country’s Independence Day. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The message states that India and Turkmenistan are linked by ancient civilisational, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation. Bilateral relations cover, in particular, the fields of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mineral fertiliser production and education. Draupadi Murmu emphasised India’s readiness to share its experience and knowledge in the field of development, taking into account Turkmenistan’s priorities in line with the ‘Wider Neighbourhood’ policy. She also expressed confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the two countries. The President of India wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health and success, and the people of Turkmenistan peace, progress and prosperity.
A 3-kilometre ‘Viksit Bharat’ run took place in Ashgabat
03.10.2026A 3-kilometre ‘Viksit Bharat’ (‘Developed India’) run took place at the Ashgabat Olympic Sports Complex. The event was organised by the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan as part of the “Swacchata Hi Seva Campaign-2026” environmental initiative, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the Indian diaspora, Indian nationals and residents of Turkmenistan took part in the sporting event. The run was opened by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to the 157th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. Participants emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle, environmental awareness and civic engagement. Following the race, the winners and runners-up in both the men’s and women’s categories received commemorative medals and certificates of honour from the Ambassador. The official part of the event concluded with the participants jointly reciting the ‘Viksit Bharat Pledge’. The pledge expresses a commitment to promoting India’s development and achieving the goal of transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047, when the 100th anniversary of its independence will be celebrated. Following the sporting programme, traditional Indian snacks were served to the guests. The Embassy also reaffirmed its intention to continue developing humanitarian ties between India and Turkmenistan on the basis of mutual respect and the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (‘The world is one family’).
Turkmenistan is expanding investment opportunities in the railway sector
03.10.2026The Minister of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan, Mammet Akmammedov, outlined strategies for attracting foreign investment into the transport and logistics sector at the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) in Ashgabat. Among the priorities are the modernisation of the locomotive and rolling stock fleets, and the creation of ‘dry ports’ and container terminals, reports Turkmenportal. According to the Minister, cooperation with foreign investors and financial organisations is proposed to be developed along three main lines. The first concerns investment in railway infrastructure and the modernisation of rolling stock. The second area relates to the introduction of resource-saving technologies, the electrification of railway lines and the use of environmentally friendly solutions in line with the international climate agenda. The third priority identified is the establishment of multimodal logistics chains. In particular, there are plans to develop integrated operators and ‘door-to-door’ services, which should ensure faster and more reliable delivery of goods. The speech paid particular attention to the Trans-Caspian route. As Akmammedov noted, the integration of the railway network with the Turkmenbashi International Seaport creates the conditions for the formation of a unified logistics system. Digital solutions are also being introduced in this sector. These include electronic document management, digital waybills and platforms that enable the tracking of cargo movements in real time. According to the minister, digitalisation helps to reduce the time taken for customs and border procedures. Akmammedov highlighted Turkmenistan’s importance for international freight transport. The country is situated at the crossroads of the ‘North–South’ and ‘East–West’ transport routes. The ‘Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran’ railway route provides the countries of Central Asia and Russia with access to the ports of the Persian Gulf, with onward access to the Indian markets. Another route involves the transit of goods from China and the Asia-Pacific region towards Europe. The Head of the Department stated that Turkmenistan is ready to implement long-term joint projects with foreign partners and invited investors and logistics operators to collaborate. In addition, participants at TIF 2026 were invited to take part in the International Conference and Exhibition ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2026’. The event will take place in Ashgabat on 24–26 November.
Turkmenistan has signed new investment agreements at TIF 2026
03.10.2026On the first day of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026), representatives of government bodies and major companies in the country finalised new agreements with foreign and domestic partners. The agreements provide for the implementation of projects in the transport sector, the chemical industry, the telecommunications sector and water management, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. In the transport and communications sector, the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Korean company ‘OnU H&C’. The country’s Ministry of Rail Transport reached agreements with the Chinese firm ‘CSCEC International Construction Co., Ltd.’ A separate set of agreements relates to the development of the water sector. The State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan signed documents with the Dutch companies ‘Damen Workboats B.V.’ and ‘Liamol Trading GmbH.’ The cooperation involves the modernisation of water infrastructure facilities, dredging works and the renewal of the auxiliary fleet. A number of agreements were also finalised in the industrial sector. The State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ signed a Memorandum with the Chinese company ‘Tianjin Bohua Engineering Co., Ltd.’ In addition, the Concern concluded contracts with the ‘Türkmen enjam’ joint-stock company, aimed at ensuring the consistent operation of the ‘Tejenkarbamid’ enterprise. The State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ has signed a contract with the German firm ‘Hybrid Innovation GmbH.’ The parties plan to jointly implement a project for the design and construction of a pallet production facility at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. One of the long-term projects is a strategic agreement between the Joint-Stock Company ‘Balkan Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant’, ‘Damen Technical Cooperation B.V.’ and ‘Liamol Trading GmbH.’ The partnership, which runs from 2026 to 2036, covers shipbuilding and ship repair, the introduction of modern maritime technologies, and the localisation of production.
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