The development of trade and entrepreneurship is an important area of Turkmenistan's economic policy aimed at improving living standards and ensuring food abundance. Changes in these areas demonstrate the effectiveness of market reforms and large-scale social programmes, according to the state news agency TDH. The trade sector plays a key role in the economy, providing significant tax revenues and employment. At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 17 May, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Resolution on the development of the State Budget of Turkmenistan for 2026. The document sets priorities for sustainable development, digitalisation, business support and investment in production. The first five months of 2025 saw steady growth in trade, industry and entrepreneurship. The revenue side of the budget was fulfilled by 101.2%, and trade and production volumes increased. Both domestic producers and imports coordinated by the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations play an important role in supplying the domestic market. The textile industry is developing successfully, demand for Turkmen brands is high, and programmes to modernise and enter international markets are being actively implemented. Carpet production is preserving traditions and successfully entering foreign markets. Work is also underway to introduce digital solutions, including product labelling and integration into the GSI system. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan is actively involved in regulating export and import operations, ensuring the growth of foreign trade activity. Turkmenistan is strengthening international partnerships by participating in forums and commissions, expanding export routes and developing infrastructure. Conditions have been created for investors to operate, production is growing, and output volumes are increasing. Support for the private sector has strengthened the position of local producers. The ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ programme promotes national brands on the international stage. The introduction of digital technologies in trade is a priority of the state strategy. In this regard, regulatory documents for distance trading are being developed.
The Turkmenistan pavilion was one of the most visited at the EXPO-2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. It was visited by 24,000 people out of 190,000 visitors to the exhibition in one day. According to a survey by ABC Television, the pavilion ranked third in popularity, behind France and Kuwait. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The pavilion attracts attention with its original architecture: it is designed in the shape of a rounded triangle with a dome. The exterior combines motifs from the Karakum Desert, Turkmen carpets and Akhalteke horses. The construction was carried out using environmentally friendly materials. The pavilion has three levels. The first level is an immersive zone with a virtual tour of Turkmenistan. The second floor showcases the country's achievements in various fields, including medicine and education. The third floor is dedicated to culture: carpets, embroidery, museum exhibits and national cuisine are on display here. The pavilion takes on a special atmosphere in the evening thanks to its impressive lighting. The exhibition will be open until autumn 2025.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received a number of congratulatory letters from Heads of State and international organisations on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The President of Turkmenistan was congratulated on the significant holiday by the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, King of Jordan Abdullah II, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Governor of the Astrakhan Region of the Russian Federation Igor Babushkin, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organisation Asad Majeed Khan, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States Binali Yildirim. It should be noted that World leaders wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health, happiness and success, and the Turkmen people peace, sustainable progress and prosperity.
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the people of Portugal on the occasion of Portugal Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the President of Portugal good health, happiness and success, and the people of the country peace, stable development and prosperity.
In honour of the holiday of Eid al-Adha, Turkmen pilgrims performing the Hajj in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina gave sadaqah. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. According to the source, 2,844 pilgrims travelled from Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the Hajj. All necessary conditions were created for an organised and comfortable pilgrimage. Believers were provided with special flights and medical personnel to monitor their health throughout the trip. At the end of the ceremonies, the participants in the almsgiving received traditional treats.
The ‘Durun abat’ economic society, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, has begun exporting fruit juices under the ‘Rowaç’ and ‘MFT’ brands to Kazakhstan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The enterprise is located in the Buzmeyin district of Ashgabat. ‘Rowaç’ and ‘MFT’ juices are made from carrots, beetroot, apples and other fruits using modern European equipment. ‘Our company employs dozens of young specialists who are skilled in working with high-tech production lines. We strive to ensure the high quality and naturalness of our juices, which meet the requirements of our consumers,’ emphasised Murat Allayazov, head of the economic enterprise. In the future, ‘Durun abat’ plans to expand its product range using local raw materials.
Members of the ‘Galkynyş’ national equestrian games team, who gained fame at the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, are spending their holidays at the ‘Dayanch’ health resort in the ‘Avaza’ tourist zone. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The artists were presented with vouchers and cash prizes on behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The equestrians were guests of honour at the opening ceremony of the children's summer holidays, took part in cultural and sporting events, as well as in the ‘Avaza – the land of friendship’ International Dance and Folklore Festival.
On 5 June 2024, talks were held in Geneva between a Turkmen delegation led by Minister of Labour and Social Protection M. Sylapov and the leadership of key international organisations in the field of labour relations. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting with Roberto Suarez-Santos, Secretary General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the prospects for technical cooperation and the involvement of Turkmen employers in international processes were discussed. The Turkmen side expressed interest in developing partnerships and implementing joint projects. A separate meeting was held with Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), where the parties discussed issues of tripartite social dialogue and the possible accession of Turkmen trade unions to the ITUC. Earlier, on 4 June, M. Sylapov spoke at the plenary session of the conference, where he reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of decent work and social partnership, as well as the compliance of national policy with the goals of the International Labour Organisation. The negotiations demonstrate Turkmenistan's active position in the development of international cooperation in the social and labour sphere.
Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale reforms are being implemented in the field of education in Turkmenistan, including the construction of modern schools and universities. An important part of this work is supporting the creative and intellectual potential of young people. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. A striking example of such initiatives is the creative festival ‘Talyp joşguny – 2025’, the final stage of which took place at the ‘Aşgabat’ song and music centre. The event, organised by the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan, the Ashgabat City Administration and the Ministry of Education, gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in music, dance and folk art. The festival, which has become a tradition, helps identify talented young people, stimulates creative activity and strengthens friendly ties between students.
On 9 June, a press conference was held at the Ashgabat Stadium ahead of the crucial Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match between the national teams of Turkmenistan and Thailand. This was reported by IIC. The head coach of the Thai national team, a Japanese specialist, expressed confidence in his team's good preparation, noting the fighting spirit of the athletes after their recent 2-0 victory over India. He emphasised that the team had come to Ashgabat with the clear goal of winning, despite the changeable weather conditions, and thanked the organisers for their warm welcome. On behalf of Turkmenistan, head coach Rovshen Meredov also declared that the Turkmen team was fully prepared for the upcoming match. He noted that most of the players represent the ‘Arkadag’ football club, which recently won the AFC Cup and became the national champion, which should give them an advantage. Defender Mekan Saparov added that the team is focused solely on victory and will do everything possible to achieve the result. The match between Turkmenistan and Thailand will be an important step in the fight for a place in the final of the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia.
The private enterprise ‘Görkana ak ýol’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET), has begun production of school furniture — desks, chairs and tables — under the ‘Görkana’ trademark, using local raw materials. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Production is located in the industrial zone of the Ak Bugday district of the Ahal velayat. The company employs young specialists, and the equipment was supplied from Turkey and Germany. The plant has the capacity to produce up to 20,000 chairs and 10,000 desks per month. Raw materials are supplied under contracts with the Turkmenbashi Complex of Oil Refineries. The products are intended for the domestic market, but there are plans to export them to neighbouring countries in the future.
Over the past week, export contracts worth a total of US$367.656 million were signed on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan (SCRMET). This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Buyers from Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan purchased lighting kerosene produced by the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ for foreign currency. In addition, textiles produced by state-owned enterprises of the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan and private Turkmen companies were sold on the exchange. Domestic participants in the auction — entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan — purchased petroleum bitumen and various types of textiles worth 16.97 million manats. A total of 10 exchange transactions were concluded on the SCRMET in a week.