The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan (IIR MFA) is hosting the ‘Gadget Break’ campaign from 1 to 7 April. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Students and lecturers are taking part in sports competitions, creative workshops and intellectual tournaments, including chess. The programme includes football, volleyball, basketball, handball, table tennis, athletics with 100- and 400-metre races, relays and a mass cycle ride involving all departments of the institute. The event is held annually as part of the government’s policy to promote a healthy lifestyle. In Turkmenistan’s scientific institutions, the use of gadgets outside of teaching hours is restricted for a week. The campaign will conclude on 7 April — World Health Day.
Ashgabat will host the second Financial Services Festival, ‘FinFest Turkmenistan 2026’, on 18 April. The event will bring together bankers, representatives of financial and IT companies, experts and entrepreneurs, according to the news agency Orient. The festival will take place at the ‘Arkaç’ Business Centre and will serve as a platform for discussing key issues in the development of the financial market. The programme includes panel discussions on digital finance, the banking sector, investment and ESG, as well as a financial fair featuring company product presentations and the opportunity to seek expert advice. Particular attention will be paid to networking, developing partnerships and improving financial literacy through interactive zones. The organisers emphasise that ‘FinFest Turkmenistan’ serves as a platform for professional development and the promotion of financial literacy among entrepreneurs, specialists and students.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan took part in the international ‘K-Modest Fashion Show’, held on 2 April in the Republic of Korea, by presenting a themed exhibition pavilion. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The exhibition was held at one of Seoul’s renowned cultural venues, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The pavilion featured exhibits showcasing Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts. Visitors were able to see national costumes, handmade carpets, jewellery, as well as other examples of folk decorative and applied arts. A separate section of the exhibition was dedicated to printed publications – guests were presented with books by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
The ‘Burnebitgazhyzmat’ department of the ‘Nebitgazburawlaýyş’ trust, part of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, is achieving strong production results. In the first two months of the year, the enterprise carried out work worth approximately 1,503,000 manats. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-gaz’. The department supplies the trust’s drilling units with the necessary materials and equipment. Since the start of the year, the ‘Nebitdag’, ‘Goturdepe’, ‘Korpeje’ and ‘Ekerem’ have carried out 19,610 metres of drilling work against a target of 11,300 metres, which amounts to 173.5% of the planned volume. The work involves the use of mobile and truck-mounted cranes, as well as heavy-duty lorries. Particular attention is being paid to the restoration and inspection of drill pipes: they are being cleaned, reprocessed and technically inspected using the ‘ASW-1050’ and ‘ASW-700’ units. In addition, the bentonite production unit plans to produce 6,500 tonnes of product this year.
The International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan has developed a biological product for the restoration of saline and degraded soils. This was reported by the news agency Orient. It is based on strains of microscopic fungi isolated from the country’s salt marshes, which remain active at salinity levels exceeding 10%. The preparation protects plant roots from excess sodium, stimulates growth and increases the resistance of crops to salt stress, heat and plant pathogens. According to the developers, wheat seed germination increases from 42% to 78%, and root biomass by 35%. The technology can increase yields by 25–30% and reduce the need for mineral fertilisers by 15%. The development is seen as a promising solution for combating soil salinisation in Central Asian countries.
A solar photovoltaic system has been commissioned at the Talhatanbaba Rural Health Centre in the Yoloten etrap of the Mary velayat. The project was implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The new station provides the healthcare facility with an uninterrupted power supply, which is particularly important for storing vaccines and delivering vital medical services to children and adults. According to UNICEF, this is already the second such project in Turkmenistan. The initiative is a continuation of efforts to modernise the healthcare system and enhance its resilience to climate-related challenges. Previously, UNICEF assessed the energy needs of 10 primary healthcare facilities across the country, which formed the basis for the further roll-out of solar systems.
The premium-segment vehicles ‘TANK 300’, ‘TANK 500’ and ‘Haval’ models from the Chinese automotive group ‘Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) are on display at the ‘Cooperation and Development’ International Exhibition in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Several models are on display at the company’s stand. Key features of the vehicles include a ladder-frame chassis, double glazing, as well as a high level of comfort and off-road capability. Most models are equipped with four-wheel drive, ventilation and massage functions in the seats, heated seats and a windscreen heating system. The vehicles come with a three-year warranty. Service centres are already operational in Ashgabat and Mary, and the company plans to launch a car finance scheme in the near future. The share of Chinese cars in the Turkmen market is set to grow over the next two to three years. Since February last year, GWM has sold over 60 cars in Turkmenistan, purchased by both government agencies and private customers.
On 2 April in Baku, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, took part in the Second Meeting of Heads of Government/Vice-President of the Member States of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS). The event was attended by delegations from member states and observer states, as well as representatives of international organisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of multilateral cooperation, the strengthening of economic ties, transport and logistics corridors, trade, investment, the digital economy, energy and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to economic integration, joint infrastructure projects and cooperation in industry, agriculture and innovation. The participants emphasised the importance of expanding trade and business contacts. In his address, N. Atagulyev noted the need to coordinate efforts in the fields of security, sustainable development and cooperation within international organisations, including the UN. He also highlighted the development of the ‘East–West’ and ‘North–South’ transport corridors, the Trans-Caspian and Lapis Lazuli routes, as well as the expansion of energy and investment cooperation. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness for further partnership. Following the meeting, decisions were taken on the development of joint projects within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States. On the same day, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the Heads of delegations. He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation, developing investment and transport routes, including the Middle and Trans-Caspian corridors.
IE ‘Has’, a member of the Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, is expanding the use of modern solutions in the agricultural sector. This was reported by AsmanNews. The company is installing drip irrigation systems in fields and greenhouses. These are equipped with water purification filters, which reduce soil salinisation and enable water savings of up to 50%. ‘Has’ also designs and builds greenhouse complexes with heating, lighting and ventilation systems. The work draws on the experience of Turkey, the Netherlands and Spain, ensuring year-round production. Natural pollination using bees is also employed. This reduces the use of chemicals and improves product quality. According to the source, the implementation of such solutions contributes to the development of the private sector, the creation of jobs and the strengthening of the country’s export potential.
On 1 April in Baku, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, met with Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport; Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy; Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of ‘Azerbaijan Railways’ CJSC, and Eldar Salahov, Director of ‘Baku International Sea Port’ LLC. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meetings covered the development of transport corridors, the expansion of cooperation between seaports and the increase in freight volumes. Joint projects on transit corridors and the revitalisation of international routes passing through the territories of the two countries were considered. The organisation of a business forum and product exhibition in Ashgabat and Baku was also discussed. In addition, the parties discussed preparations for the next meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Inter-governmental Commission, the development of cooperation between business circles, the increase in trade, and the expansion of the range of products utilising the opportunities offered by the Caspian Sea. During the visit, the delegation visited the Baku International Sea Port and the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ), familiarising themselves with their infrastructure and potential.
On 2 April, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, M. Mashalov, met with the Malaysian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Haji Mohamad bin Sabu. The meeting was attended by heads of departments within the ministry, representatives of the Malaysian Institute of Agricultural Research and Development, the South and Central Asia Division of the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry, as well as staff from the Embassy of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador noted the need to intensify cooperation in the agricultural sector and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s openness to joint projects. Discussions covered the establishment of joint ventures, the digitalisation of agriculture, the exchange of expertise, the development of export logistics and environmentally friendly production. The parties considered specific areas: joint agricultural enterprises in Malaysia, processing of agricultural produce, support for investors, the introduction of precision farming, seed production, livestock farming, the use of drought-resistant crops, modernisation of irrigation, efficient water use and the simplification of phytosanitary and veterinary procedures. It was proposed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries’ ministries of agriculture. Minister H.M. Sabu highlighted the effectiveness of trade and economic cooperation and noted the prospects for developing trade in fresh fruit and vegetables. He shared Malaysia’s experience in the field of irrigation systems and ‘smart farm’ projects. The Turkmen side was briefed on the activities of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Discussions took place regarding the conclusion of a Cooperation Agreement between research institutes and the organisation of exchange visits for specialists. The Ambassador invited Malaysian specialists to take part in the international exhibitions ‘Agro Pack Turkmenistan – 2026’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan 2026’, which will be held in Ashgabat from 12 to 14 May.
On 1 April, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, met with H. Koinuma, President of the Turkmen-Japanese Science and Technology Association, and representatives of Japanese companies collaborating with the association. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting discussed the further development of scientific and technological cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan. The possibility of new Japanese companies and organisations entering the Turkmen market was considered. Plans were discussed for the introduction of water purification technologies and equipment by the Japanese company ‘Tohkemy Corporation’. It is cooperating with the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 15 April 2025. They also reviewed a project by a professor from Chubu University on the processing of natural gas into liquefied gas for subsequent export and the production of helium from liquefied gas. In addition, the meeting participants were briefed on the capabilities of the Japanese organisation ‘Asia Seed’ in the development of human resources within the education systems of Asian countries.