News
Turkmenistan is involved in the development of digital cooperation between customs services
25.09.2026The first meeting of the specialised Working Group on Cooperation between the Customs Services of Central Asian Countries and the People’s Republic of China took place in China on 15–17 September 2026. A delegation from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part in the event, according to the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. Representatives from China, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan discussed the introduction of modern technologies into customs administration, including risk management, artificial intelligence and data analysis. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement on a draft ‘Cooperation Procedure’, providing for the operational exchange of information between customs services. The document is expected to be signed at the Third ‘China–Central Asia’ Summit in 2027. The parties also agreed to explore the possibility of launching a pilot data-sharing scheme. The next meeting of the Working Group is scheduled to take place in Kazakhstan. The Turkmen delegation’s participation as observers provided an opportunity to learn about international experience in the digitalisation of customs and approaches to modernising the national customs control system.
Turkmenistan took part in discussions on investment in the ‘One Health’ approach
25.09.2026Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in a meeting on investment in the ‘One Health’ approach in Central Asia. The event took place on 23 September at FAO headquarters in Rome as part of the FAO Global Conference on implementing this approach in agri-food systems, reports Turkmenportal. The event was organised by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) and the World Bank. Representatives from five countries in the region discussed investment priorities for the next two to three years and regional cooperation in tackling cross-border threats. As part of the regional plan, efforts are being made to develop laboratory cooperation, joint risk assessment and preparedness for cross-border threats. Issues such as antimicrobial resistance, the harmonisation of legislation and the creation of a unified information platform are also being addressed. Participants discussed mechanisms for sustainable financing, including national budgets, blended finance and public-private partnerships. It is planned to take the meeting’s recommendations into account during the next phase of implementing the ‘One Health’ Regional Action Plan.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has received messages of congratulations
24.09.2026Letters of congratulations have been received by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of his birthday. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Congratulatory messages were sent by Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic; Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; and Kaha Imnadze, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. In their messages, they wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, well-being, vigour and continued success in his state duties, and the people of Turkmenistan peace, development and prosperity. The role of Serdar Berdimuhamedov in strengthening bilateral relations, international cooperation, peace and stability in the region was also highlighted.
Hero Arkadag addressed a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
24.09.2026On September 23, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed a session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, outlining the main directions for the country’s further development. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that, over the years of independence, a modern system of state bodies has been established in Turkmenistan, socio-economic development programmes have been implemented, and new industrial, social and infrastructure facilities have been created. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty paid particular attention to foreign policy. Among its key principles, he cited peacefulness, good neighbourliness and respect for all states and peoples. Hero Arkadag emphasised the role of the United Nations in Turkmenistan’s international activities and the significance of the country’s status as a permanently neutral state. Turkmenistan continues its work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that projects are being implemented in the country in the fields of environmental protection, education and healthcare, and that measures are being taken to combat climate change and develop a ‘green’ economy. A significant part of the speech was devoted to industrial development. The Chairman of Halk Maslahaty noted that the country has established a multi-sector economy, comprising the electricity, oil and gas, chemical, metallurgical, construction, textile, food and pharmaceutical industries. Projects aimed at producing import-substituting goods and expanding export potential are continuing. Among the major enterprises mentioned were the gas-to-petrol plant in Ahal, the ‘Marykarbamid’ and ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plants, the ‘Balkan’, ‘Lebap’ and ‘Bäherden’ cement plants, the state-owned enterprise ‘Türkmendemirönümleri’ and the enterprise ‘Türkmen aýna önümleri’. Hero Arkadag drew attention to the development of the energy and chemical sectors, including the construction of gas turbine, solar and wind power stations, as well as the production of mineral fertilisers, technical iodine and other products. The modernisation of the oil and gas sector is continuing. The ‘Programme for the Development of the Oil and Gas Industry of Turkmenistan for the Period up to 2030’ is being implemented. The ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ gas pipeline was cited as one of the key projects. This year saw the start of the fourth phase of development at the ‘Galkynyş’ field. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reported that the project involves the construction of facilities for the additional processing of 10 billion cubic metres of commercial gas per year. The Chairman of Halk Maslahaty also highlighted the development of the private sector. The Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan has around 30,000 members. Entrepreneurs have established more than 1,500 industrial enterprises.The electronics industry was cited as one of the promising sectors. Hero Arkadag emphasised the need to develop enterprises using modern technologies and to train qualified specialists. It was also proposed to adopt a long-term Strategy for the country’s further industrial development to implement a new phase of industrialisation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid particular attention to youth policy and education. It was proposed to adopt a State Programme on Turkmenistan’s State Youth Policy up to 2031. In the city of Arkadag, construction is continuing on an educational complex comprising a secondary school offering in-depth foreign language studies, a nursery school and a sports facility. The Chairman of Halk Maslahaty also proposed establishing a national institute for the development of the education system and preparing a five-year forecast of teaching staff requirements. In the field of science, Hero Arkadag recommended channelling financial resources towards scientific and educational activities, including support for research initiatives by students and young scientists. In the social sphere, state support was highlighted for large families, orphans, veterans and other citizens in need of protection. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship continues its work. In the healthcare sector, the ‘National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052’ is being implemented. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that in the city of Arkadag, the company ‘Arkadag Medisina Klasteri Menejment’ manufactures medical and consumer products using local raw materials. A significant part of the speech was devoted to the topic of Ahal-Teke racehorses. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty noted that, as part of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, a programme of horse-breeding and equestrian events is being implemented. He also highlighted the participation of Turkmen representatives in international championships and competitions. Ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence, plans are in place to open the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, with a capacity of 1,200 seats. Separately, Hero Arkadag discussed the further development of the city of Arkadag. During the second phase of construction, alongside residential buildings, enterprises in the food, industrial, pharmaceutical and medical sectors are being built. The opening of the city’s second phase is scheduled for 2027. It was proposed that an Organising Committee be set up to prepare for the ceremony. In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of independence, unity and the well-being of citizens, and highlighted the need to continue the current state policy.
The President of Turkmenistan has set out the country’s development priorities
24.09.2026On 23 September, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed a session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, outlining the main directions of the country’s socio-economic development and the objectives for the coming years. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State stated that GDP growth is expected to reach 6.3 per cent by the end of the year. The volume of investment under the ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investment for 2026’ will exceed 41.2 billion manats. The President of Turkmenistan has instructed that a similar programme be drawn up for 2027. Particular attention was paid in the speech to industry, energy and infrastructure. The development of the oil and gas sector continues in the country, including the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynyş’ field development. As part of the project, a plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres of marketable gas per year is under construction. The construction and modernisation of industrial enterprises are continuing. Projects include complexes for the production of urea and mineral fertilisers, chemical industry enterprises, as well as new energy facilities. In the Gyzylarbat etrap of the Balkan velayat, there are plans to commission a hybrid wind-solar power station. In the transport sector, construction has been completed on the 600-kilometre ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. Work is continuing on the ‘Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz–Kazakhstan’ border road. The reconstruction of the ‘Ashgabat–Dashoguz’ motorway is also planned. The Head of State emphasised the need to adopt the ‘National Strategy for the Industrial Development of Turkmenistan for 2030–2045’. In the social sector, construction is continuing on housing estates, new settlements and infrastructure facilities. In the Yoloten etrap of the Mary velayat, construction has begun on a settlement for 4,500 households. Construction of the second phase of the city of Arkadag is continuing. Particular attention has been paid to agriculture. This year, the country has harvested over 1.4 million tonnes of grain. The cotton harvest is expected to total 1.25 million tonnes. Cocoon production has exceeded 2,100 tonnes. In the Dashoguz velayat, there are plans to build a facility to process 60,000 tonnes of industrial cotton seeds and produce vegetable oil. In the field of education, the construction and modernisation of educational institutions is continuing. In Ashgabat, the new complex of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction has been commissioned, whilst in Turkmenabat, the new complex of the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute has been commissioned. The President also noted the preparation of the ‘State Programme on State Youth Policy in Turkmenistan for the period up to 2031’. In the healthcare sector, plans are in place to open an International Paediatrics Centre, an International Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre and a Dental Centre in Ashgabat. Construction of multi-specialist hospitals and other medical facilities is continuing in the regions. There are plans to lay the foundations for 50 rural health centres and rural health facilities. The speech also touched upon issues relating to the development of sport, culture, the textile industry, entrepreneurship and the transport and communications sector. In particular, mention was made of the expansion of digital services and the exploration of opportunities for applying artificial intelligence technologies. Considerable attention was also paid to foreign policy. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the adoption by the UN General Assembly of resolutions on the role of the policy of neutrality and the declaration of 2028 as the Year of International Law. A number of international events are scheduled to take place in October at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, including a consultative meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States. At the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan put forward an initiative to adopt a national concept entitled ‘International Law and Neutrality of Turkmenistan’. It was also proposed to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the United Nations. Concluding his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced that, in accordance with the Decree being signed, Turkmenistan’s Independence Day, marking its 35th anniversary, would be celebrated on 27, 28 and 29 September.
TIF 2026 will bring together delegates from 45 countries in Ashgabat
24.09.2026More than 800 delegates from 45 countries will take part in the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026, which will be held on 1–2 October in Ashgabat. Among them are representatives of international financial organisations, government and business circles, as well as multinational companies, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Representatives from the USA, the UK, Germany, France, Japan, Singapore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Central Asian countries have registered to attend the forum. Saudi Arabia will be represented by a delegation led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, Head of the investment holding company Najd Gateway Holding. The delegation will also include representatives from the energy, industrial, agricultural and construction sectors. Representatives from the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank will take part in the forum. Representatives from the Netherlands, Turkey, Pakistan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia have confirmed their participation at ministerial level. The forum is organised by the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the company ‘Turkmen Congress’.
At the meeting of Halk Maslahaty, participants discussed strengthening defence and developing the economy
24.09.2026The latest session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan is currently taking place in Ashgabat. During the session, a representative of the country’s military and law enforcement agencies noted that the achievements of the sovereign state are based on the principle: ‘The Motherland is only a Motherland with its people! The State is only a State with its people!’, according to the IIC. In his address, he spoke about the ongoing modernisation of the material and technical base of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan and the strengthening of their defence capabilities. Among the significant events, he highlighted the holding of a ceremonial military parade and the establishment by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, of an anniversary medal in recognition of the valiant service of the defenders of the Fatherland. A representative of the economic sector delivered a separate report on the country’s industrial and logistical potential. He noted the measures being taken to remove obstacles to transit transport, expand the capacity of transport routes and develop logistics services. These initiatives contribute to the expansion of international transport corridors and foreign trade links. Particular attention was paid in the presentation to the development of the industrial and energy sectors. The number of modern industrial enterprises in the country is increasing, and new jobs are being created. It was also noted that Turkmenistan meets its domestic electricity needs and is increasing its electricity exports. The development of mineral and hydrocarbon resources is contributing to the further diversification of production and the manufacture of domestic goods.
At the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, the importance of digital development was emphasised
24.09.2026The latest session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan is currently taking place in Ashgabat, during which issues relating to the country’s socio-economic development and the improvement of the population’s welfare are being discussed. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. A representative of Turkmenistan’s transport and communications sector addressed the session. He congratulated the meeting participants and his fellow citizens on the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. In his speech, he noted that large-scale reforms in the country are being carried out in accordance with the principle set out by the President of Turkmenistan: ‘The Motherland is only a Motherland with its people! The State is only a State with its people!’ Particular attention was paid to the development and modernisation of communications infrastructure. The use of modern internet services is expanding across various sectors of the national economy. As the speaker noted, the development of accessible digital infrastructure is of vital importance for the country’s socio-economic development. The expansion of digital opportunities also creates additional conditions for the development of education and the improvement of the population’s quality of life.
Turkmenistan discusses legislation on children’s rights
23.09.2026On 22 September, a meeting took place at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan between MPs and Dessislava Ilieva, an international consultant and expert with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the implementation of the National Action Plan on the Rights of the Child in Turkmenistan for 2023–2028 and ways to improve national legislation. The MPs noted that supporting families and strengthening their role in raising children remain a priority of state policy. According to them, the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On State Guarantees of the Rights of the Child’ and other relevant legislative acts are of particular importance. The parliamentarians emphasised that Turkmenistan is consistently strengthening the legal framework in the field of social protection and implementing new initiatives in line with its international obligations.
Turkmenistan’s oil industry marks the 35th anniversary of independence with new achievements
23.09.2026The production divisions of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ are continuing to carry out large-scale work in the oil and gas sector. In the Balkan velayat, the company’s specialists are engaged in the exploration and commercial development of hydrocarbon fields. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Specialists from the Goturdepe Drilling Directorate of the ‘Nebitgazburawlaýyş’ trust have achieved significant results over the first eight months of this year. Drilling crews have drilled 45,199 metres of wells, against a target of 33,196 metres. More than 12,000 metres were drilled in excess of the set target, with the performance rate exceeding 136 per cent of the plan. Of the total drilling volume, 33,363 metres were accounted for by production drilling, whilst a further 11,836 metres were for exploration work. The team at the Goturdepe Drilling Directorate is currently continuing its efforts to improve production performance. The drillers expect to complete their planned tasks ahead of schedule and achieve further results. In their work, they are capitalising on emerging opportunities and modern conditions to further develop the country’s oil and gas sector.
Singapore has confirmed its interest in developing ties with Turkmenistan
23.09.2026A message has been received by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, from the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and the country’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong. The message expresses gratitude for the congratulations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Singapore, reports the TDH news agency. On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore, congratulations and best wishes were also conveyed to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the people of Turkmenistan. The message notes that over the past three decades, bilateral relations have been built on a foundation of respect and goodwill. The Republic of Singapore highly values the friendly inter-state dialogue, which is also developing within the framework of international organisations. Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Lawrence Wong expressed their hope for the further strengthening of ties between the two countries. They wished President Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health and success, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent his congratulations to the leadership of Saudi Arabia
23.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has extended his congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the people of the country on the Kingdom’s National Day. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The Head of State noted the high level of mutual understanding and cooperation between Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral relations in the interests of the peoples of both countries. The President of Turkmenistan wished the Kingdom’s leaders good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Saudi Arabia peace, progress and prosperity.
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