News
New, modern railway stations are to be built in Turkmenistan
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Annayev reported on measures to modernise the railway sector. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As part of the country’s socio-economic development, there are plans to construct modern railway station buildings in the velayats, which will improve the sector’s operational efficiency and enhance working conditions for staff. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, approved the proposals to build new railway stations in the Ahal, Balkan and Mary velayats and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the project’s implementation.
Turkmenistan presented its human capital development strategy in Ankara
25.07.2026Turkmenistan presented its approach to human capital development at a UNDP regional seminar held on 22–24 July in Ankara. The main emphasis was placed on the role of education and skills development as key factors in economic transformation, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The country has expanded access to higher education, updated educational standards and introduced a digital system for evaluating higher education institutions. In collaboration with the UNDP, a strategic human capital planning system is also being developed, which will enable the quality of education, demographic trends and the training of specialists to be aligned with the needs of the labour market. In addition, a demographic and economic model and software for scenario-based forecasting were presented, which help to assess the impact of decisions in the fields of education, employment and skills development on the economy. According to the Turkmen side, this approach will enable human potential to be utilised more effectively to boost productivity, foster innovation and ensure sustainable economic growth.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan is expanding its legislative and international activities
25.07.2026On 24 July, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, reported on efforts to improve national legislation during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Draft laws are currently being drawn up concerning the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, the state registration of property rights, and Turkmenistan’s accession to international instruments. At the same time, amendments are being made to existing legislation. Inter-parliamentary cooperation is also continuing to develop. In particular, a meeting was held with a delegation led by the Head of the Korea–Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, at which the expansion of bilateral relations was discussed. Representatives of the Mejlis also took part in events organised by the UNDP and the International Organisation for Migration. Summing up, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to further strengthen the legislative framework and improve legal acts.
A meeting was held in Ashgabat to discuss the monitoring of SDG indicators in the healthcare sector
25.07.2026In Ashgabat, representatives of the relevant ministries and departments of Turkmenistan held a working meeting with experts from the WHO, UNICEF and UN agencies. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed improving statistical reporting methodologies as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event, organised with the support of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, is taking place as part of the preparations for Turkmenistan’s third Voluntary National Review. The participants examined issues relating to the harmonisation of national and international approaches to measuring SDG 3 indicators, paying particular attention to the quality, comparability and completeness of health data. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for further technical cooperation.
‘Green’ technologies and digitalisation: Turkmenistan prepares for an investment forum
25.07.2026The Turkmenistan Investment Forum is to be held in Ashgabat this October. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the progress of preparations for this event at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan held on 24 July. According to the news agency TDH, the forum and accompanying events are set to address issues relating to the country’s economic development, enhancing Turkmenistan’s investment appeal, as well as the prospects for the fuel and energy and industrial sectors, and the development of transport and communications systems. Key topics on the agenda include the digital and ‘green’ transformation of the economy, the introduction of digital financial technologies, the development of agribusiness, the sustainability of agriculture in the face of climate change, and environmental protection. In addition, forum participants will consider issues relating to the expansion of trade and the services sector, the development of public-private partnerships, cooperation with international financial institutions, and the further diversification of the economy. Following the report, a corresponding proposal was submitted to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan for consideration. The Head of State emphasised the importance of efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen international cooperation in this area, approved the holding of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum in October, and instructed that preparatory work should continue.
Schoolchildren from Turkmenistan took part in an international camp in Shanghai
25.07.2026From 12 to 22 July, school pupils from the Turkmenistan delegation took part in the 20th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp, held in Shanghai (People’s Republic of China). This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. A total of 107 school pupils from 17 countries took part in the event. The camp programme was aimed at promoting cultural exchange, strengthening friendly ties and fostering mutual understanding among young people from different countries. As part of the ‘Mini-Expo’ cultural exhibition, representatives from Turkmenistan presented a national stand featuring exhibits reflecting the country’s historical and cultural heritage. Participants at the event were introduced to examples of national dress, Turkmen carpets, traditions and other elements of the nation’s material and spiritual heritage. During the ten-day programme, the school pupils visited Shanghai’s sights, took part in sessions on traditional Chinese medicine and attended masterclasses on making silk fans in the city of Suzhou. The Turkmen delegation’s participation in the international camp helped to expand educational and cultural ties, as well as to strengthen cooperation between Turkmenistan and the People’s Republic of China in the field of youth policy.
The implementation of the ‘One Health’ approach in Turkmenistan was discussed in Ashgabat
25.07.2026The fifth meeting of the National Intersectoral Coordination Committee on the Implementation of the ‘One Health’ Approach in Turkmenistan, supported by the WHO, took place at the UN building in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the country’s relevant ministries and agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia. Participants reviewed the results of work carried out during the first half of 2026 and identified priority tasks within the framework of the regional project on pandemic prevention and preparedness. The main focus was on developing cross-sectoral cooperation in the field of human, animal and environmental health, as well as raising public awareness of the prevention of zoonotic infections.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed the prospects for partnership in the field of migration
25.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME). This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed cooperation in the areas of migration, visa policy and the protection of citizens’ rights abroad. The Turkmen side proposed establishing working-level cooperation between the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, DG HOME and the relevant authorities of EU countries to facilitate the prompt exchange of information. In addition, the negotiation covered EU mechanisms for issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas, as well as Turkmenistan’s consultations with the Benelux countries regarding the abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Issues relating to participation in European programmes to combat human trafficking, within the framework of the National Action Plan of Turkmenistan for 2025–2029, were also raised. Furthermore, the parties discussed the prospects for drafting an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Turkmenistan and the EU. The European Commission representative confirmed DG HOME’s readiness to provide expert advice and exchange information with the Turkmen side.
Turkmen businesses are expanding their involvement in key sectors of the economy
25.07.2026Measures are being implemented in Turkmenistan to diversify the economy, develop high value-added production, promote digitalisation and support national businesses. This is reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The development of private enterprise remains one of the priorities of state policy. Preferential lending, tax incentives and a business-friendly policy are helping to expand the private sector’s participation in various sectors of the economy. Private enterprises are actively developing in the agro-industrial sector, the food industry, the production of building materials, logistics and the transport sector. Their activities help to create new jobs, increase household incomes and strengthen market mechanisms. Products labelled ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ are strengthening their position in both domestic and foreign markets. The competitiveness of domestic goods is ensured by the introduction of modern technologies, improvements in production quality and compliance with international standards. The main export sectors for the private sector are textiles, foodstuffs and building materials. At the same time, import substitution is developing: local producers supply the domestic market with meat, dairy and fruit and vegetable products, poultry products, as well as building materials, paints and varnishes, plastic products and pipes. One example of public-private partnership has been the development of production of motor and industrial oils, as well as products resulting from the deep processing of hydrocarbon raw materials. In accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan, the country’s economy is developed on the basis of market principles, whilst the state provides support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Systematic measures to promote business development, innovation and digitalisation are helping to strengthen the country’s economic potential and expand its export opportunities.
A company in the Ahal velayat has doubled its paper production and is expanding its exports
25.07.2026A company in the Gokdepe etrap of the Ahal velayat has increased its paper production and is expanding its exports. Ahead of the new academic year, a large consignment of products is being sent to Uzbekistan for the production of school textbooks, exercise books and art books. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. By the start of the academic year, the factory had doubled its output: monthly production rose from 600 to 1,200 tonnes. In August, 135 tonnes of offset paper will be delivered to Uzbekistan. Shipments are also being prepared for Tajikistan (68 tonnes) and Iran (275 tonnes), as well as the first consignment to Kazakhstan comprising 48,000 sheets of A4 paper. The plant, which commenced operations in June 2025, produces A4 and A3 office paper, as well as offset paper of various grammages. The plant’s design capacity is 14,400 tonnes of product per year. Exports currently cover six countries: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Armenia. Plans are in place to enter the markets of Kyrgyzstan and Georgia. The production process utilises pulp sourced from overseas suppliers in Portugal, Brazil, Austria, Spain and Turkey, which meets international quality standards. The company has strengthened its control over production processes – from raw material inspection to the assessment of finished products. Optimisation of equipment operation has enabled an increase in output without compromising quality. Deliveries are made by road and rail. Delivery of products to Uzbekistan, including customs clearance, takes around a week. The company plans to further expand its production capacity and develop new export markets.
Turkmenistan presented its approaches to resource management to the UN Security Council
25.07.2026On 22 July 2026, Vepa Hajiyev, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, addressed the open debate of the UN Security Council on ‘Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Managing Natural Resources for Peace, Security and Prosperity’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The diplomat affirmed his country’s commitment to the equitable and mutually beneficial use of resources to strengthen global security. Vepa Hajiyev also noted that Ashgabat’s international initiatives in the fields of preventive diplomacy, the environment, energy and transport are enshrined in 32 UN General Assembly resolutions. Furthermore, the country’s representative reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to international cooperation in the context of its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032. This commitment had previously been endorsed by the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is studying Turkey’s experience in the digitalisation of stock market trading
25.07.2026Negotiations were held in Ankara between the leadership of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed expanding trade cooperation, developing exchange and interbank links, and creating conditions to foster direct contacts between entrepreneurs from both countries. The Head of TOBB, Mustafa Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, confirmed his willingness to support the integration of trading platforms and the exchange of expertise in the digitalisation of exchange trading. During the visit, the Turkmen delegation also familiarised themselves with the work of the Turkish Commodity Exchange (TÜRİB) and its digital systems.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
