Economy
Discussions were held in Ashgabat on the entry of Turkmen brands into the EU market
15.04.2026Turkmenistan’s private sector is preparing to enter the EU market, focusing on high value-added products and the development of its own brands. On 13 April, a seminar organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) was held in Ashgabat, bringing together designers and representatives of the garment industry, according to the news agency Orient. For 29 small and medium-sized enterprises, participation in the EU trade development project served as a practical guide to the requirements of the European retail sector. The key objective is compliance with environmental and certification standards, including the principles of the ‘European Green Deal’. Participants studied market requirements and began developing their ‘Spring–Summer 2027’ collections, adapting national motifs for an international audience and shaping a unique brand identity. Particular attention was paid to product range strategy, visual merchandising and promotion – from collection planning to building a recognisable brand. The seminar served as preparation for participation in the ‘Who’s Next’ exhibition in Paris, where companies hope to establish contacts with buyers and strengthen their export potential.
The country’s tourism potential was showcased at a forum in Ashgabat
15.04.2026The Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, Atageldi Shamyradov, highlighted the country’s significant tourism potential at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ conference in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to him, Turkmenistan is home to historical tourist sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include ancient Merv and Old Nisa, which attract foreign tourists. The potential for ecotourism was also highlighted. Popular destinations include the Koytendag caves and sites with dinosaur footprints, which continue to be studied by experts. The Minister reported on the development of cruise tourism on the Caspian Sea. Work is being carried out in collaboration with Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Iran. The ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ exhibition and conference are taking place in Ashgabat from 14 to 16 April.
‘Nazarly Arzuw’ presented a fresh perspective on tourism at ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’
15.04.2026The International Forum ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’, dedicated to the development of tourism in Central Asia, has kicked off in Turkmenistan. One of the notable participants was the company ‘Nazarly Arzuw’, which presented a concept for travel along the Silk Road with an emphasis on authentic experiences and the region’s ‘hidden gems’, reports IIC. The company focuses on an in-depth immersion in the culture and history of Central Asian countries, offering itineraries ranging from Uzbek bazaars to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the deserts of Turkmenistan. Particular attention is paid to a personalised approach: tours are tailored to travellers’ interests. Participation in the forum enabled ‘Nazarly Arzuw’ to establish itself as a major player in the regional tourism market. The organisers note that ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ remains a platform for professional dialogue and the promotion of the region’s tourism potential.
UNDP is introducing laser technology to promote sustainable agriculture in Turkmenistan
15.04.2026UNDP in Turkmenistan has handed over two sets of equipment for laser levelling of agricultural land to the district administration of Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi in Dashoguz velayat and to the ‘Obahyzmat’ production association in the Darganata etrap of the Lebap velayat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The handover took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan on sustainable land management in the Aral Sea basin, supported by the GEF. The new technology enables fields to be levelled with precision, improving the distribution of irrigation water, reducing soil salinisation and waterlogging, and increasing crop yields. The equipment will be used on pilot sites, with subsequent roll-out to farmers. Training sessions on how to use the technology have already been held for specialists and local farmers. The project aims to restore degraded land, conserve ecosystems and introduce sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Turkmenistan has concluded export deals with partners from Türkiye and Uzbekistan
14.04.2026On April 13, during exchange trading on the external market, deals were concluded between foreign and Turkmen suppliers for a total amount of $26.6 million, according to the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan. Businesspeople from Türkiye purchased technical sulfuric acid from the State Concern “Turkmenhimiya,” and also concluded agreements with Turkmen entrepreneurs for the supply of cotton yarn. In addition, representatives of the business sector from Uzbekistan reached an agreement with the State Concern “Turkmennebit” on supplies of base oil of the “CN-600” grade.
Last week, 32 trading transactions were recorded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange
13.04.2026Last week saw high levels of investment activity on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan: 32 major deals were concluded, with petrochemical and industrial products accounting for the majority of foreign trade. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Buyers from the UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan purchased ‘Türkmennebit’ base oil, whilst Afghan entrepreneurs also purchased ‘ECO-93’ eco-friendly fuel produced by the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern. Demand from foreign partners also extended to the agricultural and textile sectors: companies from the UAE, Turkey and Azerbaijan signed contracts for the supply of flour, cotton yarn and fatty acids from cotton seed meal. The total value of export deals exceeded US$57.8 million. Growth was also recorded in the domestic market: Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased polypropylene, base oils, packaging film and textile products. The total value of transactions in national currency exceeded 61.1 million manats.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the construction of a market in the Lebap velayat
12.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has approved the construction of a new modern market in the Farap etrap of the Lebap velayat. The proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations. Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev has been tasked with overseeing the project. The decision was taken following an on-site government meeting, reports TDH. At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister reported on the state of the retail sector in the region. The supply of essential goods to the population is ensured by the Ministry’s enterprises and the structures of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. In total, there are 860 retail, manufacturing and catering establishments operating in the velayat. The modernisation of the retail infrastructure is continuing. New shopping centres, shops and markets are being introduced. E-commerce and delivery services are expanding. The region is also home to textile industry enterprises and carpet manufacturing facilities. The ‘Türkmenhaly’ association and its workshops operate in the Halach etrap. Overall, dozens of private enterprises in the manufacturing, trade and service sectors operate in the velayat. As part of the presidential programme, there are plans to open 12 new private manufacturing facilities, which will create 311 jobs. The President has instructed that the supply of goods to the domestic market be kept under control and that the range of retail services for the population of Lebap velayat be expanded.
Efforts to develop gas fields are being stepped up in the Lebap velayat
11.04.2026On 10 April, during a government meeting, Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported on efforts to improve the oil and gas sector in the Lebap velayat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. It was noted that measures are being taken in the region to ensure a consistent supply of natural gas to the population, including the maintenance of gas pipelines, distribution stations and regulating equipment by the ‘Türkmengaz’ State Concern. The ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ Corporation is carrying out large-scale drilling operations aimed at discovering new deposits and increasing groundwater reserves. Development of the ‘Bagtyýarlyk’ concession area and a number of gas fields, including ‘Malaý’, ‘Naýyp’, ‘Kükürtli’ and others, is also continuing, as is the supply of gas to the domestic market and for export. In addition, work is underway to improve the efficiency of the Seydi Oil Refinery and liquefied natural gas production facilities in the region. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for further modernisation of the industry, the introduction of modern technologies, improved efficiency of drilling operations and the timely repair of gas production wells.
The Lebap velayat is seeing positive trends in economic development
11.04.2026On 10 April, during a government meeting, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, presented a report on measures for the socio-economic development of the Lebap velayat for January–March 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. At the end of the period, growth was recorded across a number of indicators: industrial production increased by 0.2%, bread output by 0.8%, flour output by 13.9%, vegetable output by 28.9%, fruit by 8.8%, milk by 3.1%, eggs by 2.4% and canned goods by 2.1%. Freight turnover rose by 3.9%, passenger turnover by 0.6% and retail trade by 11.3%. Revenue targets for the local budget were met at 113.4%, whilst expenditure targets were met at 98.8%. As part of the National Rural Programme, construction of social infrastructure facilities continued, including 20 buildings, water treatment plants and housing. Revenues from bank branches in the region exceeded the target by 24%. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for further socio-economic development and instructed that the timely utilisation of investments be monitored.
Business communities in Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed prospects for cooperation
10.04.2026On 7 April, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with representatives of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Secretary-General Shahid Khalil. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for expanding business cooperation and strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries. Representatives of the Lahore CCI expressed interest in developing practical cooperation. The Turkmen side provided information on the reforms being carried out in the country, aimed at developing foreign trade and integration into the global economy. Turkmenistan’s export potential was highlighted, including supplies of natural gas, petroleum products, textiles and agricultural produce. Particular attention was paid to the international business forums planned for this year. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand mutual trade and for the business community to participate in joint events.
‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Mitsui & Co., Ltd’ discussed a partnership in the oil and gas sector
09.04.2026On 3 April, representatives of the Natural Gas Research Institute of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ held online negotiations with representatives of the Japanese company ‘Mitsui & Co., Ltd’, during which they discussed prospects for cooperation in the oil and gas sector, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The Japanese side presented information on its activities, as well as the company’s capabilities in the oil and gas sector. During the negotiations, the parties exchanged views on the proposals presented and considered the prospects for establishing cooperation in this area. The negotiations were organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan.
Turkmenistan will take part in the ‘Kazan Halal Market’ exhibition
09.04.2026Turkmenistan will take part in the international exhibition ‘Kazan Halal Market’, which will be held from 12 to 17 May in Kazan as part of the ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum’ event. This was announced by Talia Minullina, Head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The exhibition will feature food products, cosmetics, clothing, accessories and household goods. A halal certificate is a mandatory requirement for participation. In 2024, more than 150 companies from Russia and a number of other countries, including Turkmenistan, took part in the exhibition. Furthermore, on the sidelines of the forum, Turkmenistan, Russia and Afghanistan plan to sign an agreement on the creation of a new transit corridor.
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