Economy
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan increased trade turnover by 20% in 2025
28.01.2026In 2025, the volume of mutual trade between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan grew by approximately 20% as a result of expanding the range of products supplied. This was reported by Vafo Niyatbekzoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Diplomat, the growth in trade turnover reflects the strengthening of trade and economic ties and the interest of business circles in both countries in developing mutually beneficial cooperation. V. Niyatbekzoda also emphasised that relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are characterised by a high level of trust and good neighbourliness. In 2025, the countries celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which during this time have reached the level of a deep strategic partnership. Turkmenistan and Tajikistan actively interact in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres, and also cooperate within international organisations, including the UN, OSCE, CIS and others.
Turkmenistan and Eswatini strengthen cooperation in trade and investment
28.01.2026A business delegation from Turkmenistan visited the Kingdom of Eswatini to discuss cooperation in trade, investment and development. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The visit is being held as part of the implementation of agreements on the official establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries. The Turkmen delegation was received by Eswatini's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu, and Minister of Home Affairs, Princess Lindiwe. The parties expressed interest in developing investment dialogue and cooperation on international platforms on issues of peacekeeping and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan and Turkey have concluded agreements on the supply of cotton yarn
27.01.2026On 26 January, during trading on the foreign market, Turkish entrepreneurs concluded deals with Turkmen businessmen for the purchase of single carded unbleached cotton yarn for textile production. This was reported by the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan (SCRMET). On the domestic market, local entrepreneurs signed contracts with the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan for the supply of raw carded single cotton yarn for weaving, as well as raw carded single and single carded unbleached cotton yarn of class ‘A’. As a result of the auction, five deals were concluded for a total amount of 7.76 million manats and 466 thousand US dollars.
Turkmen companies present their products at ‘Gulfood 2026’ in Dubai
27.01.2026Turkmen companies ‘Asly’, ‘Erem’, ‘Miwe’ and ‘Tudana’ are participating in the ‘Gulfood 2026’ international exhibition, which is being held from 26 to 30 January in Dubai (UAE). This was reported by the publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The exhibition brings together leading manufacturers, innovative companies and promising brands to showcase developments in the food industry, environmentally friendly production and modern technologies. The exhibition includes themed pavilions dedicated to beverages, dairy products, meat and poultry, legumes, grains, oils, national cuisines of different countries, as well as healthy and dietary nutrition. ‘Gulfood’ is considered one of the largest regional platforms for presenting achievements in the food industry, the beverage sector and equipment for the hotel and restaurant business. Every year, the exhibition attracts industry professionals from all over the world.
Turkmenistan achieved record volume of container cargo transportation
27.01.2026In 2025, 21,320 containers were shipped from Turkmenistan, which is 10,200 more than in the same period in 2024. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the country's Ministry of Rail Transport. Of these, 10,470 containers were in transit, 6,450 were for export and 4,400 were for import. The widespread use of container transport increases freight traffic on key international routes — ‘North-South’, ‘Lazurit’ and ‘East-West’ — creating new logistics opportunities for the region.
Digital transformation in Turkmenistan: innovations and prospects
26.01.2026During the years of independence, as part of the implementation of the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2019–2025, significant positive results have been achieved and consistent transformations have been carried out in various sectors of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The development of the digital economy has contributed not only to the expansion of the list of digital services and the introduction of innovative solutions, but also to the formation of a new level of digital culture, a deeper public understanding of modern technologies, and increased interest in technical innovations. In this regard, a new Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2026-2028 was approved last year. The document aims to achieve high performance in the field of digitalisation, strengthen international cooperation, attract investment, and widely introduce e-government, artificial intelligence technologies, cloud and financial solutions, which should increase the country's competitiveness. Currently, the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan is systematically working to introduce modern digital technologies, develop information and communication networks, improve ‘smart city’ systems, and modernise industry infrastructure.
Uzbek confectionery chain ‘Safia’ intends to enter the Turkmenistan market
26.01.2026The Uzbek confectionery chain ‘Safia’ is considering entering the Turkmenistan market. This was announced by the company's co-founder Bekzod Samigjanov during an open dialogue between ambassadors and business representatives, which was held on Wednesday in Tashkent, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Samigjanov noted that ‘Safia’ already operates in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and plans to expand further beyond Uzbekistan. He named the markets of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan as priority areas for development. The chain currently has about ten outlets in the Kazakh market. According to the co-founder, ‘Safia’s confectionery exports reached $7-8 million over the year. ‘Safia’ was founded in 2001 and currently has more than 145 branches.
New directions for technological development identified in Turkmenistan
25.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined new directions for the country's technological development at a Cabinet meeting on the digital system. One of the key topics was the formation of an approach to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakyev presented proposals for the development of the digital economy, including the creation of a regulatory framework for AI. It is reported that Turkmenistan plans to develop rules for the use of AI and define the responsibilities of the parties. It is also planned to consolidate the powers of state bodies and approve national standards and technical regulations for innovative products. The President noted that work is continuing in the country to develop the digital economy and introduce its tools. In this context, he emphasised the importance of developing AI and international cooperation. The Head of State approved the proposals and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to organise their implementation.
Turkmenistan is modernising the ‘Türkmenturba’ plant
25.01.2026At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, issues related to the modernisation of the ‘Türkmenturba’ plant were discussed. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan B. Annamammedov reported on the work, according to TDH. He said that the enterprise is being provided with the necessary equipment and chemical products for stable operation and compliance with technological standards. The measures are being implemented as part of the renewal of the material and technical base of the factories of the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern. The Deputy Prime Minister presented the relevant proposals to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Head of State noted the importance of fully utilising the production potential of the chemical industry. He approved the measures presented and instructed that they be implemented. The ‘Türkmenturba’ plant operates around the clock. It produces polyethylene, polypropylene and fibreglass pipes using European technologies.
Turkmenistan steps up training of oil and gas sector specialists
25.01.2026On 23 January, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov reported on the measures being implemented to train specialists for the oil and gas sector with international experience. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The country's fuel and energy industry actively applies advanced global practices and digital technologies, with a particular focus on training highly qualified personnel. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a corresponding proposal to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised that the country is successfully working to train professionals for the oil and gas complex with international experience, and, supporting the initiative, instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to organise the implementation of the necessary measures.
Turkmen-Turkish cooperation: new opportunities for business and investment
25.01.2026On 22 January, Mekan Ishangulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Turkey, met with Gursel Baran, President of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This was reported by the news website ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, they discussed issues related to expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including energy, transport, agriculture, construction, and the food industry. They also considered opportunities for establishing direct links between business structures in the two countries, joint investment projects and intensifying cooperation between small and medium-sized businesses, including through participation in exhibitions and forums and attracting mutual investment.
Turkmenistan prepares to participate in the World ‘EXPO-2027’ in Belgrade
24.01.2026On 23 January, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev reported on measures to ensure Turkmenistan's high-level participation in the World Specialised Exhibition ‘EXPO-2027’, which will be held in Belgrade (Serbia). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The country will present a national pavilion within the framework of the exhibition's theme ‘Play for Humanity - Sport and Music for All’ under the motto ‘Turkmenistan – the Melody of Peace, the Land of Health’. The relevant proposal was submitted for consideration to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. After hearing the report, the Head of State emphasised the development of Turkmenistan's international trade and economic ties and instructed that proper preparations be made for participation in ‘EXPO-2027’.
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