Economy
The private sector in Turkmenistan has become a driver of structural transformation
20.02.2026In 2025, which was designated the International Year of Peace and Trust, Turkmenistan's trade and business sector demonstrated steady growth and deepening structural reforms. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February, the implementation of the economic strategy ensured a 6.3 percent increase in gross domestic product at the end of the year. According to reports, growth in industry was 1.8 percent, in construction 7.9 percent, in transport and communications 9.8 percent, in trade 9.6 percent, in agriculture 7 percent, and in services 7.5 percent. Compared to 2024, the total volume of production for January–December increased by 10.2 percent. Positive dynamics were recorded in all key sectors. Retail trade turnover grew by 13.2 percent. The state budget was executed at 101.5 percent in terms of revenue and 99.7 percent in terms of expenditure. Qualitative changes in the structure of the trade complex and the private sector were the result of the consistent implementation of industrialisation and digitalisation programmes. Modern trade infrastructure expanded actively throughout the year: new shopping and entertainment centres and specialised shops owned by private entrepreneurs opened in the capital and regions. Considerable attention was paid to digital solutions. The e-commerce segment expanded significantly, and the number of online platforms and mobile delivery services increased, which improved the accessibility of retail services and reduced the distance between producers and consumers. Strengthening food security remained a priority. According to the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the growth rate of agricultural and food production reached 108.1 percent, and industrial goods — 106.7 percent. Due to state support and preferential lending, private agro-industrial complexes are expanding their greenhouse areas. Entrepreneurs not only supply the domestic market with basic food products, but also form stable export channels for tomatoes and other agricultural products to neighbouring countries and CIS states. The development of new irrigated land, the planting of orchards and the expansion of greenhouse farms are continuing. Among the major projects is the 110-hectare greenhouse complex of ‘Miwe’ OJSC, which specialises in growing bananas, as well as apples, pears, plums and almonds. In 2024, the ‘Gündogar akymy’ economic association sowed 350 hectares of soybeans for the first time in the country and obtained a high yield, which expanded the raw material base of the food industry. The livestock sector is actively introducing advanced foreign experience. Significant results have been achieved by the ‘Ajaýyp ussat halal önümler’ and ‘Sahabatly’ economic societies, which are developing beef and dairy cattle breeding, as well as poultry farming and alternative areas of animal husbandry. On the international stage, Turkmenistan is strengthening its position as a producer of high-quality, competitive products. An important promotional tool has been the national brand ‘Made in Turkmenistan’, which is gradually transforming from a mark of origin into an indicator of the quality of domestic goods. The expansion of import substitution was confirmed by the participation of members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in the XXIV International Universal Exhibition ‘White City Ashgabat’, where projects were presented by the companies ‘Galkynyş plastik’, ‘Erjel-Begenç’, the economic societies ‘Döwlet gurluşyk’, ‘Döwletli Döwran’ and others. The exhibitions showed the formation of full-fledged production chains — from the processing of raw materials to the production of finished high-tech products. The development of entrepreneurship in 2025 was distinctly social in nature. The private sector actively participated in the construction of residential areas, kindergartens and medical centres, demonstrating the effectiveness of public-private partnerships. At the same time, the technological transformation of business is intensifying. The state's policy of digitalisation has become a powerful driver of modernisation in the private sector and the introduction of innovative management models. Against this backdrop, domestic entrepreneurs are increasingly becoming developers of their own technological solutions. A telling example is the activities of the ‘Aýdyň gijeler’ joint-stock company, which has mastered the production of complex electronics, from personal computers and laptops to smartphones, routers and smart TVs. The textile industry has also seen positive dynamics. According to the relevant ministry, production growth was 106.3 percent, with cotton yarn output up 111.7 percent, fabrics up 118.8 percent and leather products up 111.4 percent. The plan of the ‘Türkmenhaly’ State Association was fulfilled by 102.2 percent. Domestic textile brands ‘Gala’, ‘Ýeňiş’, ‘Goza’, ‘Wada’, ‘Nusaý’, ‘Bedew’, ‘Bürgüt’, ‘Akpamyk’, ‘Merw’, ‘Jeýtun’ and ‘Mäne’ are strengthening their positions in domestic and foreign markets due to the introduction of modern standards and the environmental quality of raw materials. During the reporting period, the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange held 299 trading sessions, resulting in 29,975 contracts being registered. The exchange continues to improve mechanisms for regulating the commodity market and stimulating foreign trade. International forums and exhibitions have become important platforms for promoting investment potential. In March, the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in the capital hosted the forum ‘Investment in the Future of Turkmenistan’, where instruments for unlocking the potential of the private sector were discussed. As a result, a number of framework agreements and memoranda were signed with companies from the Russian Federation, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People's Republic of China. Overall, the synergy of state support and private initiative in the anniversary year of neutrality has formed a solid foundation for further diversification of the economy and strengthening of Turkmenistan's technological sovereignty.
Gas production in Turkmenistan reached 76.5 billion cubic metres in 2025
19.02.2026In 2025, natural gas production in Turkmenistan amounted to 76.5 billion cubic metres, and oil production amounted to 8.38 million tonnes. These figures were presented by the Chairman of the State Committee for Statistics, Dovletgeldi Amanmuhammedov, at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Compared to 2024, there was an increase in the production of petroleum products: diesel fuel, petrol, kerosene, petroleum bitumen and liquefied hydrocarbon gases. Significant growth was also recorded in the building materials and metallurgy industries, with a substantial increase in the production of cement and metal products. In the food industry, there was an increase in the production of confectionery, sausage products, pasta and butter. In the textile industry, the production of cotton yarn and fabrics increased. Positive dynamics were observed in the transport and telecommunications sectors: the volume of freight and passenger traffic, as well as communication services, increased. In agriculture, there was an increase in the production of vegetables, melons, potatoes, eggs and milk compared to the previous year.
Turkmenistan participated in a forum on reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector
19.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the annual conference on the implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Methane Partnership in the Oil and Gas Sector, which was held in Abu Dhabi. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The delegation included representatives of the State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed the implementation of measurable reporting and the reduction of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector in accordance with the requirements of the Gold Standard. The conference was attended by representatives of more than 150 companies, accounting for over 42% of global oil and gas production, as well as government and academic partners. During the event, the Turkmen side held bilateral meetings with representatives of the World Bank and UNEP, where, in particular, a grant project to create a system for monitoring, reporting and verifying methane emissions was discussed.
The MFA of Turkmenistan offers convenient access to information via smartphone
18.02.2026The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan has launched a mobile application for smartphones. This was reported on the website of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The programme provides daily news and information about the work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and its subordinate agencies, including diplomatic missions abroad, consular services and permanent missions to international organisations. Users can sign up for consular services online. The app centralises access to official information and is available in Turkmen, Russian and English.
Turkmenistan was represented at the economic session in Brussels
17.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, took part in this year's first session of the ‘Ambassador Insider Series’, organised by ‘The Brussels Times’ in Brussels. The event was also attended by Heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Belgium, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The informal format of the meeting allowed for discussion of Brussels' financial prospects and the EU's economic strategy in the context of a complex geopolitical situation, including issues of public debt, budgetary sustainability and the impact of global processes on regional markets. Presentations were made by ‘BNP Paribas’ Chief Economist Koen De Leus and Brussels Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director General Thierry Geerts, who presented an assessment of current macroeconomic trends and potential risks to the region's financial stability. The participation of the Ambassador of Turkmenistan contributed to strengthening dialogue with diplomats and the business community, as well as the exchange of views on the prospects for international economic cooperation and investment.
The volume of transactions on the Turkmenistan stock exchange exceeded 7 million US dollars in a week
17.02.2026Over the past week, 22 deals were concluded on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. Export operations were dominated by petrochemical and agrochemical products in demand by companies from the UAE, Afghanistan and Georgia, as well as light industry goods and building materials supplied to Turkey and Afghanistan. The total volume of exports exceeded $7.699 million. Domestic market activity also remained high: the total value of transactions by domestic entrepreneurs exceeded 182.28 million manats. The results of the trading session confirm the consistent demand for Turkmen products both abroad and within the country.
Turkmenistan launches large-scale transport and education projects in 2026
16.02.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented a development plan for Turkmenistan for 2026. The programme focuses on transport infrastructure, education and improving living conditions in the regions, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Important projects are planned in the transport and energy sectors. The ‘Mary-Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat-Turkmenabat’ high-speed motorway will be opened, as well as a multi-purpose power plant in the Gyzylarbat etrap. In the Balkan velayat, residential buildings and a complex of buildings in the village of Guwlymayak will be commissioned. The development of educational infrastructure will continue: new buildings of the Turkmen State Architectural and Construction Institute and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi will be opened. The programme also provides for the construction of roads, communications systems, water, gas and energy supply systems, as well as water and sewage facilities to improve the social and living conditions of the population.
Turkmenistan's social infrastructure to expand in 2026
16.02.2026Social policy remains a top priority for Turkmenistan. At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented the Investment Programme for 2026, which is record-breaking in terms of the number of social facilities under construction, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The country plans to build more than 900,000 square metres of housing. New schools will accept 3,380 pupils, and kindergartens will accept 1,080 children. The transformation of the capital will continue in Ashgabat: 30 residential buildings are being built in Parahat-7 with shopping centres, 46 houses in the Buzmeyin etrap, 127 two-storey cottages and a cultural centre with 4,000 seats. In healthcare, an International Paediatrics Centre, a Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre and a Dental Centre will open. The Archman sanatorium will expand its capacity: a new 400-bed building will accommodate more resort guests.
Turkmenistan plans to produce 2,100 tonnes of silkworm cocoons in 2026
16.02.2026On 13 February, at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree instructing the state concern ‘Türkmenpagta’ and the hakims of the velayats to ensure the production of 2,100 tonnes of silkworm cocoons in 2026. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The ‘Türkmenpagta’ State Concern has been instructed to conclude general agreements with the hakims and supply agricultural enterprises, dayhan associations and tenants with the necessary high-quality silkworm eggs. The hakims of the velayats are instructed to ensure full compliance with the agreements on cocoon production. The document is aimed at developing the silk industry, increasing volumes and improving the quality of products.
Three million trees will be planted in Turkmenistan this year
15.02.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, signed a Resolution on continuing large-scale greening: in 2026, Turkmenistan plans to plant 3 million trees. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Half of the seedlings will be provided by ministries, departments, and the administrations of the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, while the other half will be provided by regional administrations throughout the country. The programme provides not only for the creation of a traditional ‘green shield’ of coniferous and deciduous trees, but also for the development of orchards and vineyards. Fruit crops will be planted by variety in specially designated areas, which gives the initiative agricultural significance. The document also stipulates the mandatory use of drip irrigation to save water resources and increase plant survival rates. The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for providing high-quality three-year-old seedlings.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan held 22 exhibitions and 10 conferences in 2025
14.02.2026The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan held 22 exhibitions and 10 conferences in 2025, Deputy Prime Minister N. Atagulyev said at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the country's performance over the past year and plans for 2026. The information was published by TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, trade turnover increased by 18.8% compared to 2024, and production increased by 1%. The Ministry of Textile Industry ensured growth of 6.3%, including cotton yarn – 11.7%, fabrics – 18.8%, and leather products – 11.4%. The state association ‘Türkmenhaly’ exceeded its plan by 102.2%. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange held 299 auctions with almost 30,000 contracts registered, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry ensured a 4% increase in work performed. The Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs increased the output of agricultural and food products by 8.1% and industrial goods by 6.7%. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the key priorities remain the strengthening of trade and economic ties, the growth of high-quality production and the provision of food security.
Turkmenistan's participation in ‘EXPO 2030’ discussed in Riyadh
14.02.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, held a meeting with the Head of the department for work with interested countries of the ‘EXPO 2030 Riyadh’ company, Mohammed Bin Garad. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed Turkmenistan's participation in the ‘EXPO 2030’ World Exhibition. The exhibition will be held in Riyadh from October 2030 to March 2031. The parties emphasised that the country's participation will strengthen its international authority, promote achievements in various fields and expand trade and economic ties.
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