Economy
Trade between Turkmenistan and Turkey amounted to $2 billion
29.01.2026The volume of trade between Turkmenistan and Turkey in January–November 2025 approached $2 billion. This was announced on 28 January by Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Asmannews. According to the Diplomat, bilateral relations are consistently developing in all areas on the principles of mutual benefit, which has a positive impact on trade and economic cooperation. ‘Turkey remains one of Turkmenistan's largest trading partners,’ Demirok said. The Diplomat stressed that the existing potential for cooperation significantly exceeds current indicators. In this regard, the parties intend to increase trade volumes, and reaching the level of $5 billion is considered a realistic goal. The Ambassador also expressed confidence that upcoming exhibitions and joint economic events will provide an additional impetus for expanding bilateral cooperation.
Turkey will present its export products at an exhibition in Ashgabat
29.01.2026From 10 to 12 February 2026, Ashgabat will host the 12th specialised exhibition of Turkish export products. About 100 companies and industry associations from Turkey will take part in the event. This was reported by AsmanNews. Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bolat is expected to attend the opening with an official delegation. The exhibition will serve as a platform for presenting Turkish goods and technologies. Turkmen entrepreneurs and representatives of state structures will be able to discuss possible joint projects. During his visit, Omer Bolat will hold meetings dedicated to the development of trade and economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey.
Turkey emphasised prospects for cooperation with Turkmenistan in the energy sector
29.01.2026On 28 January, a press conference was held at the residence of Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan, with the participation of representatives of the media and business communities of both countries. The main topic of discussion was bilateral cooperation, including in the field of energy, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The Ambassador emphasised that energy partnership remains a key area of cooperation between Ankara and Ashgabat. He recalled the agreement between BOTAŞ and ‘Türkmengaz’ State Concern, signed on 10 February 2025, which provides for the supply of up to 2 billion cubic metres of Turkmen gas to Turkey via Iran. A. Demirok called the start of supplies a historic event and noted that it confirms Turkmenistan's status as a reliable participant in the global energy market. Among the long-term priorities, he highlighted the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline project, which, according to him, could open the way for Turkmen gas to European markets. According to the Diplomat, the current international situation creates a favourable ‘window of opportunity’ for the export of energy resources to the West, but it is necessary to act quickly. He also noted Turkmenistan's potential in electricity exports and expressed confidence that the development of this area will strengthen energy cooperation between countries.
Turkmenistan participated in discussions on the priorities of the ECO in Tehran
29.01.2026On 27 January, Tehran hosted a regular meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the ECO, Ilyas Gayipov. The main focus was on the progress of the implementation of the measures provided for in the Awaza Programme of Action 2024-2034. In particular, the ECO presented a project on the implementation of the third priority area of the Programme - ‘Transit, Transport and Connectivity’ in the ECO region. This proposal, as well as the initiative to organise specialised meetings for its practical implementation, were supported by the Council. Speaking at the meeting, Y. Gayipov expressed his gratitude to the ECO Secretariat and representatives of member states for their support of the proposed project, and noted the importance of active participation by all parties in its further implementation. In addition, participants were provided with information on the work done by the Organisation on the topic ‘Awaza Programme of Action 2024-2034 and the ECO Region’ within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, as well as on the steps planned for the coming period. It was noted that, at the initiative of the Turkmen side, the third priority area of the Awaza Action Programme, ‘Transit, Transport and Connectivity’, had been included in the draft document of the ECO, ‘Strategic Objectives of Economic Cooperation - 2035’, which is expected to be adopted in the near future.
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.
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