Economy
A delegation from Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the World Bank
21.04.2026During the annual meetings of the World Bank Group, the Turkmenistan delegation held a series of bilateral negotiations aimed at expanding international economic cooperation and strengthening ties with leading development institutions. This was reported by IIC. One of the key events was a meeting with Antonella Bassani, World Bank Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia. During the negotiations, the parties noted the dynamic nature of the partnership and discussed prospects for its further development. Particular attention was paid to strategic areas in which the World Bank can support Turkmenistan’s national development priorities, including assistance in implementing socio-economic reforms and modernising key sectors of the economy. The parties also discussed the adoption of international best practice and the use of modern financial instruments to support national development programmes. Following the meetings, mutual interest was reaffirmed in continuing active cooperation aimed at strengthening economic stability and achieving the country’s long-term goals.
18 trades were concluded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange over the course of the week
21.04.2026Last week, 18 transactions were recorded at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Turkish business representatives purchased technical sulphuric acid produced by the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern in exchange for foreign currency, whilst businesses from Uzbekistan purchased base oil produced at the processing facilities of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern. In addition, cotton yarn and fabrics, muslin, dyed and printed satin, liquorice root extract, undistilled fatty acids from cotton soapstock, children’s denim products, terry towelling and wheat flour were sold for foreign currency. Among the buyer countries were the United Arab Emirates, India and Kyrgyzstan. The total value of foreign trade transactions exceeded 28 million 74 thousand US dollars. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased cotton fibre, raw silk and cotton yarn worth 20 million 955 thousand manats.
Turkey is exploring energy supplies from Turkmenistan
20.04.2026Turkey is considering expanding energy cooperation, including potential gas supplies from Turkmenistan via Azerbaijan, according to Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. This was reported by the news agency Orient. According to the Minister, the idea of transit has been under discussion for some time and is once again becoming relevant against the backdrop of efforts to diversify energy supplies and strengthen regional cooperation, taking into account the position of European countries. Ankara continues to develop alternative routes for the delivery of energy resources, reducing its dependence on traditional routes. In this context, new infrastructure projects are being discussed that could enhance the reliability of supplies and the region’s economic potential. These include the construction of an oil pipeline from Basra in Iraq to Kirkuk, with a subsequent connection to the Turkish system, as well as the development of the existing Silopi–Ceyhan route.
Turkmenistan is increasing oil production at its Caspian Sea fields
20.04.2026The State-owned Enterprise ‘Hazarnebit’, part of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, is increasing its hydrocarbon production and expanding the geographical scope of its operations. This is evidenced by production figures and the progress of field development, according to the website AsmanNews. The company is modernising its production facilities and introducing new technologies. This is enabling it to increase production volumes from existing wells. At the same time, development of Caspian fields, including Eastern Cheleken, is continuing. Due to geological exploration and production activities, the volume of oil sent for refining has increased. Specialists are also developing deeper reservoirs, which creates an additional resource for boosting production. In the first three months of the year, the company produced over 36,000 tonnes of oil. The target has been exceeded by more than 100%. The figures are higher than those for the same period last year. The work is carried out by the company’s specialists — engineers, geologists, mechanics and operators. Technical monitoring of the wells is carried out on an ongoing basis.
The State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘QazaqGaz’ have identified new areas for cooperation
19.04.2026Maksat Babayev, Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, held negotiations in Ashgabat with Alibek Zhamauov, Chairman of the Board of ‘QazaqGaz’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation in the gas sector and prospects for its expansion. Opportunities for implementing new joint projects were also explored. Furthermore, as part of the conference ‘Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Partnership in the Gas Sector’, A. Zhamauov met with the leadership of CNPC and SOCAR. Key issues regarding cooperation in the sector were discussed.
Turkmenistan and China discussed expanding trade cooperation
19.04.2026On 16 April 2026 in Ashgabat, Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, held negotiations with a delegation led by Ren Hongbin, Head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place as part of the scientific and practical conference and exhibition ‘Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Partnership in the Gas Sector’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of trade and economic cooperation. The role of international exhibitions in expanding business contacts was also addressed. Issues relating to increasing trade turnover, developing investment cooperation and supporting entrepreneurship were examined. Following the negotiations, a commitment to further cooperation was confirmed.
Minnikhanov spoke about negotiations with Turkmenistan at ‘KazanForum-2026’
18.04.2026Preparations for the International Economic Forum ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum-2026’ are drawing to a close in Kazan. The Head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, presented the results of these preparations at a meeting of the organising committee chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, reports Turkmenportal. Minnikhanov announced that three intergovernmental commissions with Indonesia, Nigeria and Mali will take place as part of the forum. Tatarstan is also ready to host meetings of the co-chairs of intergovernmental commissions with Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Palestine, as well as a working group meeting with Malaysia. The key themes of ‘KazanForum-2026’ will be Islamic finance, investment, the halal industry, culture, sport and the role of women in modern society. Kazan’s status as the cultural capital of the Islamic world lends particular significance to the forum. The programme includes a congress of culture ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). According to Minnikhanov, OIC member states account for around half of Tatarstan’s foreign trade turnover. Anton Kobyakov, an adviser to the Russian President, announced that from 10 to 20 May, 24-hour consular offices for foreign participants will be operating at Moscow and Kazan airports. The forum will take place from 12 to 17 May at venues in Kazan. The main business programme, comprising over 120 events, will be held on 14–15 May at the ‘Kazan Expo’ International Exhibition Centre. Representatives from over 60 countries and around 20 regions of Russia are expected to attend. According to the organisers, Turkmenistan will present a national pavilion as part of the forum’s exhibition programme, showcasing investment projects and areas of bilateral cooperation.
CNPC plans to introduce new technologies in Turkmenistan’s gas industry
18.04.2026As part of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development, plans are in place to establish a demonstration facility featuring cutting-edge technologies, efficient management, environmentally friendly solutions and mutual benefit. This was stated by Dai Houliang, Chairman of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), at the International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Partnership in the Gas Sector’, reports the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. He noted that against the backdrop of global changes and the transformation of the world energy market, deepening cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the energy sector is of strategic importance. According to him, CNPC is ready, with the support of the leadership of both countries, to develop an energy partnership and strengthen cooperation. The company will adhere to an approach of high standards and continuous improvement in the implementation of the ‘Galkynysh’ project. There are also plans to expand cooperation in the fields of new energy sources, oil refining, petrochemicals and engineering. Particular attention will be paid to the exchange of technologies in exploration and production, as well as the implementation of solutions based on artificial intelligence and big data in the gas industry. The forum in Ashgabat served as a platform confirming the development of long-term energy cooperation between Turkmenistan and China.
The Chechen Republic has received its first consignment of tomatoes from Turkmenistan
17.04.2026On 14 April, the first consignment of tomatoes from Turkmenistan was delivered to the Chechen Republic. The shipment was carried out in compliance with all phytosanitary requirements and the necessary certificates, according to the news agency Orient. Entering this new market reflects the expansion of trade and economic ties and the growth of Turkmenistan’s export potential. Turkmen tomatoes, renowned for their quality and environmental friendliness, already enjoy steady demand in foreign markets. The opening of this new supply route creates additional opportunities to increase exports and further promote the country’s agricultural produce abroad.
‘Türkmengaz’ strengthens its partnership with CNPC
17.04.2026Maksat Babayev, State Minister of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, summarised the results and outlined the prospects for cooperation with China. The statement was made at the International Scientific and Practical Conference marking the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership in the gas sector, reports AsmanNews. During the high-level plenary session, he noted that over this period, ‘Türkmengaz’ and CNPC had implemented large-scale projects. At the ‘Galkynysh’ field, three gas processing plants with a combined capacity of 30 billion cubic metres of gas per year have been built and commissioned as part of the first phase. The facilities are operating normally and meet domestic demand as well as supplying exports. A key milestone in the cooperation was the signing in 2007 of the Production Sharing Agreement for the ‘Bagtyyarlyk’ contract area on the right bank of the Amu Darya. A modern production infrastructure was established as part of the project. Investments totalled US$10.7 billion and have been fully recouped. As of 1 April 2026, the Turkmen side’s revenue from the project exceeded US$19.2 billion. The project involves not only gas production but also the processing of hydrocarbon feedstock, including the production of gas condensate and industrial sulphur. Around 8,700 people work at ‘Bagtyyarlyk’, over 90% of whom are citizens of Turkmenistan. Staff training programmes are being implemented, including training at the China University of Petroleum. The implementation of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ project and the development of the ‘Bagtyyarlyk’ area have been identified as priorities for further cooperation. Particular attention is being paid to technological modernisation, including digitalisation and the introduction of modern management systems. As Maksat Babayev noted, CNPC remains a strategic partner of ‘Türkmengaz’, and the parties intend to deepen their cooperation. According to him, cooperation in the gas sector has contributed to the economic development and strengthening of the region’s energy security.
Turkmenistan and China marked the 20th anniversary of their gas partnership
17.04.2026On 16 April, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference entitled ‘Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 Years of Strategic Cooperation in the Gas Sector’. It was timed to mark the 20th anniversary of strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the gas sector, reports AsmanNews. The plenary session was devoted to energy partnership, investment and the development of the gas industry. The session was moderated by Rahymberdi Jepbarov, Chairman of the Board of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan. Presentations were delivered by Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan; Ding Xuexiang, First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China; Maksat Babayev, Minister of State and Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, and Dai Houliang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the China National Petroleum Corporation. Participants noted the importance of energy dialogue for the region’s development. The conference programme included two thematic sessions. The first was devoted to Turkmenistan’s gas projects, resource base, investments and the development of export infrastructure. The second focused on issues of personnel training, educational programmes and scientific cooperation between specialists from both countries. The forum brought together representatives of government bodies and major energy companies. The outcomes of cooperation and the prospects for the development of the fuel and energy sector were discussed. As part of the event, a thematic exhibition was also opened, showcasing technologies and developments in the gas industry of Turkmenistan and China.
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.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
