A 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 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.
Sapar 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.
Over 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.
At 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.
Social 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.
On 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.
The 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, 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.
The 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.
The Turkish company ‘Rönesans’ has been operating in Turkmenistan since 2010, implementing a number of major projects in the field of civil construction and industrial infrastructure. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the company's department head, Yigit Unsal, during this time, projects have been completed in the Mary and Lebap velayats, as well as in Ashgabat, significant experience has been gained, and strong partnerships have been built with local organisations and suppliers. The company is currently working on four projects: servicing a previously built facility in Lebap, reconstructing a facility implemented by another company, building a shopping and entertainment centre next to the ‘Garagum’ Hotel near the capital's airport, and constructing an additional block as part of the ‘JTG’ project, one of the key projects for ‘Rönesans’ in the region. The company intends to expand its presence in Turkmenistan, is developing new initiatives and strengthening cooperation with local partners. ‘Rönesans’ also took part in an Exhibition of Turkish Export Goods in Ashgabat, which, according to Y. Unsal, helped to strengthen business contacts and develop Turkmen-Turkish economic cooperation.
Scientists at the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed a method for producing solidol from local raw materials, which is in demand in industry and agriculture. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The technology is unique in that it uses waste from the oil and gas and food industries, including soapstock, fatty acids, gossypol resins and animal fats. Experiments have shown that high-quality solidol can be produced from purified waste oils, bitumen and mineral additives. The resulting product complies with state standards, and the introduction of the technology will expand the raw material base and reduce production costs through the processing of secondary raw materials. Calcium, lithium and strontium compounds extracted from local deposits, such as Kelata, Akdepe and Balkan, are used to thicken the oils. Base oils are produced at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery, and the new method allows local resources to be integrated into the production chain. The technology meets modern environmental requirements, reduces waste disposal costs and strengthens the country's economic independence, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation between science and industry.