Economy
‘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.
The country’s tourism potential was showcased at a forum in Ashgabat
15.04.2026The Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, Atageldi Shamyradov, highlighted the country’s significant tourism potential at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ conference in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to him, Turkmenistan is home to historical tourist sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include ancient Merv and Old Nisa, which attract foreign tourists. The potential for ecotourism was also highlighted. Popular destinations include the Koytendag caves and sites with dinosaur footprints, which continue to be studied by experts. The Minister reported on the development of cruise tourism on the Caspian Sea. Work is being carried out in collaboration with Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Iran. The ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ exhibition and conference are taking place in Ashgabat from 14 to 16 April.
‘Nazarly Arzuw’ presented a fresh perspective on tourism at ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’
15.04.2026The International Forum ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’, dedicated to the development of tourism in Central Asia, has kicked off in Turkmenistan. One of the notable participants was the company ‘Nazarly Arzuw’, which presented a concept for travel along the Silk Road with an emphasis on authentic experiences and the region’s ‘hidden gems’, reports IIC. The company focuses on an in-depth immersion in the culture and history of Central Asian countries, offering itineraries ranging from Uzbek bazaars to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the deserts of Turkmenistan. Particular attention is paid to a personalised approach: tours are tailored to travellers’ interests. Participation in the forum enabled ‘Nazarly Arzuw’ to establish itself as a major player in the regional tourism market. The organisers note that ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ remains a platform for professional dialogue and the promotion of the region’s tourism potential.
UNDP is introducing laser technology to promote sustainable agriculture in Turkmenistan
15.04.2026UNDP in Turkmenistan has handed over two sets of equipment for laser levelling of agricultural land to the district administration of Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi in Dashoguz velayat and to the ‘Obahyzmat’ production association in the Darganata etrap of the Lebap velayat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The handover took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan on sustainable land management in the Aral Sea basin, supported by the GEF. The new technology enables fields to be levelled with precision, improving the distribution of irrigation water, reducing soil salinisation and waterlogging, and increasing crop yields. The equipment will be used on pilot sites, with subsequent roll-out to farmers. Training sessions on how to use the technology have already been held for specialists and local farmers. The project aims to restore degraded land, conserve ecosystems and introduce sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Turkmenistan has concluded export deals with partners from Türkiye and Uzbekistan
14.04.2026On April 13, during exchange trading on the external market, deals were concluded between foreign and Turkmen suppliers for a total amount of $26.6 million, according to the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan. Businesspeople from Türkiye purchased technical sulfuric acid from the State Concern “Turkmenhimiya,” and also concluded agreements with Turkmen entrepreneurs for the supply of cotton yarn. In addition, representatives of the business sector from Uzbekistan reached an agreement with the State Concern “Turkmennebit” on supplies of base oil of the “CN-600” grade.
Last week, 32 trading transactions were recorded on the Turkmenistan Stock Exchange
13.04.2026Last week saw high levels of investment activity on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan: 32 major deals were concluded, with petrochemical and industrial products accounting for the majority of foreign trade. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Buyers from the UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan purchased ‘Türkmennebit’ base oil, whilst Afghan entrepreneurs also purchased ‘ECO-93’ eco-friendly fuel produced by the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern. Demand from foreign partners also extended to the agricultural and textile sectors: companies from the UAE, Turkey and Azerbaijan signed contracts for the supply of flour, cotton yarn and fatty acids from cotton seed meal. The total value of export deals exceeded US$57.8 million. Growth was also recorded in the domestic market: Turkmen entrepreneurs purchased polypropylene, base oils, packaging film and textile products. The total value of transactions in national currency exceeded 61.1 million manats.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the construction of a market in the Lebap velayat
12.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has approved the construction of a new modern market in the Farap etrap of the Lebap velayat. The proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations. Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev has been tasked with overseeing the project. The decision was taken following an on-site government meeting, reports TDH. At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister reported on the state of the retail sector in the region. The supply of essential goods to the population is ensured by the Ministry’s enterprises and the structures of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. In total, there are 860 retail, manufacturing and catering establishments operating in the velayat. The modernisation of the retail infrastructure is continuing. New shopping centres, shops and markets are being introduced. E-commerce and delivery services are expanding. The region is also home to textile industry enterprises and carpet manufacturing facilities. The ‘Türkmenhaly’ association and its workshops operate in the Halach etrap. Overall, dozens of private enterprises in the manufacturing, trade and service sectors operate in the velayat. As part of the presidential programme, there are plans to open 12 new private manufacturing facilities, which will create 311 jobs. The President has instructed that the supply of goods to the domestic market be kept under control and that the range of retail services for the population of Lebap velayat be expanded.
Efforts to develop gas fields are being stepped up in the Lebap velayat
11.04.2026On 10 April, during a government meeting, Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported on efforts to improve the oil and gas sector in the Lebap velayat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. It was noted that measures are being taken in the region to ensure a consistent supply of natural gas to the population, including the maintenance of gas pipelines, distribution stations and regulating equipment by the ‘Türkmengaz’ State Concern. The ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ Corporation is carrying out large-scale drilling operations aimed at discovering new deposits and increasing groundwater reserves. Development of the ‘Bagtyýarlyk’ concession area and a number of gas fields, including ‘Malaý’, ‘Naýyp’, ‘Kükürtli’ and others, is also continuing, as is the supply of gas to the domestic market and for export. In addition, work is underway to improve the efficiency of the Seydi Oil Refinery and liquefied natural gas production facilities in the region. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for further modernisation of the industry, the introduction of modern technologies, improved efficiency of drilling operations and the timely repair of gas production wells.
The Lebap velayat is seeing positive trends in economic development
11.04.2026On 10 April, during a government meeting, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, presented a report on measures for the socio-economic development of the Lebap velayat for January–March 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. At the end of the period, growth was recorded across a number of indicators: industrial production increased by 0.2%, bread output by 0.8%, flour output by 13.9%, vegetable output by 28.9%, fruit by 8.8%, milk by 3.1%, eggs by 2.4% and canned goods by 2.1%. Freight turnover rose by 3.9%, passenger turnover by 0.6% and retail trade by 11.3%. Revenue targets for the local budget were met at 113.4%, whilst expenditure targets were met at 98.8%. As part of the National Rural Programme, construction of social infrastructure facilities continued, including 20 buildings, water treatment plants and housing. Revenues from bank branches in the region exceeded the target by 24%. Having heard the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for further socio-economic development and instructed that the timely utilisation of investments be monitored.
Business communities in Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed prospects for cooperation
10.04.2026On 7 April, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad with representatives of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Secretary-General Shahid Khalil. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for expanding business cooperation and strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries. Representatives of the Lahore CCI expressed interest in developing practical cooperation. The Turkmen side provided information on the reforms being carried out in the country, aimed at developing foreign trade and integration into the global economy. Turkmenistan’s export potential was highlighted, including supplies of natural gas, petroleum products, textiles and agricultural produce. Particular attention was paid to the international business forums planned for this year. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand mutual trade and for the business community to participate in joint events.
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