Economy
The International Exhibition ‘Cooperation and Development’ has opened in Ashgabat
02.04.2026The ‘Cooperation and Development’ International Exhibition opened on 2 April in Ashgabat at the premises of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. More than 100 leading global brands are taking part in the event, showcasing modern technological solutions and innovations across various sectors. According to the organisers, the exhibition aims to strengthen international cooperation and open up new opportunities for entering the Turkmen market. The exhibition covers a wide range of sectors: materials and raw materials, lighting and automation systems, ‘smart’ technologies and control systems, electrical products, security solutions, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Also on display are tools and equipment, interior design solutions, finishing and insulation materials, ceramics, as well as landscaping and modular structures. The organisers note that the exhibition will serve as a platform for direct communication between international manufacturers, distributors and business representatives. The event is open to representatives of relevant ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, members of business associations, entrepreneurs and foreign companies.
A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in a transport forum in St. Petersburg
02.04.2026The International Transport and Logistics Forum opened in St. Petersburg on 1 April 2026. The event is taking place at the ‘EXPOFORUM’ Convention and Exhibition Centre from 1 to 3 April. A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Minister of Railway Transport Sylapberdi Nurberdiyev, is taking part in the forum, reports the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum has brought together representatives of international organisations, transport and logistics companies, as well as port and warehouse infrastructure providers. Participants are discussing the development of international transport corridors, freight and passenger logistics, digital services and the introduction of new technologies. The agenda also includes issues relating to industry regulation and the development of the transport sector. It was noted that Turkmenistan consistently advocates the development of international dialogue in the field of transport connectivity. On the country’s initiative, the UN General Assembly has adopted a number of resolutions on transport cooperation. It was also emphasised that the first UN Global Conference on Sustainable Transport was held in Turkmenistan in 2016. The participation of the Turkmen delegation is seen as a continuation of efforts to develop international cooperation in the transport sector.
Turkmenistan is increasing its oil refining capacity and exports of petroleum products
02.04.2026Turkmenistan is developing its oil and gas sector as a key industry of the economy, increasing the processing of raw materials and the export of products. The policy focuses on modernising the energy sector, introducing new technologies and attracting investment. This is reported by TDH. The projects currently underway are aimed at strengthening energy security and expanding infrastructure. The priorities are energy efficiency, digitalisation, the development of processing, and cooperation with international companies. Particular attention is being paid to the transition from the export of raw materials to the production of finished goods. Modern and environmentally friendly solutions are being introduced in the sector, enabling increased production volumes and compliance with international standards. The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex remains the key enterprise. Its development is linked to the modernisation of production, the expansion of the product range and the growth of export supplies. The enterprise has introduced deep oil refining technologies, including catalytic cracking, which allows for the processing of over 90% of raw materials. An ELOU-AT-7 unit with a capacity of 3 million tonnes per year has been commissioned. The complex produces a wide range of products: petrol, diesel fuel, kerosene, liquefied gas, polypropylene and lubricants. The fuel complies with international environmental standards. The production of road bitumen, used in motorway construction, is being developed. Storage and export capacities for liquefied gas are being expanded. Production processes are automated, and digital control systems have been implemented. Logistics are facilitated through cooperation with the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port. Environmental safety remains a key priority. The plant operates systems for environmental monitoring and pollution control. Staff training and the development of social infrastructure for employees are underway. Concurrently, projects are being implemented to expand capacity and enhance the deep processing of raw materials. Particular attention is being paid to the introduction of ‘green’ technologies and the reduction of emissions. The complex is viewed as a base for environmentally sustainable solutions. The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex plays a role in the development of international energy corridors and the strengthening of the country’s export position. In the long term, Turkmenistan aims to diversify its oil and gas sector, expand production and enhance economic stability.
Turkmenistan and Georgia have outlined plans to develop multimodal transport
01.04.2026On 31 March, as part of an official visit, a Turkmen delegation led by N. Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with the management of the Port of Poti. The meeting was attended by T. Ioseliani, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, representatives of ‘Georgian Railway’ JSC, the Maritime Transport Administration and others. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties noted the development of Turkmen-Georgian relations and identified transport and logistics as a key area of cooperation. The implementation of the Caspian Sea–Black Sea, Lapis Lazuli and ‘Green Ports’ international corridor projects was discussed. Issues regarding the increase in freight turnover, the development of multimodal transport and the introduction of technologies to speed up the processing of transit cargo were considered. Coordination between rail and maritime operators was addressed separately. The prospects of including the ports of Turkmenbashi and Poti in the ‘East–West’ routes and the exchange of experience in terminal management were also discussed. Opportunities for joint investment projects were considered. Following the meeting, interest in establishing a modern logistics chain to develop interregional links was confirmed. After the negotiations, the delegation visited the ports of Poti and Anaklia and familiarised themselves with their infrastructure and operational capabilities.
The Port of Turkmenbashi is strengthening its role in international transport routes
01.04.2026On 27 March, a meeting was held at the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port between the leadership of Turkmenistan’s State Service for Maritime and River Transport and the port administration, and a European Union delegation led by Charlotte Adriaen, Head of the Central Asia and Afghanistan Unit. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the strengthening of the port’s strategic role. The European delegation was shown the port’s modern facilities, cargo flow routes and European-made equipment. Discussions covered projects at the ‘Balkan’ shipbuilding and ship repair yard, international tenders for new vessels, and Turkmenistan’s steps towards acceding to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) FAL Convention to streamline maritime transport. The Turkmen side noted the procurement of new dredgers and the construction of similar vessels at the ‘Balkan’ shipyard. Charlotte Adriaen emphasised the strategic importance of the port as a key hub in international transport corridors.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan held negotiations with the Georgian Minister of Economy
31.03.2026On 30 March, during an official visit, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, met with Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation, paying particular attention to the development of trade, the attraction of mutual investment and the implementation of joint projects. Separate mention was made of the interest in expanding cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, the digital economy and innovation. The interlocutors also emphasised the important role of the Turkmen-Georgian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in developing systematic dialogue and implementing the agreements reached. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain a constructive dialogue.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed cooperation in the field of waste management
31.03.2026A meeting between representatives of Japanese companies, relevant Turkmenistan government departments and waste management experts took place at the ‘Arçabil’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The meeting focused on cooperation between the state, academia and business in the field of environmental protection, reports IIC. The event was opened by Hiroshi Sasaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, and Hidehiko Ishii, Head of Department at the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The keynote address was delivered by Koji Arizono, Honorary Professor at Kumamoto Prefectural University. The main topics were Turkmenistan’s state policy on waste management and the potential for applying Japanese technologies. The parties discussed cooperation with Japanese companies and the integration of environmental solutions into production processes. The meeting concluded with the identification of priority areas for further partnership.
53 transactions were concluded on the SCRMET in the domestic and foreign markets
31.03.2026Last week, 53 transactions were conducted on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by TDH. Foreign buyers from the UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan, Georgia and Uzbekistan purchased polypropylene, base oil and motor petrol produced by the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. Businessmen from Singapore purchased urea from the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ State Concern. Wheat flour, plain-dyed and jacquard terry products, terry cloth, medical cotton wool, cotton buds and cotton yarn were also sold for foreign currency. Purchasing countries: UAE, Turkey, Azerbaijan. The total value of export transactions exceeded US$350.7 million. On the domestic market, local businesses purchased polypropylene, base oil, furnace fuel and packaging film (‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern), as well as wheat flour. The value of domestic transactions amounted to 269 million 30 thousand manats.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its trade partnership as part of the TFCA project
30.03.2026A meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the TFCA Regional Project, carried out by GIZ on the initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), took place in Turkmenistan. The event was held under the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the country’s Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations in March 2024, reports IIC. The meeting served as a platform to review the work carried out in 2024–2025 and to define cooperation priorities within the TFCA and TCTC projects up to 2029. Representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan, as well as project managers, took part in the discussions. Particular attention was paid to the establishment of an Inter-ministerial Working Group on the simplification of trade procedures, which receives advisory support from GIZ. This group will help to speed up trade operations, increase transparency and reduce administrative barriers, which directly supports the growth of trade turnover and the country’s economic development. During the meeting, participants discussed the results achieved and outlined key activities for the coming period. The meeting was attended by Nazar Agahanov, Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan, and Joachim Fritz, GIZ Coordinator in Turkmenistan.
A working mission on the TCTC program took place in Turkmenistan
29.03.2026In Tashkent in November 2025, the European Union, GIZ, and Expertise France signed a tripartite agreement to launch the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) Capacity Development Program, the IIC reports. The program aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the TCTC — a route connecting Central Asia with Europe. The initiative’s goal is to establish a predictable and competitive transport corridor that promotes economic growth and regional development. The program is scheduled for implementation from 2026 to 2029 and is carried out by GIZ in partnership with Expertise France. From March 24 to 27, 2026, a working mission took place in Turkmenistan, led by Asel Uzagalieva, Deputy Head of the “Trade Facilitation in Central Asia” (TFCA) project. The delegation included representatives from Expertise France. The purpose of the visit was to meet with public and private institutions to identify priority activities. Discussions were held with the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the State Plant Quarantine Service, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Turkmenistan Transport and Logistics Center (TULM), as well as the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The delegation also visited the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and met with representatives of the State Maritime and River Transport Service and the port management to discuss further cooperation.
A protocol has been signed to the memorandum between Turkmenistan and GIZ
29.03.2026Turkmenistan’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, Nazar Agakhanov, and GIZ Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Joachim Fritz, signed a protocol amending the Memorandum of Understanding from March 2024, the IIC reports. The document provides for the continued implementation of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Capacity Development Program in Turkmenistan. The program was launched following the International Investors Forum on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor held in Tashkent in November 2025. At that time, the European Union, Germany, and France signed a tripartite agreement on its implementation. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the transport route connecting Central Asia and Europe. The program’s implementation in the region is scheduled for 2026–2029. The project will be carried out with financial support from the EU, Germany, and France, with the involvement of GIZ and Expertise France.
The marketplace Ozon has entered the Turkmenistan market
28.03.2026The Russian marketplace Ozon has launched sales for residents of Turkmenistan. The platform ozon.tm offers over 150 million products, including children’s goods and household appliances, reports Turkmenportal. In the first phase, delivery is available only in Ashgabat through “Turkmenpochta” branches. The delivery time is approximately ten days. In April, the company plans to expand to other regions and introduce courier delivery. Ozon CIS CEO Natalia Boer highlighted the potential of the e-commerce market in Turkmenistan and stated that the service will become a convenient tool for everyday shopping.
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