Society
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan discussed the development of railway cooperation
29.07.2026A meeting took place at the Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Minister, Sylap Nurberdiyev, and a delegation from the state-owned enterprise ‘Tajik Railways’, led by Deputy Chairman Karimzoda Rajabmurod. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed ways of expanding cooperation, including increasing freight volumes and improving tariff policy. Particular attention was paid to strengthening transport and logistics links between the two countries.
The ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post has been modernised
29.07.2026In Turkmenistan, the modernisation of the ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post, situated on one of the key sections of the international transport corridors on the Turkmen-Iranian border, has been completed. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. During the works, buildings and facilities were renovated, and conditions were created to increase the post’s throughput capacity. A digital management system has also been introduced, ensuring the monitoring and recording of the movement of vehicles and goods, as well as speeding up customs procedures. The ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post is situated at the junction of several international transport corridors and plays an important role in the transit of goods and vehicles. The modernisation was carried out as part of a programme for the phased upgrading of Turkmenistan’s border crossings, aimed at developing the country’s transit potential. Previously, following comprehensive reconstruction, the ‘Garabogaz’ and ‘Artyk’ customs posts were put into operation.
Turkmenistan has updated its requirements for temporary storage facilities
29.07.2026The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has amended the requirements regarding the equipment and location of temporary storage warehouses. The relevant order has been registered by the Ministry of Justice. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The amendments are aimed at modernising warehouse infrastructure and strengthening customs controls. Under the new requirements, open-type warehouses must be equipped with fully functional X-ray and television systems for inspecting goods. New requirements are also being introduced for automated accounting systems, their integration with the customs authorities’ information systems, and the provision of remote access for customs officers. Warehouses must provide a dedicated communication channel for the exchange of electronic data. In addition, the requirements for video surveillance have been updated: systems must monitor the premises, the storage and dispatch of goods, ensure that recordings are retained for at least 60 days, and be linked to the State Customs Service’s video surveillance system. The order was signed by Mammetguly Hudaygulyev, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. Responsibility for overseeing its implementation has been entrusted to Durdymyrat Bayryev, Deputy Chairman of the Service.
‘Pipe Metal’ has announced its readiness to expand its supplies of metal products to Turkmenistan
29.07.2026The Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum in Ashgabat served as a platform for discussing the prospects for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants discussed the introduction of new technologies, the exchange of expertise and opportunities for the joint production of building materials and equipment. Alisher Abdurahmanov, a representative of the Uzbek LLC ‘Pipe Metal’, highlighted the high potential for cooperation with Turkmenistan. According to him, the company, established in 2022, has already reached a production volume of up to 20,000 tonnes of finished products per month. The company manufactures electric-welded and shaped pipes, rolled metal products and hot-rolled sheets that comply with state standards. ‘Pipe Metal’ is already working with partners in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and the first shipment of products to Turkmenistan marked the start of a new venture. Abdurahmanov emphasised that the development of Turkmenistan’s construction sector is creating high demand for high-quality materials, whilst the geographical proximity of the two countries helps to reduce logistics costs. The representative of the Uzbek company expressed a willingness to expand supplies and develop a long-term partnership, noting that strengthening trade ties would contribute to the development of both countries’ economies.
Turkmenistan is preparing a nomination for the inclusion of Koytendag on the UNESCO World Heritage List
29.07.2026The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan hosted an international meeting on the preparation of a nomination dossier for the inclusion of the transboundary natural site ‘Karst, Canyons and Caves of Koytendag’ on the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to the online publication Arzuw News. Experts from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Germany, the USA and Slovakia discussed the findings of the spring 2026 expeditions to the Koytendag and Surkhan nature reserves. Particular attention was paid to the dinosaur footprints in Koytendag, noting their unique state of preservation and scientific value. The site was included on the UNESCO Tentative List in September 2025. The next step will be to submit a request for a preliminary assessment, following which, subject to a positive recommendation from the IUCN, a final nomination dossier will be prepared.
A delegation from Turkmenistan attended a meeting of the WTO Working Group in Geneva
28.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part as an observer in the 13th meeting of the Working Group on Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation, which took place on 27–28 July at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The delegation comprised representatives from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. During the meeting, the Turkmen experts familiarised themselves with the mechanisms of the WTO accession negotiation process, examined issues relating to market access for goods and services, the harmonisation of legislation, and interaction with the organisation’s Secretariat. The experience gained will be used to strengthen Turkmenistan’s negotiating capacity and to prepare for the next stages of its own WTO accession process.
The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatics Centre in Ashgabat has been refurbished
28.07.2026The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatic Centre in Ashgabat has reopened following a major refurbishment and now fully complies with international standards. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The complex, which has a capacity of 1,741 spectators, is designed for training and hosting competitions in swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming. It comprises a 50-metre swimming pool, a diving pool, a water park, a children’s pool, sports halls and gyms, as well as supporting facilities. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and underwater video recording systems for hosting competitions.
Ashgabat showcased its achievements at an international forum in Samarkand
28.07.2026On 24 July, the First International Forum of Sister Cities took place in Samarkand, attended by Rahym Gandymov, the governor of Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum brought together representatives of government bodies, local authorities, international organisations and the expert community from nearly 30 countries. Participants discussed the development of inter-municipal cooperation, the improvement of urban governance, the introduction of modern technologies and the exchange of experience in the field of sustainable urban development. Speaking at the forum, the governor of Ashgabat emphasised the importance of interaction between cities for expanding international cooperation, implementing joint initiatives and exchanging experience in the fields of digitalisation, the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, and the creation of a comfortable urban environment. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the twinning ties between Ashgabat and Tashkent, including the implementation of joint cultural and humanitarian projects. The forum also featured a presentation marking the 145th anniversary of Ashgabat. Participants were shown the achievements of Turkmenistan’s capital in the fields of urban planning, architecture, urban improvement and sustainable development. Following the forum, it was noted that the event would contribute to the further development of inter-municipal cooperation, the strengthening of partnerships and the implementation of new joint projects.
The city of Arkadag is developing a concept for a smart and eco-friendly city
28.07.2026The city of Arkadag is developing as Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart’ and eco-friendly city, combining modern technology, national traditions and a comfortable urban environment. This is reported by AsmanNews, citing the newspaper ‘Biznes reklama’. The names of the city’s streets, avenues and institutions are linked to the history and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The Ahal-Teke horses hold a special place in the city’s identity. One of the main avenues is named ‘Ahalteke atlary’, whilst the city’s landmarks include the ‘Taýçanak’ monument and a sculpture of the horse ‘Akhan’, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The city is home to the ‘Arkadag’ television channel and newspaper, whilst the local football club has achieved sporting success in a short space of time. The city is being developed in accordance with the principles of ‘smart’ infrastructure and sustainable development. Electric buses and electric cars operate on the routes, ‘smart’ bus stops have been installed, and park areas, public gardens and fountain complexes have been created. A healthcare cluster has been established in Arkadag, comprising a multi-specialist hospital, a Centre for Maternal and Child Health, a children’s health and rehabilitation centre, an emergency medical services centre and health centres. The city is also home to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. Arkadag’s development is continuing under the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024–2052’. As part of the second phase of construction, new residential complexes, social facilities and industrial enterprises are scheduled to be commissioned by 2027. Particular attention is being paid to creating opportunities for young people: the city has modern schools and nurseries, and new jobs are being created for young professionals.
The Lebap velayat has increased the volume of passenger and freight transport
28.07.2026In the Lebap velayat, passenger traffic across all modes of transport reached 2,952.5 million passenger-kilometres in the first half of this year, significantly exceeding the figures for the same period last year. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. This growth is linked to the development of the region’s transport infrastructure: the construction of bridges across the Amu Darya, the opening of international airports in Turkmenabat and Kerki, and the commissioning of a new section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. The modernisation of the ‘Lebapawtoulag’ fleet and the launch of a modern coach station in Turkmenabat have expanded bus routes and enabled the introduction of digital taxi services. The volume of freight transport also increased, reaching 3,991.1 million tonne-kilometres, exceeding last year’s figure by 72.5 million tonne-kilometres.
A Turkmen-Uzbek business forum has kicked off in the capital of Turkmenistan
28.07.2026The opening of the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum took place on 27 July in the conference hall of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Azat Nazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, delivered a welcome address to the participants. Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, also took part in the opening ceremony. The forum will feature a thematic session dedicated to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the construction and industrial sectors. During the discussions, representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of Uzbek companies specialising in the production of building materials and industrial equipment, will deliver presentations. Following the conclusion of the plenary and sector-specific parts of the programme, participants will hold bilateral negotiations. Meetings are scheduled between representatives of the two countries’ government bodies, as well as negotiations between representatives of the private sector from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The CIS will take stock of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship for the first half of the year
28.07.2026On 28 July, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS Member States will take place in Minsk. This was reported by the news agency Orient. One of the key topics of the meeting will be a review of the results of implementing the Concept for Turkmenistan’s CIS Chairmanship in 2026 and the corresponding Action Plan for the first half of the year. In addition, participants will discuss preparations for the meetings of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Council of Heads of State of the CIS, which are to be held on 7 and 9 October in Turkmenistan, as well as issues of cooperation in the fields of tourism, digitalisation, information and communication technologies, and healthcare.
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