Society
Turkmenistan plans to introduce technologies for collecting and utilising rainwater
23.07.2026The project office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the Central Asian Institute for Ecological Research in Kazakhstan, has begun developing a project to introduce systems for the collection and reuse of rainwater. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Ashgabat and the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone have been selected as pilot sites. The plan is to implement engineering solutions here for the collection, treatment and use of rainwater for watering green spaces. In the near future, the partners intend to sign a memorandum of cooperation and prepare an application to secure international funding. The project may subsequently be scaled up to other regions of the country.
Turkmenistan shared its experience of biodiversity conservation at a meeting in China
23.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the first meeting of the ‘Dialogue Mechanism’ for heads of state research institutions from Central Asian countries and China, held in the Chinese city of Urumqi as part of the 9th ‘China–Eurasia 2026’ EXPO. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed issues relating to the environment, combating desertification, climate change and the development of scientific cooperation. Pirli Kepbanov, Director of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan, presented the results of research in the field of desert studies and biodiversity conservation. The parties agreed to develop joint projects on reforestation, the protection of water resources, the creation of ecological corridors and the monitoring of glaciers. Following the meeting, an agreement was signed between the environmental research centres of the countries in the region, and the next meeting is scheduled to take place in Tashkent.
Turkmenistan has presented measures to improve road safety to the UN
23.07.2026On 20 July in New York, at a UN General Assembly meeting on road safety, Ovezgeldi Kakalyev, Deputy Minister of the Internal Affairs, delivered a statement on behalf of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He noted the country’s commitment to the objectives of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 and emphasised that the problem of road traffic accidents requires a comprehensive international approach. Among the national measures mentioned were the annual month-long campaign ‘Road Safety is the Peace of Our Life’, the state programme on road safety, and the ministries’ plans to reduce accident rates. It was also reported that penalties for traffic offences had been tightened following the adoption of relevant amendments to the legislation. O. Kakalyev highlighted the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the WHO, CIS states and international organisations in the areas of exchanging expertise and improving the regulatory framework. He reaffirmed the country’s readiness to continue its work on improving road safety.
The Turkmen brand ‘Balam’ is considering entering the Chinese market
23.07.2026The confectionery brand ‘Balam’ plans to enter the Chinese market and expand the geographical reach of its product deliveries. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Currently, ‘Balam’ products are supplied to Russia, Georgia, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. The company produces more than 50 types of confectionery, including puff pastries, croissants, semi-finished products and chocolate spread, as well as bakery products. The company uses modern equipment and local raw materials, paying particular attention to quality and hygiene standards. Founded in Ashgabat in 2016, the company intends to expand its export reach and strengthen the brand’s position in foreign markets.
Turkmenistan and the Netherlands are organising the World Ahal-Teke Horse Championships
22.07.2026In The Hague, Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, held a meeting with Joost Flamand, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Director-General for Political Affairs. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The main focus was on preparations for the World Equestrian and Beauty Championship for Ahal-Teke horses, which is due to take place in September 2026 at the Peelbergen equestrian centre in the province of Limburg. The Turkmen Ambassador provided an update on the organisational preparations and noted that the competition will be the first international event of this calibre for Ahal-Teke horses to be held outside Turkmenistan. Participants from various countries will present the finest examples of this breed. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the organisation of high-level events as part of the championship, as well as the development of political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the possibility of holding a Turkmen-Dutch business forum in The Hague, involving government bodies and business representatives from both countries. The parties considered prospects for cooperation in the fields of water resource management, the introduction of water-saving technologies, adaptation to climate change and the development of water management infrastructure. In addition, Sapar Palvanov held a meeting with Bob Aal, Head of the High-Level Events Unit within the Protocol Department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the protocol service. Organisational matters relating to the preparation of upcoming events and visits by high-level delegations were discussed. The Dutch side confirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with its Turkmen partners to ensure the successful organisation of the championship and the further development of bilateral relations.
Kristin Hawkins has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for the United States in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026The U.S. Department of State has appointed Kristin Hawkins as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan. She succeeded Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, who has completed her diplomatic mission in the country, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The State Department noted Elizabeth Rood’s contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of the partnership between the United States and Turkmenistan. Kristin Hawkins will continue to work on developing cooperation between the two countries and maintaining bilateral dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a WTO seminar in China
22.07.2026A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a training seminar on World Trade Organisation issues, which took place from 5 to 21 July 2026 in the cities of Beijing, Fuxin and Fuzhou in the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and aimed to facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of the international trading system, enhance the professional skills of specialists and support efforts related to Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation. The event took place at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. Participants learnt about China’s experience in engaging with the WTO, safeguarding national interests within the organisation, and managing free economic zones. Discussions also covered the adaptation of national legislation to international trade rules and WTO agreements, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in this process. The seminar facilitated the exchange of experience in the field of trade and economic cooperation and the improvement of Turkmenistan’s legal framework as part of the process of accession to the World Trade Organisation.
A technical seminar on the launch of the ‘e-TIR’ digital system was held in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026On 20 July, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan launched a series of initiatives to implement the international digital ‘e-TIR’ system and prepare for the first freight shipments using it. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, a technical seminar was held with the participation of representatives from the customs services of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as experts from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UNCTAD. Participants discussed practical issues relating to the launch of the system and the conduct of the first pilot shipment along the ‘Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ route. It was noted that Turkmenistan is among the first countries in the region to implement ‘e-TIR’ for international road transport, which contributes to the development of the country’s transit potential. From 22 to 24 July, the first pilot shipments using the ‘e-TIR’ system and training events will take place at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, with the support of the UNECE and the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
A meeting of the National Commission for UNESCO was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
21.07.2026On 20 July, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the work carried out during the first half of 2026 and discussed the further implementation of Turkmenistan’s initiatives and commitments within the framework of its cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) following Turkmenistan’s granting of observer state status within the organisation. Promising areas for further cooperation were considered. Following the meeting, priority tasks were identified to strengthen Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international organisations, and work plans were drawn up for the coming period.
Turkmenistan has presented a new approach to the digitalisation of the water sector
21.07.2026South Korea is launching the international programme ‘Smart Water Management in Central Asia – 2026’, organised by the Korea Foundation and the UNESCO International Centre for Water Security and Sustainable Management, according to the Orient news agency. The project aims to introduce digital solutions into the region’s water management sector. The event is seen as an important step in the preparations for the first ‘Korea–Central Asia’ Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for September. Turkmenistan has adopted a unique approach to participation: instead of the usual technical delegation, Ashgabat has sent a special group comprising representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection to develop cooperation in the water sector. The delegation will take part in meetings and seminars in Seoul, Daejeon and other technology hubs in South Korea. A key event will be the forum on 23 July, where representatives from Turkmenistan, the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) and IT companies will discuss joint projects on the implementation of ‘smart’ technologies, digital monitoring and the efficient use of water resources. Cooperation with South Korea is in line with Turkmenistan’s new climate initiatives, including the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, the Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and the Centre for Combating Desertification. Korean digital solutions in the field of water management could become one of the practical tools for the work of these organisations.
Turkmenistan has unveiled its plans for the development of artificial intelligence
20.07.2026Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, announced at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) in Shanghai that a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence is being developed in the country. The document will set out the directions for the implementation of AI, staff training and the development of scientific research, according to the press office of the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan. Speaking at the forum ‘AI Partnership for a Brighter Future’, the Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan is continuing its digital transformation, including the modernisation of infrastructure, the development of the digital economy and the improvement of the regulatory framework. According to him, the strategy addresses issues of security, ethics, personal data protection and algorithm transparency in line with international standards. AI is planned to be applied in healthcare, education, transport, water resource management and environmental protection. Hudayguliyev also stated that Turkmenistan is ready to develop international cooperation in the fields of digital infrastructure, data centres, scientific research and the responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies.
Turkmenistan will examine Georgia’s model for developing the tourism sector
20.07.2026Turkmenistan intends to study and draw on Georgia’s experience in developing the tourism and services sectors. This was stated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the Georgian-Turkmen business forum held in Tbilisi, according to the news website Turkmenportal. ‘Turkmenistan is interested in Georgia’s experience in the development of tourism and the service sector,’ the report states. The Head of State highlighted Georgia’s successful performance in the tourism sector in 2025 and noted that Ashgabat is keen to apply this experience to the further development of its own tourism industry. According to Georgian media reports, over 5.5 million tourists visited Georgia in 2025. Earlier, Irakli Nadareishvili, the country’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, reported that the tourism sector accounts for around 10 per cent of Georgia’s GDP, provides nearly 9 per cent of jobs, and that tourism accounts for around 60 per cent of the country’s service exports.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
