Society
Ashgabat is set to become the hub for agro-industrial and food innovation in Central Asia
01.05.2026From 12 to 14 May, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the international exhibitions ‘Agro Pack Turkmenistan 2026’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan 2026’. For the fifth time, they will serve as a key business platform for the agro-industrial and food sectors of Central Asia, according to the news agency Orient. The exhibitions will cover the entire production cycle — from food and beverages to processing and packaging technologies. A particular focus is placed on the agricultural sector: modern irrigation systems, equipment for greenhouses and livestock farming. Companies from Turkmenistan, Russia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, China, the USA and Belarus have confirmed their participation, which strengthens international cooperation in the region. Interest in the exhibitions stems from Turkmenistan’s economic growth, the demand for new technologies, and the country’s development as a logistics hub due to its advantageous geographical location and routes across the Caspian Sea. The ‘Agro Pack’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan’ venues will also serve as a venue for B2B meetings with distributors, wholesale companies and government bodies, enabling participants to conclude commercial agreements.
Turkmenistan is studying Germany’s experience with a view to joining the WTO
30.04.2026Turkmenistan is stepping up its preparations for WTO accession by studying the experience of European countries. A series of meetings is taking place in Berlin from 27 April to 1 May, where a Turkmen delegation is analysing German approaches to the formulation of trade policy, according to the news agency Orient. The visit has been organised by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and aims to strengthen the expert base for cooperation with the organisation. During negotiations at relevant German ministries, issues such as market access, coordination within the framework of multilateral trade and institutional preparations for membership are being discussed. Particular attention is being paid to agricultural trade, export support and government-business cooperation. The topics of sustainable development and climate cooperation are also being addressed. According to the participants, the experience gained will help Turkmenistan improve its trade policy and prepare more effectively for integration into the global economy.
Young people in Turkmenistan discussed the future of green cities
30.04.2026On 28 April, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction hosted an interactive seminar entitled ‘Green Cities through the Eyes of Youth’, organised with the support of UNDP. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, aimed at developing an energy-efficient and sustainable construction sector with funding from the Global Environment Facility. The seminar focused on fostering an environmental culture, developing leadership skills and deepening young people’s understanding of the principles of sustainable urban development. The discussions were attended by students from leading universities, SDG ambassadors, climate activists, as well as experts and international consultants from UNDP and the European Union’s ‘SECCA’ project. The organisers note that the event helped to increase youth participation in promoting sustainable urban solutions and strengthen their engagement with the global climate agenda.
Ashgabat hosted a briefing on the UN International Water Conference
30.04.2026A briefing for the diplomatic corps and the media was held in the Turkmen capital. Niyatbekzoda Vafo Alibek, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan, spoke about preparations for the Fourth High-Level International Conference within the framework of the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028’. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum will take place in Dushanbe from 25 to 28 May 2026. It is organised by the Government of Tajikistan in conjunction with the UN. The co-chairs will be the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and the Head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The conference will serve as the main preparatory event for the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-chaired by Senegal and the UAE. The agenda includes the implementation of the UN Water Action Agenda, the exchange of experiences and the search for solutions to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Participants will also discuss the outcomes of the Decade for Action on Water and the formulation of the UN’s post-2030 water agenda. The forum will be held in an in-person format. Delegations from UN member states, heads of international financial institutions, scientists and representatives of the private sector are expected to attend. Youth and women’s organisations, as well as representatives of indigenous peoples, have been invited to participate in the discussions.
A regional seminar on nuclear safety was held in Ashgabat, attended by 12 countries
28.04.2026A regional IAEA workshop, supported by the Government of Turkmenistan and dedicated to ensuring the nuclear security of materials outside regulatory control, was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by representatives from 12 countries, including states in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Russia, Turkey, Pakistan and Mongolia. Participants included staff from customs and border services, law enforcement agencies and emergency services. The main focus was on strengthening national control systems to prevent the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials and improve operational response to threats. The seminar confirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to complying with international standards and strengthening regional cooperation in the field of nuclear security.
Turkmenistan has studied Europe’s experience in energy-efficient construction
27.04.2026UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan held a training seminar on energy efficiency in the construction sector. The event was attended by lecturers, students, academics, as well as international experts from UNDP and the EU project ‘Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia’. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The seminar examined the experience of European countries in developing a regulatory framework for the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings, as well as international practices in energy-efficient design. The event took place as part of the joint UNDP and GEF project ‘Developing National Capacity of Turkmenistan through Improving Regulatory Environment towards Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building Sector (TEESB)’. The project aims to introduce energy-efficient technologies in construction, develop renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of Turkmenistan’s fulfilment of its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
European Immunisation Week has kicked off in the Turkmen capital
27.04.2026European Immunisation Week 2026 has opened in the Turkmen capital. This year, the initiative marks its 20th anniversary in the WHO European Region. This was reported by IIC. Since 21 April, seminars for doctors, immunologists and epidemiologists have been taking place at Ashgabat Polyclinic No. 11. The theme of the training sessions is the role of healthcare workers in building trust in vaccination. The events are organised with the support of the European Union. The week’s motto is: ‘For every generation, vaccines work’.
Turkmenistan celebrates National Horse Day
27.04.2026Turkmenistan is celebrating the National Day of the Turkmen horse. Concerts, exhibitions and horse races are taking place across all the velayats, as well as in Ashgabat and Arkadag cities, according to Turkmenportal. In his congratulatory message, the President of Turkmenistan stated that Ahal-Teke horses are recognised as one of the finest thoroughbred breeds in the world and a treasure of humanity. The day before, the Ashgabat Racecourse hosted the international beauty contest ‘Best Ahal-Teke Horse of the Year’, attended by Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as the awards ceremony for the winners of the creative competition.
Turkmenistan is developing a system for inter-agency electronic data exchange
26.04.2026Turkmenistan has established the regulatory framework for the launch of the Inter-agency Electronic Data Exchange System. These decisions have been taken as part of efforts to develop digital infrastructure and modernise the telecommunications sector. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan has announced the continuation of programmes to expand digital services, modernise the sector and strengthen the country’s technological independence. Standard documents regulating the operation of the electronic exchange system have been approved, including agreements between government bodies and the system operator. These define the procedures for interaction, data exchange and the provision of electronic public services, as well as the rights and obligations of participants. ‘Türkmentelekom’ has been appointed as the operator, coordinating the system’s operation and being responsible for monitoring cyber risks. It is expected that the implementation of the platform will integrate government databases into a single network and create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for the country.
Cargo throughput at the Port of Turkmenbashi has risen amid an increase in exports and transit traffic
26.04.2026Cargo transhipment at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport rose by 10% year-on-year in January–March 2026. This growth was driven by increased supplies of Turkmen oil to local refineries and sulphur exports, some of which were diverted from the Iranian route, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Transit through Turkmen ports increased by 23% in the first quarter. The main drivers were the growth in urea exports from Garabogaz and the transhipment of liquid cargo via Ekerem. The increase in sulphur transit is linked to its re-routing in March via Azerbaijan to the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi, against a backdrop of a 35% rise in Black Sea prices. The port of Turkmenbashi remains the largest on the Caspian Sea and boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including passenger, container and cargo terminals.
The first HSK testing centre is set to open in Turkmenistan
26.04.2026Plans are afoot to open the first HSK Chinese language testing centre in Turkmenistan. This was announced by Ji Shumin, China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at an event marking International Chinese Language Day at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, according to the news agency Orient. According to the diplomat, work on the project is already underway with the support of the Chinese Embassy and partner organisations. The new centre is intended to make it easier to take the HSK exam, which is required for admission to Chinese universities and employment in China. It is expected that its opening will expand opportunities for those studying Chinese and will be a step towards strengthening educational cooperation between the two countries.
Ashgabat will host the OGT 2026 forum for the global energy sector in October
24.04.2026The 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’ will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026. Registration is now open, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum’s motto is ‘Energy. Partnership. Progress.’ The previous OGT 2025 conference brought together over 1,400 delegates from 70 countries, more than 100 exhibiting companies and 80 speakers. The main topic will be the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field – one of the largest in the world. Its fourth phase has recently commenced: the new capacity will enable the production of up to 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year. Also on the agenda are the TAPI gas pipeline, offshore blocks in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, infrastructure modernisation and the diversification of export routes. A separate session will be dedicated to sustainable development: reducing methane emissions, the digitalisation of the industry, hydrogen energy and carbon capture technologies. The programme includes a plenary session, a ministerial round table, panel discussions, industry sessions and an international exhibition. B2B and B2G meetings are planned.
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