Deputy Prime Minister Mammethan Chakiyev presented a report on the activities of subordinate structures for the first eight months of this year at a government meeting on 29 August. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During this period, the volume of work performed and services provided increased by 113.6%. The plan for freight transportation by road, rail, air, sea and river transport was fulfilled by 101.5%, and for passenger transportation – by 103.6%. According to the results of January-August 2025, the growth rates of services provided were as follows: 105% in the Ministry of Rail Transport, 111.9% in the Ministry of Road Transport, 114.4% in the State Service ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’, 107.3% in the State Service of Sea and River Transport, and 120% in the Ministry of Communications. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of the phased and modern development of the transport and communications complex for the full implementation of the tasks set before it. In this regard, the Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to take measures to increase the volume of freight and passenger traffic, as well as to create favourable conditions for international transport and transit communications.
On 30 August, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Turkmenistan, who is completing her diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties noted the positive dynamics of Turkmen-Indian cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. M. Byashimova expressed her gratitude to the diplomat for her personal contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and wished her success in her future endeavours. In turn, the Ambassador thanked the Government of Turkmenistan for its support and assistance during her tenure in Ashgabat.
On 30 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a briefing on the priority areas of the country's participation in the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. The event was attended by the leadership and employees of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in Ashgabat, as well as representatives of the media. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Speaking to the participants, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov noted the special significance of the upcoming anniversary session as an important event confirming the stability and relevance of multilateral diplomacy. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan considers a policy of positive neutrality, based on the principles of trust and mutual respect, to be an effective tool for strengthening stability, preventing conflicts and developing international cooperation. The participants in the event confirmed the importance of coordinating efforts to implement the tasks within the framework of the upcoming session. The significant role of Turkmenistan in promoting peacekeeping initiatives and sustainable development at the regional and global levels was noted.
On 30 August, the Turkmenistan national football team competed for the main trophy of the CAFA-2025 Nations Cup. In the first round, the players faced the team from Kyrgyzstan. The match began at 16:50 Ashgabat time. This was reported by IIC. The CAFA tournament is being held for the second time - this year it brought together eight national teams from Central Asia, along with invited teams from Oman and India. Turkmenistan is in Group A, whose matches will be held in Uzbekistan. In addition to the Kyrgyz team, Turkmenistan's opponents will be the teams from Uzbekistan and Oman. The next games will be held on 2 and 5 September against Uzbekistan and Oman, respectively. The winners of each group will advance to the final, while the teams that finish second will compete for the bronze medals. The current champion of the tournament is the Iranian national team. This tournament is of particular importance for the Turkmen national team as a stage of preparation for upcoming international competitions. The team intends to demonstrate a decent game and show high results.
At a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan chaired by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Deputy Prime Minister Bahar Seyidova presented a comprehensive plan of cultural events for September 2025. The programme, developed as part of the UN's International Year of Peace and Trust, includes a variety of events, from professional conferences to mass celebrations. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The cultural calendar for the month includes two significant competitive events: the final of the national children's talent contest ‘Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri’ in the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ valley and the television contest ‘Ýaňlan, Diýarym!’ at the capital's song and music centre. Events dedicated to the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence occupy an important place in the programme. The celebration plan includes a concert with the participation of leading cultural figures, a ceremony of laying flowers at the Independence Monument, the solemn raising of the national flag in the central squares of Arkadag and all velayats of the country, as well as a parade in front of the State Tribune. The President of Turkmenistan, emphasising the importance of high-quality preparation for the upcoming events, instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high level of organisation for the festive events and ceremonies to open new social and cultural facilities.
The oil and gas sector in Turkmenistan continues to be the main driver of the economy, demonstrating stable performance in the first eight months of 2025. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Amanov during a government meeting on 29 August, according to the state news agency TDH. The State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ is steadily fulfilling its oil production plan. The country's oil refineries have increased production of petrol, diesel fuel and lubricants, and there has also been an increase in the production of natural and associated gas, liquefied gas and exports of ‘blue fuel’ to international markets. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of further modernising the industry, instructing energy companies to operate at full capacity and increase the efficiency of geological exploration and drilling operations.
The trade sector and private business in Turkmenistan are showing significant growth. This was announced on 29 August by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the results of work for the first eight months of 2025, according to the state news agency TDH. The turnover of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations amounted to 117.7%. Particular attention is paid to the textile industry, which is one of the country's leading export sectors. Production in this segment amounted to 104.2%, with cotton yarn production reaching 116.6% and fabrics 122.7%. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange held 194 auctions and registered almost 19,000 contracts, reflecting a high level of business activity. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to strengthen the supply of the domestic market with sought-after products and to continue working to increase exports, including with the active participation of the private sector.
In January–August 2025, Turkmenistan's construction and industrial sectors showed growth above target. This was announced on 29 August at a government meeting by Deputy Prime Minister Baymyrat Annamammedov, according to the state news agency TDH. The total volume of work completed and products manufactured amounted to 107.1%. Positive dynamics were noted in all key structures, including the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, the Ministry of Energy, the State Agency for Road Construction Management, and the Ashgabat City Administration. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to ensure that enterprises operate at full design capacity, develop modern production facilities and create new jobs. The Head of State also stressed the need to complete the construction of all facilities planned for this year, including residential buildings, within the established deadlines.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov presented Turkmenistan's macroeconomic indicators for January–August 2025 during a government meeting on 29 August, noting the stable growth of the national economy. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Gross domestic product increased by 6.3%, with the transport and communications sector, trade and services showing the strongest growth, while the total volume of output increased by 9.9% compared to last year. Retail trade turnover increased by 13.1%, foreign trade turnover grew by 5.5%, and the average wage at large and medium-sized enterprises rose by 11.9%. The volume of investments amounted to a 10.8% increase. The state budget was fully executed, and social obligations, including salaries, pensions and scholarships, were financed in a timely manner. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to maintain macroeconomic stability and continue improving the budget and tax systems.
A ceremony was held in the capital of Turkmenistan to mark the end of Romain Gouvernet's diplomatic mission as director of the French Institute. The event was attended by representatives of the French Embassy, partners of the organisation and cultural figures. This was reported by IIC. In his speech, Philippe Merlin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Turkmenistan, highlighted the strengthening of cultural and educational cooperation achieved under Gouvernet's leadership. The French diplomat stressed that Romain Gouvernet headed the institute during the difficult period of the pandemic, managing not only to adapt the organisation's activities to the new conditions, but also to take it to a qualitatively new level. During Gouvernet's tenure, the institute moved to a modern complex with multifunctional classrooms, a cinema and the ‘Nadar’ gallery. The institute's educational programmes reached 22,000 students, and the technical equipment allowed for the introduction of innovative teaching methods. Significant achievements included the popularisation of Francophonie Weeks at the national level and the implementation of DELF-DALF international certification programmes. Strategic educational initiatives laid the foundation for the signing of an intergovernmental Roadmap for cooperation for 2025-2026. During the ceremony, the new director of the institute, Vincent Lorenzini, was also introduced. He will take up his post on 1 September.
On 29 August, Turkmenistan, in cooperation with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), launched the third phase of its national customs modernisation programme. This was reported by IIC. The project aims to speed up customs procedures, increase transparency and strengthen the country's position as a key transit hub in the region. The main element of this phase will be the introduction of the ASYCUDA automated customs data system. At the same time, specialists are being trained so that they can manage the system independently. In addition, the modernisation includes developing the capacity of customs and border services, introducing risk-based controls, improving the classification and valuation of goods, and transitioning to electronic document management.
A meeting was held in Ashgabat between the Minister of Health of Turkmenistan, Myrat Mammedov, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, Ravshanbek Alimov. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in medicine, including the exchange of experience, interaction between specialists, institutions and manufacturers of medicines and equipment. Particular attention was paid to the initiative to create an International Academic Hub for Paediatric Oncology, which was previously proposed in Tashkent. Uzbekistan's participation in the ‘Healthcare, Education and Sport’ exhibition, which will be held in Ashgabat from 10 to 12 October, was also discussed, with the possibility of presenting the country's medical and pharmaceutical potential. The negotiations confirmed the significant potential for bilateral cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and medical education.