From 2 to 4 April, Ashgabat will host the International Exhibition ‘Cooperation and Development’. The event is organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the Turkish company ‘Net Organization’, according to the press service of the CCI of Turkmenistan. The exhibition aims to expand international cooperation, exchange experience and attract investment. The exhibition will present solutions in the fields of digitalisation, ‘green’ technologies, industry and logistics. Special attention will be paid to issues related to the growth of the export potential of Turkmen manufacturers and their entry into new markets. The forum will include business meetings and project presentations, which are expected to contribute to the development of partnerships and the strengthening of the country's economic position.
Turkmenistan plans to hold celebrations to mark the fifth anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The initiative was announced at a working meeting in Arkadag, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Gulshat Mammedova, mayor of Arkadag, proposed celebrating the Fund's anniversary on behalf of the city administration. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov supported the idea and instructed to develop a detailed plan for the celebration with the participation of representatives of culture and art, as well as to take a comprehensive approach to the selection of the venue and preparation of the programme. The meeting also discussed the implementation of the second phase of the Arkadag city development project, including medical facilities and a new park. Special attention was paid to preparations for International Women's Day, in particular the ceremony to honour mothers with many children and the presentation of keys to new homes. The events are to be organised at a high organisational level.
The final of the annual ‘Woman of the Year’ competition was held at the Centre for Public Organisations of Turkmenistan in the capital, according to IIC. The event was organised by the Central Council of Women of Turkmenistan. The gala evening was opened by Hero of Turkmenistan Chynar Rustemova. In her speech, she noted the contribution of women to social development, the strengthening of family values and the fulfilment of state tasks. Representatives from all velayats of the country, as well as the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, participated in the final. The programme included eight nominations, including in the fields of education, medicine, business and culture. By decision of the organisers, all finalists were awarded certificates of honour and commemorative gifts from the Central Council of Women of Turkmenistan.
Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Juraj Nociar, Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the European Union. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. During the talks, the importance of regular political dialogue and high-level contacts for the sustainable development of relations was noted. The participants of the meeting also emphasised the need to further strengthen the legal framework and improve the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for interaction. Particular attention was paid to expanding areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU and developing interregional ties between the EU and Central Asia, which are becoming strategically important. The meeting concluded by emphasising that the deepening of the partnership between the EU and Central Asia opens up additional opportunities for bilateral cooperation between Ashgabat and Brussels.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Turkmenistan Stanislav Chepurnoy. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the press service of the Belarusian diplomatic mission. During the talks, the parties discussed a number of issues related to the development of air traffic between the two countries. In addition, the participants reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, including the participation of the business community in congress and exhibition events, as well as opportunities for expanding cultural and humanitarian contacts, interparliamentary cooperation and interaction between foreign ministries.
On 27 February, Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with a delegation headed by Mullah Faizullah Tamim, Director General of the Administration of Standards and Quality. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the field of standardisation, certification and product quality control, and exchanged views on the development of trade and economic ties. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of compliance with quality requirements for increasing mutual trade turnover. The meeting is seen as a step towards further strengthening Turkmen-Afghan cooperation.
The Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages held another Japanese language public speaking contest. The event was initiated by the Embassy of Japan in Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Hiroshi Sasaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan, and staff members of the diplomatic mission, according to IIC. The participants were students from two universities: the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology. The competition was held in two stages. First, the students presented an artistic reading of the Japanese fairy tale ‘Happiness.’ The jury evaluated their pronunciation, intonation, and artistry in performing the text from memory. In the second round, participants gave presentations on topics of their choice, based on their own essays. This stage was aimed at testing their language proficiency and analytical skills. When summarising the results, the commission took into account the content of the presentations, the accuracy of speech and compliance with the requirements. The winners were awarded diplomas and commemorative gifts from the Japanese side.
The national legal framework in the field of road transport is being brought into line with international requirements. This was announced on 27 February during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by Deputy Prime Minister B. Annayev, according to TDH. According to him, the relevant ministry is consistently implementing state policy in the field of road safety and ensuring compliance with international conventions ratified by Turkmenistan. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the modernisation of legislation is aimed at improving the efficiency of the transport industry and strengthening transport safety. The Head of State approved the initiative to improve control over compliance with the work and rest regime for drivers engaged in international road transport and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to continue the relevant work.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the progress of construction of the second phase of the city of Arkadag. The focus was on medical cluster facilities and industrial zones, according to IIC. During the inspection, standards for furnishing residential premises and interior design solutions for the new city mosque were approved. Particular emphasis was placed on road safety issues: adaptive traffic light systems and modern road markings that meet international requirements are being introduced. In addition, a plan was presented for the modernisation of the ‘Polatly’ monument and the improvement of ‘Ahalteke atlary’ Avenue. At a working meeting in the city administration, it was noted that 2026 will mark the fifth anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. In this regard, instructions were given to prepare a comprehensive programme of anniversary events with the participation of creative groups. Cultural events are planned in Ashgabat and Arkadag, aimed at demonstrating the results of the Fund's work in the field of child health and social support. During his visit to the equestrian complex, Hero Arkadag also discussed the implementation of the action plan for 2026. The strategy provides for the holding of an international competition ‘The Most Beautiful Ahal-Teke Horse of the Year’ and a series of scientific conferences with the participation of foreign experts. It is planned to actively involve students from relevant universities in the organisation of events to exchange experience with foreign specialists. The key task is to further strengthen Turkmenistan's status as one of the world centres of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and to integrate national horse training standards into the international system.
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the UAE, Bayram Bayramov, met with the Executive Director for International Relations at ‘Etihad Rail’, Tariq Al Falahi. This was reported by the IIC. The discussion focused on joint infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening transport links between Central and South Asia. The parties discussed the practical implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the railway authorities of the two countries, signed in October 2025 at the ‘Global Rail’ exhibition in Abu Dhabi, and agreed on steps for technical coordination. Strategic aspects of the partnership and the preparation of roadmaps for further integration of transport systems were also discussed. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue regular expert consultations.
On 27 February, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev presented a report on preparations for an exhibition dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the International Forum ‘Investments in the Future of Turkmenistan’ during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, about 70 foreign companies and international organisations have confirmed their participation, and registration is ongoing. The Turkmen side will be represented at the forum by representatives of ministries, industry departments and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of developing the private sector and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high level of organisation for the exhibition and forum.
Turkmenistan expects stable economic growth to continue until 2027, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's report ‘Regional Economic Prospects in the EBRD Regions.’ This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan.’ At the end of 2025, the country's GDP grew by 6.3% year-on-year. Growth was supported by the expansion of transport activities, active trade with neighbouring countries, including a free trade regime with Uzbekistan, as well as the development of the private sector and favourable price conditions for exports. Investments in public infrastructure stimulated construction and overall economic activity, while regulatory measures helped to contain inflation through price mechanisms, import support and credit restrictions.