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Turkmenistan's construction and industrial complex exceeded its targets
30.08.2025In 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.
Turkmenistan's GDP grew by 6.3% in January–August this year
30.08.2025Deputy 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.
An event was held in Turkmenistan in honour of the director of the French Institute
30.08.2025A 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.
Turkmenistan launches new phase of customs development initiative
30.08.2025On 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.
Ashgabat and Tashkent expand medical partnership
30.08.2025A 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.
UNDP in Turkmenistan organised a series of training sessions on digital transformation
30.08.2025The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan, held a series of training sessions on digital transformation for representatives of government agencies and businesses from 25 to 29 August. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The training was part of the preparation of the Concept and State Programme on the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2026-2028. Representatives of nearly 30 ministries and agencies, as well as entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups participated in the sessions. Topics included the digitisation of public administration, strategic planning, digital maturity assessment, cybersecurity, data management and international experience. The classes were led by UNDP international expert Aare Laponin. The training sessions are seen as an important step towards creating digital infrastructure, developing human capital and supporting innovation for the sustainable growth of Turkmenistan's economy.
The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan reviewed cooperation with UNESCO
30.08.2025On 28 August, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan between Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, and Tao Zhang, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. UNESCO experts and representatives of relevant departments of the ministry also participated in the talks. The prospects for the digitalisation of education, the introduction of innovative technologies, the improvement of teachers' qualifications and the modernisation of the system in the context of the UN SDGs were discussed. UNESCO offered cooperation in the development of educational infrastructure, training of teachers with AI skills, the use of technologies for knowledge assessment, the promotion of the concept of continuous learning and the introduction of intelligent bots in universities. The parties also touched upon issues of youth education, the formation of a healthy lifestyle among schoolchildren, and the strengthening of interaction between parents and children. Following the meeting, the intention to continue joint projects to create a modern digital educational environment and improve the quality of education in Turkmenistan was confirmed.
A joint book by scientists from Turkmenistan and India has been published
30.08.2025The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the ‘India-Central Asia’ Foundation, has published a book entitled ‘India-Turkmenistan: Perspectives on History, Culture and Economy’. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen university. The publication was prepared by Turkmen and Indian researchers and includes articles by the institute's teachers. The book highlights the historical, cultural and economic aspects of bilateral cooperation and analyses current trends and prospects for interaction. Special attention is paid to the centuries-old ties between Turkmenistan and India, the development of trade and humanitarian contacts. Examples include architectural monuments in Merv, Delhi and Kunya-Urgench, which reflect common cultural traditions.
The President of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the President of the Republic of Korea
30.08.2025On 29 August, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung. The parties discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation, according to the state news agency TDH. Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Lee Jae-myung on his election and wished him success in his new position. In turn, the President of the Republic of Korea expressed his readiness to strengthen the partnership and conveyed his greetings to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Active cooperation between the countries was noted both at the bilateral level and in international organisations, including in the ‘Central Asia-Republic of Korea’ format. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation: projects involving ‘Hyundai’, ‘Daewoo’ and ‘LG’ in the fields of gas chemistry, energy and industry. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, including the teaching of Korean in Turkmenistan's universities and the holding of joint events. Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited Lee Jae-myung to an international forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, announced on the initiative of Turkmenistan, and the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality. In conclusion, the Heads of State expressed confidence in the further development of the partnership and exchanged best wishes.
Turkmen footballers won ‘Friendship Cup’ in Tashkent
30.08.2025An international children's football tournament, the ‘Friendship Cup’, was held in Tashkent for teams of children under 11 years of age, timed to coincide with the centenary of football in Tashkent. Teams from five Central Asian countries participated in the competition: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This was reported by IIC. The team ‘Gokje’ from Ashgabat Sports School No. 11 became the absolute champion of the tournament. The Turkmen footballers demonstrated impressive play, not suffering a single defeat throughout the tournament. In the semi-final match, the young talents from Turkmenistan won a confident victory over the team of the academy of the famous Uzbek footballer Odil Ahmedov with a crushing score of 6:1. In the decisive match, they faced the pupils of the famous Uzbek club ‘Bunyodkor’, whom they defeated with a clean sheet score of 4:0.
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan strengthen border cooperation
30.08.2025The visit of a delegation from the Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan to the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan was held on 28 August this year. The Turkmen delegation was led by the velayat's governor, Hojamyrat Ashyrmyradov. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the visit, talks were held with the governor of the region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, during which the parties identified the key vectors of cross-border partnership and approved a programme of strategic cooperation for the current and next two years. The governor of Balkan velayat emphasised that strengthening interregional ties is fully in line with the course set by the leaders of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan and contributes significantly to the development of good-neighbourly relations between the two countries. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation and expressed their intention to implement specific projects aimed at developing border regions.
WCO in Turkmenistan and the Academy of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan organised an online meeting
29.08.2025On 27 August, an online meeting was held between the Regional Training Centre of the World Customs Organisation in Turkmenistan and the Academy of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen customs service. The main topic was the WCO's ‘CLiKC!’ distance learning platform, which is used to improve the qualifications of customs officials. The parties discussed their experience of using it, opportunities for expanding educational programmes and access to modern resources. The participants noted the importance of cooperation between educational institutions for the exchange of practices and strengthening human resources. Following the meeting, it was emphasised that the active use of ‘CLiKC!’ will contribute to improving the training of specialists and developing cooperation between the parties.
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