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IFT 2026: Turkmen-Turkish cooperation reaches a new level
18.03.2026The Turkish Chairperson of the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council and President of the ‘Burç Group’, S. Gomdeniz, speaking at the ‘IFT 2026’ International Investment Forum, emphasised the importance of the long-standing cooperation that began in 1991. This was reported by IIC. At present, the Turkmen-Turkish Business Council brings together thousands of companies contributing to the diversification of the Turkmen economy on the basis of long-term partnership and trust. Cooperation is built through collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan with their Turkish counterparts, and the signed memoranda create a solid foundation for major projects. Turkish businesses are ready to invest and share their expertise in digital transformation and high technology, which opens up new opportunities for the sustainable development of both countries. The aim of the cooperation is to achieve a trade turnover of US$5 billion, focusing on the supply of strategic goods, including plastics, fertilisers and other industrial materials. Turkey’s private sector confirms its readiness to play an active role in Turkmenistan’s economic growth.
Chinese investors are stepping up their cooperation with Turkmenistan
18.03.2026Liu Chuanwu, founder of the Silk Road Economic Alliance and Head of ‘Huahe International’, addressed the International Forum on Private Sector Investment ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ (‘IFT 2026’) in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. He emphasised Turkmenistan’s strategic role as a consistent and reliable investment partner. The Chinese delegation, comprising more than twenty executives from leading companies, expressed its readiness to invest in key sectors of the country’s economy. Investors’ interests span smart agriculture, seed production, energy equipment manufacturing, satellite communications and IT. Liu Chuanwu noted that the technological capabilities of Chinese companies align with Turkmenistan’s plans for industrialisation and private sector development. Particular attention was paid to the cooperation between ‘Huahe International’ and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan: strengthening interaction with state bodies, establishing permanent trade channels and organising regular business missions. According to Liu Chuanwu, ‘IFT 2026’ could serve as a starting point for the practical implementation of agreements and a new level of investment partnership between Turkmenistan and China.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting with the Ambassador of the Netherlands
18.03.2026On 18 March, Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Nicolaas Schermers, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Turkmenistan (resident in Astana). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for bilateral cooperation, noting the potential for expanding ties between government departments, the business sector and scientific and educational institutions. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the legal framework and developing cooperation within the framework of international organisations and regional initiatives. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its position in global trade and logistics
18.03.2026Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, spoke at the ‘IFT 2026’ International Forum, highlighting key areas of economic development and the country’s accession process to the WTO. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to P. Yagshiyev, a draft Memorandum on the foreign trade regime has now been prepared, and WTO standards are being phased in in coordination with the WTO Secretariat and international partners. In 2025, Turkmenistan’s GDP exceeded US$77.4 billion with growth of 6.3%, investment amounted to over US$12.8 billion (+6%), inflation fell to 3.2%, and external debt did not exceed 3% of GDP. There has been no domestic debt since January 2022. Foreign trade turnover reached US$21.8 billion (+10.3%). The main areas for foreign investment are the oil and gas and chemical industries, energy, construction and the agro-industrial sector. Particular attention is paid to transport and logistics capacity: Turkmenistan participates in international corridors, including the Trans-Caspian route, a branch of the ‘North-South’ corridor and the Lapis Lazuli corridor. The third phase of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway is scheduled for completion in 2026.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of CNPC
18.03.2026On 16 March, Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, held a meeting in Beijing with Dai Houliang, Chairman of the Board of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed deepening cooperation in the gas sector. G. Agajanov noted that the partnership in the gas industry had become a strategic project going beyond simple supplies, and that the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline and the development of the right bank of the Amu Darya were strengthening joint opportunities. Dai Houliang emphasised his readiness to continue investing, making effective use of Turkmenistan’s resources and the potential of the Chinese market. The parties noted the importance of mutual trust and reaffirmed their intention to develop the technological level of joint projects, strengthening the ‘energy bridge’ between Central Asia and China.
The EBRD supports the development of public-private partnerships in Turkmenistan
18.03.2026The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) confirmed its readiness to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan at the ‘IFT 2026’ international investment forum, focusing on the development of public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms. This was reported by IIC. According to Eric Livny, Head of the EBRD’s Representative Office in Turkmenistan, this model is effective for modernising infrastructure and stimulating economic growth. PPPs offer businesses the opportunity to participate in large-scale state programmes, sharing risks and resources between the state and the private sector. The introduction of such mechanisms attracts foreign investment and facilitates the adoption of modern technologies in key sectors. Turkmen construction companies are already actively adopting this model, and joint projects with the EBRD will provide access to long-term financing and strengthen international competitiveness. The development of PPPs is seen as an important step towards building a sustainable and diversified economy for the country.
A teacher from Lebap has won an international teaching competition
18.03.2026Aynur Baltayeva, a mathematics and computer science teacher at Specialised Secondary School No. 19 in the Danew etrap of the Lebap velayat, won first prize at the ‘Golden Formula’ international competition, which took place in Berlin in February. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The competition is organised by the French company EURO MEDIA STAR GROUP and brings together teachers from different countries every year. The competition is held in four categories: ‘Educational Project’, ‘Teaching Guide’, ‘Model Lesson’ and ‘Research Paper’. A. Baltayeva submitted her work in the ‘Teaching Guide’ category on the topic ‘Game-based technologies in web programming lessons: interactive learning based on chess strategy’ and took first place.
Turkmen chess players secured podium places at a tournament in Bukhara
18.03.2026From 9 to 15 March, the 4th International Women’s Chess Tournament was held in Bukhara, featuring players from nine countries. The competition was held using the Swiss system across three groups: Masters, Challengers and Futures. This was reported by IIC. The representatives from Turkmenistan achieved excellent results. Myahri Agamyradova from Turkmenabat took first place among girls under 16 in the Challengers group. In the Futures group, Enesh Arazmedova from Ashgabat came fifth. Gulmira Seyilhanova from Turkmenabat took seventh place. The tournament featured female chess players from Austria, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Chess Federation of Turkmenistan congratulated the athletes on their results.
The private sector is showcasing its projects at an exhibition in Ashgabat
18.03.2026On 17 March, an exhibition marking the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan opened at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. More than 100 companies from various sectors – ranging from the food industry to high technology – are taking part in the exhibition. The event aims to showcase the capabilities of the private sector, develop business contacts and facilitate the exchange of experience. Among the participants is the menswear manufacturer ‘Nurland’. The company was founded in 2016 and previously operated under the name ‘Biçüw’. Its production combines handcrafting with modern technologies, including 3D solutions. The company collaborates with foreign suppliers of fabrics and accessories. The brand has two boutiques in Ashgabat. A branch has also been opened in Dubai. The boutiques use body-scanning systems to select clothing tailored to the customer’s measurements. The exhibition will run until 19 March. As part of the event, the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ will take place on 18 March.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people has arrived in Beijing
18.03.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed on 17 March for a friendly visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Before his departure from Ashgabat International Airport, Hero Arkadag held a meeting with leaders of political parties and public organisations. It was noted that relations between Turkmenistan and China have reached a new level and cover a wide range of areas. During the talks, emphasis was placed on the development of inter-parliamentary and inter-party ties, as well as on the convergence of the parties’ approaches to issues on the international agenda, including initiatives in the fields of security, development and dialogue. The role of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including in the field of education, was highlighted. It was noted that Turkmen students are studying at Chinese universities, and bilateral contacts in this area continue to expand. Hero Arkdag arrived in Beijing, where an official meeting attended by representatives of both countries took place at Beijing Capital International Airport. It is noted that Turkmenistan and China are actively cooperating in the energy, transport, trade and high-tech sectors. The parties are coordinating their efforts on the international stage, including within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia–China’ format. The friendly visit is continuing.
Turkmenistan and India are strengthening their cooperation in the chemical and industrial sectors
17.03.2026Baymyrat Annamammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Bandaru Wilsonbabu, the Indian Ambassador to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed cooperation in the production of fertilisers. They also explored prospects for partnership in the fields of industry, construction and the chemical sector. Previously, the countries had been considering the possibility of implementing new joint projects that could expand business opportunities for the business communities of both nations.
Turkmenistan and the CICA are stepping up dialogue on regional issues
17.03.2026On 17 March, Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the CICA. It was noted that the country has held observer status since 2021 and supports the organisation’s objectives of strengthening peace, security and trust in Asia. Issues of regional and inter-regional cooperation, including in Central Asia, were considered separately. Turkmenistan’s initiatives to establish a permanent forum on security, peace and development were discussed. Areas of cooperation in energy, transport and the environment were also touched upon, as well as the development of dialogue between the CICA and the Group of Friends of Neutrality, and the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The parties noted the need to coordinate efforts to stabilise the situation in Afghanistan and ensure food security. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further develop their partnership within the framework of the CICA.
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