On 26 March, the business forum ‘New Horizons for Connectivity, Investment and Sustainable Growth’ opened in Ashgabat, bringing together representatives of government bodies, the business sector and international organisations from Turkmenistan and the EU. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal.

The event is taking place at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) as part of the EU’s ‘Global Gateway’ initiative. Participants were welcomed by representatives of the Turkmen government, the European Union, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the country and the ITC.

The forum’s programme includes three panel sessions dedicated to improving the business climate, developing transport connectivity and issues relating to the ‘green’ transition. Discussions will focus on trade and investment between the EU and Turkmenistan, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the digitalisation of logistics, renewable energy and climate finance.

It is also planned that an updated protocol to the memorandum of cooperation in the energy sector will be signed during the forum, providing for additional funding of €2 million for the ‘EU for a Green Development in Turkmenistan’ project.

The forum venue is hosting B2B and B2G meetings, as well as an exhibition of Turkmen companies and joint projects. The event will conclude with a press conference and an official reception.