The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is expecting the first concrete investment projects to emerge in Turkmenistan under the Memorandum of Cooperation with the country’s Central Bank. This was reported by Orient.

According to Eric Livny, Head of the EBRD’s office in Turkmenistan, the agreement with the Central Bank could be one of the first to be put into practice amongst the five memoranda signed between Turkmenistan and the EBRD in July 2026.

The document lays the groundwork for the resumption of direct financing for private, export-oriented companies generating foreign currency revenue. The first transactions are expected in the manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and export services sectors.

Visits by EBRD experts to Turkmenistan are planned to identify potential projects and prepare investment proposals. They will hold consultations with representatives of the private sector and explore financing opportunities.

The EBRD is also considering collaboration with Turkmen banks to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises and introduce trade finance instruments.

Other memoranda signed in July provide for cooperation in the fields of transport, sustainable development and urban development. In particular, the EBRD is exploring investment opportunities in Turkmenistan’s railway infrastructure and logistics as part of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

The EBRD has been working with Turkmenistan since 1992. During this period, the bank has financed 87 projects totalling €322 million. Currently, the main focus is on supporting the private sector and engaging with financial institutions.