A mission from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), headed by Asad Alim, regional head for integration and cooperation at the Central and West Asia Department, is visiting Ashgabat. Talks with representatives of government agencies are focused on Turkmenistan's preparations for joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). This was reported by Orient.

The meetings will continue until October 24. Representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, the State Customs Service, and the Main State Service “Turkmenstandartlary” will discuss institutional reforms, the preparation of a Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime, and the development of legislation in line with WTO requirements.

The parties also plan to identify priority areas for technical assistance from the ADB and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.

Part of the programme is dedicated to supporting the private sector. On October 21–22, a practical workshop for Turkmen entrepreneurs will be held at the Yyldyz Hotel. Participants will learn about WTO mechanisms, international trade requirements, and export opportunities arising from the harmonisation of trade standards.