On 11 February 2026, in Berlin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov took part in a meeting between the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany and the heads of foreign ministries of Central Asian countries. The main topics of the talks were the development of cooperation in the energy sector, issues of regional partnership and others, … [Read more...]
Berlin Hosts Historic Central Asia-Germany Ministerial Meeting, Elevates Strategic Partnership
nCa Report Germany solidified its commitment to Central Asia on Wednesday, hosting the first-ever ministerial-level meeting in the C5+1 (Z5+1) format with all five Central Asian nations, marking a significant step in the deepening "Strategic Regional Partnership" between the regions. The high-level diplomatic gathering brought together Foreign Minister Johann … [Read more...]
Central Asia 2026: From Great-Power Prize to Geostrategic Platform
Hao Nan Editor’s note: This is the truncated version of an analysis by Hao Nan. It was originally published by the think tank Valdai Club. The complete text of the analysis is available at this link --- https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/central-asia-2026-from-great-power-prize/ --- Ed. In 2025, Central Asia began to look less like a blank space on someone else’s … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Minister of Trade of Türkiye
On Tuesday, 10 February 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, Ömer Bolat, who arrived in Ashgabat on the occasion of the 12th Exhibition of Turkish Export Products. At the beginning of the meeting, Ömer Bolat conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the Head of Turkmenistan and the … [Read more...]
Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan for Trade and Trade Minister of Türkiye Discuss Further Development of Economic Partnership
On 10 February 2026, during his official visit to Ashgabat, Minister of Trade of Türkiye Ömer Bolat held key negotiations with the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Nokerguly Atagulyev. Following the meeting, which the Minister announced on his X (formerly Twitter) social media page, both parties confirmed their intent to further develop … [Read more...]
Türkiye and Turkmenistan: From 1,100 Completed Projects to a New Trade Record
A three-day exhibition of Turkish export products has launched in Ashgabat. The opening ceremony was attended by Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan overseeing the trade sector, and Ömer Bolat, the Minister of Trade of Türkiye. According to TRT Avaz, prior to the opening of the exhibition, Minister Bolat was received by the … [Read more...]
“Two States, One Nation”: President of Turkmenistan Welcomes Participants of Turkish Export Goods Exhibition
On 10 February 2026, a three-day Exhibition of Export Goods of the Republic of Türkiye opens in Ashgabat. On this occasion, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to the participants of the event. The text of the message was published by the country’s state media. "Today, the Republic of Türkiye is one of the major trade and economic … [Read more...]
Trade Minister of Türkiye to Attend Exhibition Opening in Turkmenistan and Hold High-Level Meetings
Trade Minister of Türkiye Ömer Bolat will visit Ashgabat from 10 to 12 February 2026. This was reported by the Anadolu Agency, citing the Turkish Ministry of Trade. The goal of the Turkish Export Products Exhibition in Ashgabat is to develop new partnership opportunities across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, food processing, textiles, … [Read more...]
Islamabad Summit Talks: Uzbekistan and Pakistan ink 30 New Agreements, a Defense Sector “Roadmap,” and Agree on $2 Billion Trade Turnover
On 5 February 2026, summit talks took place in Islamabad between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif. The first day of the Uzbek leader’s two-day visit (5–6 February) was marked by negotiations in a narrow format, the inaugural session of the Supreme-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, and the signing of a substantial … [Read more...]
Strategic Partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan – A Key Factor in Strengthening Central and South Asia Connectivity
On February 5–6, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Pakistan. This visit is seen as a logical continuation of the intensified Uzbek-Pakistani dialogue in recent years and, at the same time, as an important step in implementing Uzbekistan’s foreign policy strategy, focused on expanding cooperation with South Asian countries. The visit … [Read more...]
The Tragic Legacy of Andreas Papandreou: Good Intentions and the Perils of Economic Overreach
Tariq Saeedi Andreas Papandreou, the charismatic socialist leader who twice served as Greece's Prime Minister in the 1980s and 1990s, once declared that he did not want to turn his country into a "nation of waiters." It was a bold vision, born from a deep-seated desire to elevate Greece beyond the sun-soaked beaches and tavernas that drew tourists in droves. The story of … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Strategic Pivot: Navigating Between Giants While Building From Within
Tariq Saeedi The five republics of Central Asia—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan—are experiencing a quiet but significant transformation. Three decades after independence, these countries are no longer merely buffer states caught between larger powers. They're actively crafting foreign policies that maximize their autonomy while pursuing … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan Establish Strategic Partnership
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a state visit to Pakistan. On 4 February 2026, summit talks took place in Islamabad between Tokayev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This marks the first visit by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan as President. Furthermore, the visit carries symbolic significance as it coincided with the 34th anniversary of the establishment … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and UAE to Develop Economic Cooperation Program
Turkmenistan and the UAE intend to intensify their economic cooperation. This topic was discussed during a meeting between the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, on 4 February in Abu … [Read more...]
Turkmen Scientists Implement “Green Chemistry” Principles in Cement Production: Reducing Raw Materials, Fuel, and Environmental Impact
Cement production is one of the most energy-intensive and environmentally pollutive processes in the construction industry. Producing one ton of ordinary Portland cement requires vast amounts of limestone, clay, quartz sand, and iron ore. More importantly, it demands a massive amount of fuel (natural gas in Turkmenistan) and energy. During the kiln firing of the raw mix, … [Read more...]
Keeping one-fifth of humanity warm – Inside China’s winter energy stress test
Niu Honglin, producer and host with the Round Table China podcast. Winter has a way of stripping systems down to their essentials. Pipes freeze. Power lines snap. Heaters become the most important appliance in the house. When I started researching this episode of the podcast, I kept coming back to a simple question that feels increasingly global: what actually keeps people … [Read more...]
The Economic Horizon for Central Asia: Experts Opine on Mid- to Long-Term Prospects
Tariq Saeedi Central Asia—comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge, according to recent analyses from independent think tanks, academic experts, and regional specialists. Over the past six months, from August 2025 onward, discussions have centered on the region's potential to leverage … [Read more...]
UK Trade with Turkmenistan Reaches £102 Million in Year to Q3 2025, Driven by Export Growth
Bilateral trade in goods and services between the United Kingdom and Turkmenistan totalled £102 million in the four quarters ending September 2025 (October 2024 – September 2025), according to UK government data. This represents a 22.9% increase (£19 million) compared to the same period ending Q3 2024. UK exports to Turkmenistan rose sharply to £92 million, up 61.4% (£35 … [Read more...]
EBRD invests almost US$ 2 billion in Central Asia and Mongolia in 2025
Anton Usov In 2025 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested almost US$2 billion (€1.72 billion) through 120 projects in Central Asia and Mongolia. This represents one of the Bank’s strongest operational results in the region for more than a decade. Uzbekistan was the leading recipient of EBRD funding in 2025 for the sixth year running (over … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Belarus Are Working on Mutual Participation in Major Exhibitions of 2026
Turkmenistan and Belarus are actively cooperating on organizing the mutual participation of enterprises from both countries in key exhibition events of 2026. According to the Embassy of Belarus in Turkmenistan, Ambassador of Belarus to Turkmenistan Stanislav Chepurnoy held talks with Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. During … [Read more...]
Tashkent and Ankara Strengthen Strategic Partnership on the Eve of the 30th Anniversary of the Friendship Treaty – Outcomes of the Uzbekistan President’s Visit to Türkiye
On 29 January 2026, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Ankara on an official visit at the invitation of President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The main event of the one-day visit was the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, co-chaired by the two presidents, followed by an expanded meeting of the delegations. The sides … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Turkiye: A New Phase of Interconnectivity
Dilorom MAMATKULOVA, Leading research fellow of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan The strategic convergence between Turkiye and Central Asian states –driven by shared historical and cultural heritage alongside mutually reinforcing economic interests – is cultivating a novel architectural framework for regional … [Read more...]
Diplomacy of Trust, Integration, and Connectivity: Turkmenistan Presents 2026 CIS Chairmanship Concept in Minsk
The concept of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 2026, along with the corresponding action plan, was presented in Minsk during a meeting of the Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the CIS member states. The document was detailed by the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the CIS statutory and other … [Read more...]
Turkish Firms Complete Over 1,000 Projects in Turkmenistan, Surpassing $54 Billion
Since Turkmenistan gained its independence, Turkish companies have successfully implemented more than 1,000 major projects in the country with a total value exceeding US $ 54 billion. This was stated by the Ambassador of Türkiye to Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok, during a press conference for journalists in Ashgabat on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. According to the diplomat, … [Read more...]
33 years of mutual trust and creation: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan on the path of strategic partnership
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan Aimyrat Gochmyradov January 27, 2026, marks the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan. They were officially established on January 27, 1993. Over the past period, bilateral cooperation has acquired a stable, … [Read more...]
Ashgabat to Host Exhibition of Turkish Export Goods – Visit of Türkiye’s Minister of Commerce Expected
From 10 to 12 February 2026, Ashgabat will host the 12th Exhibition of Turkish Export Products, featuring approximately 100 companies and associations. The Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Türkiye, Ömer Bolat, is expected to attend the opening ceremony along with an official delegation. This was reported by the Embassy of Türkiye in Turkmenistan. The exhibition aims … [Read more...]
Davos 2026 and Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi This is a kind of lightweight analytical look at the Davos 2026 and some of the things that may relate to Central Asia. We have divided the narrative into three sections: Participants from Central Asia at Davos 2026 The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 concluded on January 23, 2026, with nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, … [Read more...]
China-Central Asia format: The catalyst for practical cooperation – On the occasion of exceeding the $100 billion trade mark between China and Central Asia.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin According to statistics from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, the volume of trade between China and the five Central Asian countries in 2025 amounted to US $ 106.3 billion, with an increase of 12% compared to the previous year. This is the first time that … [Read more...]
SPECA Economic Forum 2026 Concludes with Strong Regional Commitments on Connectivity, Trade, and Sustainable Development
The SPECA Economic Forum 2026, held on 21–22 January in Ashgabat, brought together high-level government representatives, UN regional commissions, international financial institutions, and regional experts to advance cooperation across transport, energy, digital trade, and sustainable development in Central Asia. Hosted under the theme “Regional Connectivity for Sustainable … [Read more...]
Women entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan took part in international exhibitions in the field of clothing design and home decor in Paris
Women entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan took part in the international exhibitions Maison & Objet and Who’s Next Paris, held in Paris from 15 to 19 January. The visit was organised under the project “Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration,” implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with funding from the European Union. Participation in the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Assumes CIS Chairmanship: Focus on Security, Economy, and Connectivity
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Russia and Plenipotentiary Representative to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Esen Aydogdyev, presented the country's Concept for its 2026 CIS Chairmanship during a meeting of the Commission on Economic Affairs under the CIS Economic Council in Moscow on 22 January 2026. Aydogdyev outlined the key priorities for Turkmenistan's … [Read more...]
From the Caspian to the Persian Gulf: Kazakhstan and Iran Advance Logistics Projects
Elvira Kadyrova Astana and Tehran are intensifying efforts to strengthen transport and logistics links, positioning Iran as a key gateway for Kazakhstan. In a recent meeting, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Iran Ontalap Onalbayev discussed expanding bilateral connectivity with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh. According to Kazakhstan's Foreign … [Read more...]
GDP Per Capita Hits $15,000: Kazakhstan Sets Record for Central Asia
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hailed a landmark year for the Kazakhstan economy during the 5th meeting of the National Kurultai on 20 January 2026. Addressing the assembly, the Head of State revealed that the nation’s GDP per capita has reached an unprecedented $15,000, setting a new record for both the country and the Central Asian region. The President attributed these … [Read more...]
Resilient Together: Strengthening the Caucasus and Central Asia Through Regional Cooperation
Yingming Yang, Vice-President, Asian Development Bank, and Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, International Monetary Fund Despite heightened global uncertainty and persistent geopolitical tensions, the Caucasus and Central Asia have continued to surprise on the upside. Growth in the subregion, which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, … [Read more...]
Historic Milestone: China-Central Asia Trade Turnover Surpasses $100 Billion for the First Time
In 2025, economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asian nations reached a qualitatively new level, hitting a historic milestone. According to official data from the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, reported by Xinhua News Agency, the total trade turnover between China and the region amounted to $106.3 billion, a 12% increase over the previous year. This … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan announces the leasing of facilities in the free trade zone on the border with Turkmenistan
On the border territory of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the process of leasing commercial facilities in the Shavat–Dashoguz Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has officially been launched. This was reported by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan. This is a key stage in the implementation of the project, aimed at stimulating bilateral trade, creating new business … [Read more...]
Be Prepared: The Timeless Wisdom Nations Must Relearn
Tariq Saeedi When Lord Robert Baden-Powell chose "Be Prepared" as the motto for the Boy Scouts in 1907, he wasn't simply offering practical advice for camping trips. The founder of the scouting movement understood something profound about human resilience: true preparedness isn't about predicting specific dangers, but about cultivating the character, skills, and mindset … [Read more...]
10 trends shaping global trade in 2026
Slower growth, rising protectionism and structural shifts in value chains, services and regulation are redefining trade flows, creating new risks and opportunities. Global trade had a record year in 2025, with preliminary data pointing to a 7% increase to exceed $35 trillion for the first time. While growth is expected to remain positive in 2026, the pace will slow. UN … [Read more...]
SPECA Economic Forum 2026 in Ashgabat to advance regional connectivity and the UN drive to peace and trust
The United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) will hold its annual economic forum and the 20th session of its Governing Council in the framework of the SPECA High-Level Week in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from 20 to 23 January 2026. These events will mark a major milestone for regional cooperation at a time when global challenges demand renewed … [Read more...]
From Economic Pain to Narrative Conflict in Iran
Tariq Saeedi As the world watches the unfolding events in Iran with a mix of concern and speculation, it's easy to get lost in the cacophony of international commentary. The recent protests, which erupted in late December 2025, have once again thrust the Islamic Republic into the global spotlight, highlighting deep-seated economic frustrations and the ever-present shadow … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Economic Rise: EDB Chief Economist on Transport Corridors, Logistics Boom, and the Path to Industrial Power
Central Asia is rapidly emerging as one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, with robust growth, expanding trade routes, and strategic opportunities in logistics and industry. Evgeny Vinokurov, Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) shares his perspective on this transformation. Originally featured on The Astana Times YouTube channel, this interview … [Read more...]
The Farming Sector: A Nation’s First Line of Defence
Tariq Saeedi Napoleon Bonaparte reportedly observed that an army marches on its stomach. This simple truth contains a profound strategic insight: before any nation can defend its borders, project power, or pursue its interests, it must first feed its people. The farming sector, far from being a mere economic concern, constitutes the first line of defence for any country … [Read more...]
Food Security: The Foundation of National Strength
Tariq Saeedi National security is commonly understood through the lens of military capability, diplomatic influence, and economic power. Yet underlying all these dimensions is a more fundamental requirement: the ability to feed one's population. Food security—the capacity for sustainable food self-sufficiency—represents not merely an agricultural concern but a cornerstone … [Read more...]
Central Bank of Turkmenistan unveils E-Commerce System Development Statistics as of Early 2026
As of 1 January 2026, Turkmenistan continues the steady development of its electronic commerce infrastructure. This is confirmed by official data published on the website of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan. According to the presented statistics, 1,043 trading points are currently connected to the electronic commerce system (E-Commerce) through various banks. These are … [Read more...]
Economies of Central Asia Show Robust Growth Amid Slowdown in CIS – UN Report
Most countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia maintain strong economic growth momentum, despite an overall slowdown in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Georgia region. These findings are presented in the new UN report "World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026." According to the report, following 4.6 per cent growth in 2024, the region’s GDP is … [Read more...]
Business, agriculture, housing and support for young families – areas of preferential lending in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is actively developing a system of preferential loans aimed at supporting the economy, improving the standard of living of the population and stimulating export-oriented production. This work is based on a series of presidential decrees that create favorable conditions for business, agriculture, housing construction and young families. The main efforts are focused … [Read more...]
Astana hosted the 3rd General Assembly of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry
On January 8, 2026, Astana hosted the 3rd General Assembly of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI). The event gathered leaders from national chambers of commerce and industry, government officials, and business representatives from across the Turkic world. Established in 2019 with its permanent secretariat in Istanbul, the TCCI serves as an … [Read more...]
State Budget of Turkmenistan for 2026: Priorities, Revenues, and Investments
A round table was held in Ashgabat, organized by the newspaper "Turkmenistan," where representatives of the parliament and the Ministry of Finance and Economy discussed the details of the state budget for the upcoming year. The Chairman of the Committee on Economic Issues of the Parliament of Turkmenistan, the Head of the State Budget Department of the Ministry of Finance and … [Read more...]
Dokma Online Store: A Showcase of Turkmen Textile Excellence
In an era of digital transformation, e-commerce is rapidly expanding worldwide, and Turkmenistan is actively embracing this trend. A prime example is the Dokma platform - https://dokma.com.tm/ - , a comprehensive online catalog featuring high-quality textile products from the country's leading national manufacturers. Dokma offers a diverse range of textile items tailored to … [Read more...]
From Uranium Mining to Nuclear Power Generation: Kazakhstan Corrects a “Historical Absurdity”
The development of nuclear energy is a strategic necessity and a matter of prestige for Kazakhstan. This follows from the interview of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with the newspaper "Turkistan". Tokayev stressed that "without reliable energy generation, Kazakhstan will not be able to transition to a new technological model of the economy. Supercomputers, data centers, … [Read more...]