On 26 August 2026, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan Lee Won-jae visited the Turkmenbashi Oil Processing Complex (TOPC), where he met with the complex’s General Director, Dovran Chishiyev, toured the production facilities, and held meetings with representatives of South Korean companies.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Turkmenistan in the oil refining industry and the activities of Korean companies in the country, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Turkmenistan reported.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the leadership of TOPC for their support and voiced hope for expanding the involvement of Korean companies in the modernization and technical maintenance projects at the complex.
In August 2025, South Korean company Yuhan Technology Co., Ltd. signed a contract with the Turkmenbashi Oil Processing Complex. The company won an EPC project for the reconstruction and modernization (revamping) of the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit at TOPC. This project encompasses the full cycle of work — from engineering and procurement of equipment to construction and installation. The catalytic cracking unit is a key element of deep oil refining, enabling the production of higher-value petroleum products from heavy fractions.
As part of his visit to Turkmenbashi, the Ambassador also met with representatives of Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology (KSIT) and Yuhan Technology. The parties discussed the progress of ongoing projects and addressed operational matters facing the companies in Turkmenistan.
The Ambassador encouraged the corporate representatives, emphasizing that the Embassy will continue to provide necessary support for the successful execution of their operations and the further expansion of Korean business presence in Turkmenistan.
The Balkan Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Yard, in partnership with Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology Co., Ltd., is currently constructing 6,100-ton dry cargo vessels. The first of the two vessels, Gadamly, was commissioned in May 2026. Another vessel of the same class, Menzil, is also being prepared for delivery this year in cooperation with Korean partners. ///nCa, 28 August 2026