International interest in Turkmenistan’s flagship energy forum is gathering momentum, with more than 400 participants already registered for the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026,” scheduled to take place in Ashgabat on 21–23 October.
According to the organisers, the registrations include more than 300 international delegates representing around 40 countries, with further applications continuing to arrive ahead of the event.
Perhaps more significant for Turkmenistan’s efforts to broaden its international economic partnerships is the expected participation of over 100 companies attending OGT for the first time.
The figures point to an expanding circle of companies exploring opportunities in Turkmenistan’s energy sector at a time when the country is advancing major gas, infrastructure and value-added processing projects.
Exhibition space sold out
Commercial interest is also reflected in the exhibition. All available space at OGT Expo 2026 has been fully allocated ahead of the conference.
Malaysia is expected to have a particularly visible presence. A dedicated Malaysian pavilion will bring together more than 20 companies, many of them exploring the Turkmen market for the first time.
The growing Malaysian business presence builds on three decades of energy cooperation between Turkmenistan and PETRONAS and could help extend bilateral engagement into technology, services and new areas of investment.
Chinese companies are also expected to be strongly represented, reflecting the scale of the long-term Turkmenistan–China energy partnership and continuing cooperation in the development and export of Turkmen natural gas.
Gas, connectivity and investment
OGT 2026 comes at an important stage in Turkmenistan’s energy development.
Discussions in Ashgabat will focus on the further development of the giant Galkynysh gas field, the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, opportunities in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, gas processing and petrochemicals, project financing and investment.
Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, methane-emissions reduction and new environmental technologies are also expected to feature prominently.
Beyond formal conference sessions, OGT is increasingly positioning itself as a practical business platform. A programme of B2B and B2G meetings will enable international companies to engage directly with Turkmenistan’s energy institutions and explore potential projects and partnerships.
Growing international visibility
The expanding international profile of the event is also reflected in its media presence. Global and specialist media organisations including Euronews, Energy Intelligence and Petroleum Economist are expected to cover the gathering.
This international attention comes as Turkmenistan seeks to strengthen its position not only as one of the world’s major natural gas resource holders, but also as an increasingly important participant in discussions on regional energy security, connectivity and sustainable development.
For Central Asia, the discussions have wider relevance. New energy corridors, investment in processing capacity and stronger links between Central Asia, the Caspian region, South Asia and international markets could have implications extending well beyond Turkmenistan itself.
Energy diplomacy meets Turkmen hospitality
International delegates will also have an opportunity to discover a different side of Turkmenistan.
A cultural programme is being prepared around the conference, including visits to Ashgabat, the National Carpet Museum and Ancient Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Official receptions and traditional Turkmen hospitality will complement the business programme, giving first-time visitors an opportunity to experience the country’s cultural heritage alongside its rapidly developing energy and infrastructure landscape.
With more than 400 participants already registered, exhibition capacity fully allocated and further international delegations expected in the weeks ahead, OGT 2026 is shaping up to be one of Ashgabat’s major international gatherings of the year.
The conference will take place under the theme “Energy. Partnership. Progress.” ///nCa, 12 September 2026 (the material was provided by the Organizers)