Turkmenistan is ready to facilitate the expansion of direct contacts and exchanges between the business communities of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, as well as the development of new joint projects. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated this while speaking at the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Business Summit in Seoul on 16 September, the State News Agency TDH reports.
According to the President, the Business Summit has become an important platform for dialogue between the states of the two regions and should contribute to the formation of a “full-format, systematic, and long-term economic, trade, investment, and business partnership.”
Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the special role of the business community in developing this new format of cooperation. In his words, business should not only participate in the implementation of joint initiatives but also initiate new projects and forms of interaction, providing practical support to governments in making forward-looking decisions.
The President noted that the economic and technological potential of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea creates broad opportunities for implementing joint projects.
“Turkmenistan will be fully engaged in these processes, ready to provide all necessary assistance for the development of direct contacts and exchanges between business communities, and to encourage business activity, independence, and initiative in partnership intentions and undertakings,” the Head of State stated.
Berdimuhamedov highlighted the role of the Republic of Korea in economic interaction with Central Asian states and stressed the importance of Korean business for Turkmenistan.
“Korean companies have been reliable partners of Turkmenistan for many years, with whom we have implemented and continue to carry out large-scale, long-term projects in various fields,” the President said.
He noted that Turkmenistan highly appreciates the contribution of Korean companies and financial institutions to the implementation of joint projects.
The President identified transport and logistics as one of the key areas of cooperation, emphasizing that Turkmenistan views this direction as a strategic priority.
Berdimuhamedov called on business circles to actively leverage the geographical advantages of Central Asia and Korea—located at key hubs of continental routes—and to actively participate in creating sustainable transport corridors and logistical connectivity.
He reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to provide the necessary support for the development of this area of partnership.
Speaking about the outcomes of the inaugural “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Summit held earlier that day in Seoul, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the timeliness and practical significance of the new format. The exchange of views confirmed the shared interest of all states in deepening multifaceted cooperation and took place in an atmosphere of mutual trust.
The President also highlighted the practical outcomes of the Business Summit, which were finalized in a Joint Statement as well as various agreements and memorandums.
The Head of Turkmenistan expressed conviction that the agreements reached will be successfully implemented in practice, serving to strengthen trust, expand business relations, and boost mutual trade between the states of Central Asia and Korea.
The first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Business Summit brought together about 520 representatives of business circles and governments from the six countries in Seoul. The Korean side was represented, among others, by leaders of Samsung Electronics, POSCO, LS Group, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, Shinhan Financial Group, and Hyundai Motor.
Participants focused primarily on three areas: expanding trade and investment; cooperation in critical minerals, energy, and supply chains; and the development of industrial facilities, infrastructure, and logistics.
Following the summit, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and leading economic organizations from the five Central Asian countries adopted a Joint Business Summit Declaration. In addition, the parties signed 19 business cooperation memorandums. The signed documents cover critical minerals and energy, infrastructure, industrial construction, trade, and investment. /// nCa, 17 September 2026 (Photo credit: Yonhap)