Saudi Arabia’s Delta International has expressed formal interest in investing in Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. The statement came today, Sunday, 1 February 2026, during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Herat Province. Afghanistan’s Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, met with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime … [Read more...]
The Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat Highway: Leadership Architecture and Turkmenistan’s New Economic Pragmatism
In Turkmenistan, grand transport connectivity projects are gaining momentum, designed to consolidate the country’s role as a primary logistics hub on the Eurasian map. One of these bold infrastructure initiatives is the construction of the Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat (SMS) high-speed highway. Spanning approximately 450 kilometers, the project is set to be implemented by Ojar … [Read more...]
Minutes, not maps: making borders work for the Middle Corridor
Freight flows are realigning around new trade routes, but borders remain the weakest link. IRU presented concrete measures to streamline freight flows along the increasingly important Middle Corridor at a major Turkic Week event in Vienna. The Middle Corridor is responding to shifting global supply chains, geopolitical risks and the demand for resilient land routes. Since … [Read more...]
From Minsk to Ashgabat: Direct Flight as a New Impulse for Tourism Ties Between Turkmenistan and Belarus
On 8 January 2026, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan Stanislav Chepurnoy held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan for Culture, Tourism and Mass Media Bahar Seidova, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry reported. During the talks, the sides discussed in detail the prospects for further development of … [Read more...]
Airspace of Iran
nCa Report Key Points Overview of Traffic and Revenue Iran's airspace serves as a vital link for global aviation, but the 2025 conflict introduced uncertainties. Current estimates indicate recovery toward pre-conflict levels, with fees supporting infrastructure. For details, see sources like Safe Airspace and OPS Group. Diversion Implications Diversions during … [Read more...]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) Railway: A Strategic Connectivity Project
nCa Short Report The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway is a pivotal infrastructure project designed to boost trade and economic ties across Central Asia, connecting China directly with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Initially proposed in the 1990s, it has gained significant traction as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to create alternative trade … [Read more...]
C5 is now C6 – What will change?
Tariq Saeedi The transformation of Central Asia's consultative mechanism from C5 to C6 with Azerbaijan's formal inclusion represents far more than a diplomatic courtesy. At the November 2025 Tashkent summit, Central Asian leaders agreed that Azerbaijan would participate as a full member in future meetings, marking a strategic realignment that recognizes existing realities … [Read more...]
Global Gateway: Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum Key Deliverables
Tashkent, 27 November 2025 – the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) and Connectivity Investors Forum concluded with a strong signal of joint ambition from the European Union, South Caucasus and Central Asian countries, Türkiye, International Development Banks, the private sector and regional partners. The Forum demonstrated how the Global Gateway strategy is moving from … [Read more...]
Speech by Dr. Begench Karayev at the Margalla Dialogue 2025
Potential for trade and economic connectivity and the analysis of the factors impeding connectivity: Options and strategies for improving trade and economic connectivity. Dear conference participants, Dear moderator, First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to participate in this highly respected forum, for the hospitality extended, and for … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Advances Digital Transformation and Transport Connectivity at Major International Forums
nCa Report Turkmenistan is showcasing its ambitions as a digital and logistics hub through two parallel international forums currently underway in the capital: the 18th International Exhibition and Scientific Conference "Türkmentel-2025" and the International Conference and Exhibition "International Transport Corridors: Connectivity and Development – 2025" (ITTC … [Read more...]
US and Central Asian Nations adopted C5+1 Joint Statement for Economic cooperation – Critical Minerals, AI Integration and Trans-Caspian Connectivity under the spotlight
The Governments of the United States of America, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan commemorated the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 diplomatic platform with a joint statement outlining a renewed commitment to regional prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthened economic cooperation. Established in 2015, the C5+1 framework has … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Strengthens the Eurasian North-South Corridor: Foundation Laid for the Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz Highway Section, Bridge over Garabogazköl Bay Put into Operation
Turkmenistan is realizing a number of important transport projects in the western part of the country, aimed at improving connectivity within the country, as well as on a regional scale and within the framework of overall connectivity in Eurasia along the North-South route directions. On 2 November 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, visiting the Balkan … [Read more...]
Turkmen delegation took part in the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum
On 22 October 2025, a Turkmen delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Mr. Rashid Meredov, took part in the 5thTbilisi Silk Road Forum. The International Forum, held under slogan “Invest in Connectivity-Grow in Stability”, brought together over 2000 participants from more than 60 … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Participates in Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg: Focus on Trans-Caspian Corridor and Green Agenda
On 20 October 2025, a Turkmenistan delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova participated in a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg, held following the EU Foreign Affairs Council session. The meeting brought together foreign ministers and representatives from EU Member States, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova, Türkiye, Ukraine, and … [Read more...]
Report: China and Central Asia Railway Connections
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Key Points Current Railway Connections The primary links are at Alashankou-Dostyk and Khorgos-Altynkol, both on the China-Kazakhstan border. These handle the vast majority of rail cargo between China and Central Asia. A third crossing, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is being developed to increase capacity. No direct rail connections exist yet to … [Read more...]
Vast Potential of Partnership between Turkmenistan and Malaysia
nCa Report The prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia look promising, with a solid foundation in energy and growing opportunities in trade, education, tourism, and other sectors. Recent developments, such as the restructuring of the Petronas Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) in the Caspian Sea and a surge in bilateral trade, suggest potential for … [Read more...]
Investing in Sustainable Transport: Unlocking Turkmenistan’s Potential for Trade and Job Growth
At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (Awaza, 18-19 Sep 2025), Uladzimir Valetka, Economist at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Turkmenistan, emphasized the transformative power of sustainable transport in fostering trade, creating jobs, and driving inclusive economic growth. His speech highlighted Turkmenistan’s strategic role as a regional transit hub and … [Read more...]
Central Asia: Where Privilege Meets Global Responsibility
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova In the vast expanse of the Eurasian landmass, Central Asia occupies a position that is both geographically central and strategically pivotal. This region, encompassing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, possesses a constellation of unique characteristics that distinguish it from any other part of the … [Read more...]
3rd EU-Central Asia Economic Forum to take place in Uzbekistan in November
The third EU-Central Asia Economic Forum will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 26 November 2025, according to the website of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. Building on the two previous iterations of the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, held in 2021in Bishkek and 2023 in Almaty, and organised in partnership with the … [Read more...]
Central Asia as a strategic bridge between East and West: Discussion on EU-Central Asia Cooperation at the Bled Forum in Slovenia
Within the framework of the anniversary Bled Strategic Forum (1-2 September Slovenia), a round table "The Centrality of Central Asia" was held, dedicated to the issues of expanding cooperation between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia. The discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myakhri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of … [Read more...]
The Caspian logistics axis – a new artery for trade
Access to maritime transport routes plays a key role in the development of international trade and the maintenance of foreign economic activity. Over the past decades, the global agenda has consistently included the issue of how to overcome trade, transport, and infrastructure barriers faced by landlocked developing countries (LDCs). The lack of direct access to ports forces … [Read more...]
The Caspian transport hub: from competition to cooperation – The Middle Corridor – a driver of Eurasian integration
For countries located deep within the Eurasian continent, access to the sea remains a key factor in competitiveness on international markets. Uzbekistan, located in the geographical center of the region and lacking direct access to the coast, has been purposefully restructuring its transport and logistics strategy in recent years to minimize distances to maritime hubs and … [Read more...]
UNECE legal instruments and digital solutions in support of LLDCs long-term resilience and prosperity
Lacking direct sea access, landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) face significant barriers in trade, connectivity and development. Their trade costs are up to 74% higher than the global average and it can take twice as long to move goods across borders compared to coastal countries. As a result, landlocked nations are left with just 1.2% of world trade. For LLDCs, … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan to Strengthen Connectivity Between Central and South Asia — Memorandum Signed on the Torghundi–Herat Railway Construction
The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the fundamental principles for the construction and operation of a railway linking Central and South Asia. The document was signed in Kabul following negotiations between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign … [Read more...]
Regional cooperation in focus: Results of the ECO Transport Meeting in Tehran
On 2 June 2025, Tehran hosted the 13th Ministerial Meeting on Transport of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which was attended by ministers, deputy ministers and senior representatives of ECO member States, as well as officials from international partner organizations. This meeting served as a key platform for strengthening regional cooperation in the field of … [Read more...]
Strengthening Connectivity: Second Meeting on the TUTIT+ China Corridor Held in Dushanbe
On 26 May 2025, the second meeting of the High-Level Working Group on the Multimodal Corridor Tajikistan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye (TUTIT + China) took place in Dushanbe. Organized by the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan, the meeting was supported by the "Trade Facilitation in Central Asia" project of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and … [Read more...]
First China-Central Asia Freight Train of 2025 Departs from Tianjin Port to Tashkent
The first China-Central Asia freight train of 2025 connecting Tianjin Port to Tashkent via Horgos successfully departed on Tuesday, marking an important milestone in the ongoing development of trade routes between China and Central Asia. As reported by Xinhua, the train carries fifty containers loaded with a diverse cargo of auto parts, mechanical equipment, building … [Read more...]
TEIF 2025: Turkmenistan Strengthens Its Position as a Key Transport and Transit Hub in Central Asia
In his speech at the International Forum on Attracting Foreign Investments in Turkmenistan’s Economy (TEIF 2025) in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan P. Yagshiyev emphasized the strategic importance of developing the country’s transport and communication system for regional and global economic partnerships. Yagshiyev highlighted that … [Read more...]
Bridging Nations, Building Trust: How Infrastructure is Forging Peace, Trust and Prosperity across Central Asia
nCa Analysis The winds of change sweeping across Central Asia and its neighboring regions tell a story of transformation, one where the hum of construction and the promise of connectivity are rewriting old narratives of division and scarcity. At the heart of this shift lies a powerful idea: that infrastructure—both the tangible networks of roads, railways, and pipelines, and … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan received the European Commissioner for International Partnerships
On Wednesday, 12 March, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. As noted during the meeting, in recent years, Turkmenistan's political and diplomatic relations with the European Union have become more active, with cooperation developing not only on a bilateral basis, but also within the Central … [Read more...]
Visit of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships to Ashgabat – transport, energy and trade among the key topics of the upcoming talks
On the eve of the first Central Asia–European Union Summit, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela begins his week-long tour of five Central Asian countries on 12 March. Turkmenistan will be the first country to be visited by the Commissioner. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, Síkela revealed the purpose of the … [Read more...]
EU Commissioner Síkela to Embark on Ambitious Central Asia Tour this week
Jozef Síkela, the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, is set to embark on a seven-day diplomatic mission across all five Central Asian countries from 12 to 18 March 2025. The tour reflects the EU's growing strategic interest in a region representing a €340 billion economy with an average annual growth rate of 5%. In a message on his official X … [Read more...]
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Railway Cooperation: Important MoUs Signed
A technical delegation from Afghanistan, headed by Deputy Minister of Public Works for Railway Transport Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, visited Turkmenistan to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of railway transport. The visit was marked by the signing of several important memoranda of understanding with the Turkmenistan Railway Agency. Within the framework of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan delegation participated in Third Caspian Economic Forum in Tehran, discussing key regional cooperation initiatives
On 17-18 February 2025, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, participated in the Third Caspian Economic Forum held in Tehran. The forum featured six thematic sessions, where representatives from the Caspian littoral states engaged in discussions on a wide range of issues aimed at advancing five-sided … [Read more...]
Newly appointed EU Commissioner for International Partnerships may visit Turkmenistan
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium Sapar Palvanov met with the Head of Cabinet of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Ms. Lucie Šestáková in Brussels. According to the Embassy, they discussed the continuation of active cooperation between Turkmenistan, the EU, and Central Asia, with a particular focus on transport connectivity. Transport remains a … [Read more...]
Turning landlocked challenges into opportunities
Turkmenistan prepares to play a strategic role as a connector between Europe and Asia Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative Nearly half a billion people live in landlocked developing countries [LLDCs] in Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. These nations depend on transit routes through neighbouring countries to get to global markets, and face significantly higher … [Read more...]
ITTC-2024: The Plenary session highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the field of transport
On 26 November, the International Conference "International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development" (ITTC-2024) began its work in Ashgabat. The speeches of the plenary session were devoted to topical issues of the development of the transport industry, including strengthening international cooperation, innovation, digitalization and environmental … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan invites CIS countries to participate in infrastructure projects toward South Asia – this is powerful idea with enormous potential
Tariq Saeedi Turkmenistan has invited the CIS countries to take part in the emerging and planned infrastructure projects aimed at connectivity with South Asia and beyond. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in his speech at the summit of the heads of state of CIS, floated the idea. The summit was held in Moscow on 8 October 2024. Here is the relevant portion from the speech … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted second Central Asia–Germany Summit
The second Central Asia–Germany Summit was held in Astana on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. The meeting was attended by: • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz • President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov • President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon • President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov • President of Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
Joint Declaration by the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany
The text of the Joint Declaration adopted following the meeting of the heads of Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) with the Federal Chancellor of Germany is published on the official website of the Federal Government of Germany. Here is the full text of the Declaration: On 17 September 2024, President of the Republic of … [Read more...]
Central Asian Transport Ministers Advance Cooperation
Ministers of Transport of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan convened in Astana on 8 August 2023, to discuss enhancing regional connectivity. The meeting, held ahead of the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, focused on expanding transit corridors, rail and road infrastructure, and air travel options, ministry of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan is ready to invest in the construction of the Torghundi-Herat railway in Afghanistan
The Turkmen delegation headed by Chairman of the Turkmendemiryollary Agency (Turkmen Railways) Azat Atamuradov held talks with Deputy Minister of of Public Works for Railway transport of Afghanistan Bakhtur Rahman Sharaft in Kabul, the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan reported. The two-day meeting involved detailed discussions between the delegations of both countries … [Read more...]
Does Uzbekistan need transit integration?
For the Central Asian states, the issue of direct participation in international transit cargo transportation is becoming relevant. Integration into the global transport network allows not only to expand the market for export products abroad, but also to join the intermediate trade turnover between countries and receive bonuses for the transit of goods through their … [Read more...]
Trilateral working group Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan on improving connectivity in the Caspian Sea convened in Baku
On 10 May 2024 the first meeting of the trilateral working group on optimization of connectivity in the Caspian Sea was held at the Headquarters of the Permanent Secretariat of Interstate Committee TRACECA in Baku, Azerbaijan in a hybrid format. During the meeting, representatives of the Parties involved (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) discussed in detail the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan Pilot New Multimodal Export Route
A pilot project is underway to create a new multimodal export route stretching from Kazakhstan to Pakistan. The route will traverse Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, with a final leg by sea to Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. This was announced by Bauyrzhan Urynbasarov, Managing Director of Kazakhstan Railways JSC NC KTZ, during a visit to Afghanistan. The statement … [Read more...]
Inter-regional and Intra-regional partnership formats speed up economic integration in Central Asia
nCa Analysis The pith of the recent inter-regional and intra-regional formats of partnership in Central Asia is simply impressive. While it contributes solidly to the space for peace and progress, it also creates bulwarks against any negative influences of the prevailing geopolitical situations from spilling over into the region. In the past few days, the GCC and Central … [Read more...]
Pakistan Breaks Ground on Central Asian Trade with First Direct Shipment to Tajikistan
Recently, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) of Pakistan carried out the first direct delivery of cargo to Tajikistan. A batch of Pakistani potatoes travelled 1,400 km in just 7 days, reaching Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, via a China-routed path bypassing Afghanistan. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the first direct shipment of cargo was … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries are building new transport corridors and changing logistics
Serikbol Koshmaganbetov Geopolitical turbulence in the world is radically changing the infrastructure of transport flows in Central Asia. Asian countries are eager to send their cargo to Europe via the historic Great Silk Road. What is the current development of cargo transportation logistics in Central Asian countries, read the material of the correspondent of Kazinform … [Read more...]
A Dialogue on “Central Asian Connectivity Project Pipeline” between IsDB-AIIB-MCDF and Regional Countries
On 11-12 March 2024, the Regional Dialogue on Central Asian Connectivity (CAC) Project Pipeline has convened in Istanbul, Turkiye, to facilitate a stakeholder dialogue aimed at identifying and assessing cross-border connectivity projects in Central Asia. Organized jointly by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed cooperation in the transport sector
On 27 February 2024, the Afghanistan delegation headed by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Mammetkhan Chakiyev, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, as part of a working visit to Turkmenistan, the Afghan Foreign Ministry reports. The meeting explored the prospects of expanding … [Read more...]