On Monday, 10 August 2026, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar held talks in narrow and expanded formats in Herat province, Afghanistan. According to Turkmenistan’s state news agency TDH, the visit focused on reviewing progress on the … [Read more...]
Turkmen National Leader and Afghan Deputy PM Meet in Torghundi to Discuss TAPI Pipeline and Transport Corridors
On 10 August 2026, the National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar, during his visit to Torghundi, Herat province, according to a statement from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. The sides discussed the latest progress on the TAPI pipeline project … [Read more...]
Crossroads of Logistics Arteries in Turkmenistan: Which Corridors Feature the Modernized “Sarahs” Post?
Turkmenistan continues the phased modernization of its border customs posts. As part of the latest stage, the upgrading of the "Sarahs Awtoyollary" road customs checkpoint on the Turkmen-Iranian border has been completed, reports the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. It is worth noting that this checkpoint is located in the Ahal province on the border with Iran's … [Read more...]
The Geography That Will Still Be There
Tariq Saeedi The Middle Corridor has deservedly become one of the most discussed connectivity initiatives across Eurasia. It is attracting unprecedented political attention, financial commitments, and commercial interest. Much of this enthusiasm is justified. The corridor offers diversification of trade routes, strengthens the economic prospects of the countries along … [Read more...]
From the Eastern Borders of Turkmenistan to the Black Sea: “Ojar Aziýa” Presents the Sarakhs–Mary–Serhetabat Highway Project in Tbilisi
On July 16–17, 2026, in Tbilisi, as part of the state visit of Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Georgia, the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum and a multi-sector exhibition of Turkmen products and services were held. The events brought together representatives of government bodies, business circles, and leading companies from both countries, creating an important … [Read more...]
EU and Central Asia Prepare High-Level Agenda for 2026–2027
The European Union and the five Central Asian countries—Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—are preparing a series of high-level political events for 2026–2027. The plans were discussed during a recent joint meeting between the ambassadors of the Central Asian states and senior officials from key EU institutions at the European External Action … [Read more...]
Inns of Empire: How the Seljuks Invented the Connectivity State
Elvira Kadyrova and Liliya Zhirnova Long before "connectivity" became a term of art in Central Asian diplomacy, the Seljuks had already built the infrastructure to prove the concept. Nine centuries before the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian transit routes became fixtures of regional summitry, the Seljuk state was solving an identical problem: how do you make a … [Read more...]
nCa has launched a new product line – Strategic Intelligence Briefs (SIBs)
We have launched a new product line – Strategic Intelligence Briefs (SIBs). The first Brief (SIB-001) is available already. Turkmenistan is shifting from pure gas exporter to a regional Connectivity Hub — deliberately linking Central Asia, Caspian, Middle East, and South Asia. In H1 2026, transport, energy, digital customs, industry, and diplomacy started operating as one … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Next Leap: From Building Corridors to Making Them Work
nCa Commentary For nearly a decade, the development agenda of Central Asia has been dominated by one objective: building connectivity. Railways, highways, ports, logistics hubs and border infrastructure have received unprecedented investment, transforming the region into one of Eurasia's emerging transit crossroads. Today, a new consensus is beginning to … [Read more...]
Brussels Opens New Chapter in Europe-Central Asia Connectivity
nCa Report When European Commission officials welcomed transport ministers and diplomats to Brussels last Monday, the occasion was more than a routine policy gathering. The launch of the Connectivity Agenda Platform on 23 June marked a concrete step in the EU's long-running effort to build trade routes that bypass Russia and knit together two regions that have historically … [Read more...]
Crossroads by Design: How Turkmenistan Is Repositioning Itself at the Heart of Eurasian Trade
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova There is a question that tends to get lost in all the excitement around the Middle Corridor — the overland trade route linking China to Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus. Governments trumpet new investments, analysts debate geopolitical implications, and logistics companies eye the route as an alternative to increasingly fragile … [Read more...]
Pakistan Eyes Major Eurasian Trade Boost by Linking Gwadar Port to Russia-Backed INSTC
Pakistan is actively pursuing integration into the Russia-backed International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) by connecting it with the strategically vital Gwadar Port, officials from both Moscow and Islamabad have confirmed. Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister Talha Burki announced Pakistan’s interest during the second Russia–Pakistan International … [Read more...]
‘Pakistan can bridge Central Asia to global markets’
Rasheed Khalid Policy analyst from Valdai Discussion Club in Russia Dr Daria Saprynskaya has highlighted that connectivity encompasses trade, logistics, investment and security, all of which are deeply interlinked. Saprynskaya was addressing Eminent Speaker Series on “Breaking the connectivity barrier to Central Asia: Pakistan and the C5 in 2026” organised here by … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Hosts 9th Meeting of Turkmen-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission: Comprehensive Action Plan Signed
On 4 June 2026, the 9th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGC) took place in Ashgabat. During the session, government delegations from both nations held detailed discussions on expanding their strategic partnership and outlined concrete steps to diversify bilateral trade. The Turkish delegation was led by Vice … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discuss trade and connectivity enhancement
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan Atadjan Movlamov, to discuss bilateral trade enhancement, regional connectivity, energy cooperation, and strengthening institutional engagement between the two brotherly countries. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the growing importance of regional trade … [Read more...]
The Silk Road Worked Because It Belonged to Everyone
Tariq Saeedi There is a growing tendency today to speak about trade corridors as instruments of strategy, influence, and competition. Maps are drawn with arrows pointing around rivals, past adversaries, and away from inconvenient neighbors. Connectivity is increasingly discussed in the language of exclusion. History offers a different lesson. What we now call the … [Read more...]
The Ashgabat Corridor Revisited: A Quiet Artery Gains Strategic Weight
nCa Report In an era defined by shifting trade routes and geopolitical uncertainty, an old regional initiative is quietly re-emerging with renewed relevance. The Ashgabat Agreement corridor—linking Central Asia to the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman—has moved back into focus as countries seek resilient, diversified pathways for trade. What began in 2011 as a modest … [Read more...]
Samarkand ADB Meeting Signals Shift Toward a More Connected, Strategic Asia
nCa Report The 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), held from 3–6 May 2026 in Samarkand, concluded with a clear message: Asia’s future lies in connectivity—across energy systems, digital networks, and supply chains. Bringing together more than 3,000–4,000 delegates from nearly 70 member countries—including finance ministers, central bank governors, … [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...]