On 10 April 2026, during an off-site meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan in Lebap province, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov briefed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Turkmen-Chinese Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee. The meeting is scheduled to … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Completes World-Standard Ashgabat–Turkmenabat Autobahn: 600 Kilometers of Quality and Safety
On 10 April 2026, the Lebap province hosted the inauguration ceremony for the final section of the Ashgabat–Turkmenabat high-speed highway, covering the Mary–Turkmenabat route. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the opening ceremony of the motorway. The construction of the 600-kilometer autobahn, which traverses Turkmenistan from west to east, began in … [Read more...]
A holiday in an expo: China’s move toward an experience-driven economy
Chen Ziqi, CGTN’s reporter A worker is installing the main signage for a pavilion of the upcoming China International Consumer Products Expo in Hainan, April 5, 2026. [Photo: VCG] From April 13 to 18, the upcoming China International Consumer Products Expo in south China’s Hainan Province will bring together more than 3,400 brands from around 60 countries and … [Read more...]
60,000 Uzbekistan Citizens made purchases in Border Trade Zone with Turkmenistan in Q1 2026
Trade volumes through the "Shavat-Dashoguz" Turkmen-Uzbek Border Trade Center continue to see consistent growth. According to the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, approximately 60,000 citizens of Uzbekistan made purchases at the center in January-March of this year. This resulted in the export of more than 1,700 tons of goods from Turkmenistan. During the same … [Read more...]
Seoul and Ashgabat Hold 6th Round of Political Consultations Ahead of Korea–Central Asia Summit
The 6th round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and Turkmenistan took place on 9 April 2026, in Seoul. The Korean delegation was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, while the Turkmen side was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov. The two parties held extensive … [Read more...]
Central Asia to Remain ECA’s Fastest Growing Sub-region in 2026 — World Bank Report
Economic growth in the developing countries of Europe and Central Asia (ECA) is likely to slow down significantly this year due to the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East, geopolitical tensions, and trade fragmentation, according to the ECA Economic Update prepared by the World Bank Group. Growth in the region is projected to fall to 2.9% in 2026, as rising … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Launches Construction of new village in Mary Province
On Wednesday, 8 April 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new modern settlement located in the Ymambaba village council of the Yoloten district, Mary province. Spanning over 800 hectares, the project is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan. The project will feature 4,500 residential … [Read more...]
Export Club Launches in Turkmenistan: A New Platform for Foreign Economic Activity Development
The Export Club Turkmenistan has been established as a professional community designed to unite active exporters and entrepreneurs planning to enter international markets. The project focuses on practical interaction and knowledge sharing among participants in foreign economic activity. The club’s core concept is captured in its motto: "90 minutes a month with those who … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview – Bernd Heinze, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Turkmenistan
In our ongoing series of interviews with the heads of diplomatic missions in Turkmenistan, we are presenting today the exclusive interview with the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bernd Heinze. nCa: Tribute to Professor Hanno Schaumburg I will start with a respectful tribute to Professor Hanno Schaumburg, a great friend of Turkmenistan and my … [Read more...]
Kabul Hosts Inaugural Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue: Aiming for $10 Billion in Trade
The first meeting of the Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan in Kabul on 5 April 2026. Chaired by Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the session gathered senior representatives from Central Asian nations to strengthen political dialogue and diplomatic coordination, explore new opportunities for cooperation, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Malaysia to Expand Agricultural Cooperation and Sectoral Dialogue
On 2 April 2026, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, M. Mashalov, met with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, Haji Mohamad bin Sabu, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in the agrarian sector. During the meeting, Ambassador Mashalov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to collaborate with Malaysia in several strategic areas, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Romania’s Prahova Region Discuss Prospects for Economic Partnership
On April 2, 2026, with the assistance of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania, an online meeting was organized between the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Prahova county, aimed at developing bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Representatives of logistics and food companies from … [Read more...]
Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan Discuss Expansion of Cooperation in Economy, Energy, and Transport
On 1 April 2026, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan overseeing the trade sector, has arrived in Azerbaijan for an official visit. On the first day of the visit, Atagulyev held a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov. As co-chairs of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and … [Read more...]
Coal’s Unquiet Return: A Crisis-Driven Detour Policymakers Cannot Ignore
nCa Analysis The global energy transition was never going to be linear. But few anticipated a disruption of this magnitude. The unfolding Iran war has shaken the foundations of the global energy system. With the Strait of Hormuz under persistent stress, LNG infrastructure in the Gulf damaged, and supply chains fraying, the world is confronting a sudden and uncomfortable … [Read more...]
UK-Turkmenistan Trade Surges to £102 Million, Driven by Sharp Rise in British Exports
Bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Turkmenistan reached £102 million in the 12 months to the end of September 2025 (four quarters to Q3 2025), marking a 22.9% increase (£19 million) from the previous year, according to the latest UK government factsheet released on 26 March 2026. The growth was propelled almost entirely by a strong performance in UK exports, … [Read more...]
Belarus and Turkmenistan Discuss Development of Aviation, Transport, and Logistics Cooperation
On 31 March 2026, the Ambassador of Belarus to Turkmenistan, Stanislav Chepurny, held a meeting with Batyr Annaev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan for the Transport and Communications Complex. This was reported by the Embassy of Belarus in Turkmenistan. The parties discussed topical issues regarding the expansion of air service between the two … [Read more...]
White City Ashgabat 2026: From Global Dialogue to Practical Urban Transformation
The XXV International Exhibition and Conference White City Ashgabat 2026 (WCA 2026), taking place on 24–25 May 2026 in Ashgabat, marks a significant milestone as the forum celebrates its 25th anniversary, further reinforcing its role as a leading international platform for urban development, infrastructure and sustainable cities. In 2026, the forum gains additional global … [Read more...]
Energy Transit and Transport Corridors: Key Topics of Negotiations Between Turkmenistan’s DPM and Georgia’s Minister of Economy
On 30 March 2026, a meeting was held in Tbilisi between the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan for Trade, Nokerguly Atagulyev, and the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mariam Kvrivishvili. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral economic relations, with a particular … [Read more...]
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan for Trade Meets with the Prime Minister of Georgia
Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan overseeing the trade sector, is on an official visit to Georgia. On Monday, 30 March 2026, Atagulyev met with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze. According to a statement from the Georgian government, the parties reviewed prospects for future cooperation between the two … [Read more...]
Dushanbe and Tashkent Target $2 Billion Trade Turnover and Launch 12 Joint Projects: Outcomes of the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan Summit
26–27 March 2026 President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon paid a state visit to Uzbekistan. The events took place in Tashkent and Bukhara. The visit included high-level negotiations, the inaugural meeting of the Supreme Inter-State Council, the launch of joint projects, a business forum, a joint exhibition, and cultural events. Following the high-level talks, a … [Read more...]
CERR Assesses Economic Activity Across Uzbekistan’s Regions Over Five Years Using Satellite Data
Abdulaziz Gaybullayev, CERR An analysis of nighttime satellite illumination data indicates a strengthening of economic activity across regions and an expansion in the number of territories exhibiting urban-type development. The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) applied satellite-based nighttime lights (NTL) data to assess economic activity at the level … [Read more...]
China’s 15th Five-Year Plan: New Opportunities for Turkmenistan and the Global Economy
The adoption of the 15th Five-Year Development Plan of the People's Republic of China opens a new chapter in the history of Chinese modernization and offers the global community a unique array of opportunities for cooperation. This was stated by the Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, during a press briefing held in Ashgabat on Friday, 27 March 2026. The remarks … [Read more...]
$2.1 Billion in Trade Turnover: How Turkmenistan is Developing Trade with the EU Amid Geopolitical Risks
During the plenary session of the business forum "Turkmenistan – European Union: New Horizons for Connectivity, Investment and Sustainable Growth," the Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, Mammetguly Astanagulov, presented a detailed overview of the current state and prospects of trade and economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. Despite the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and China: A Partnership in Motion
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova The Beijing visit and the Ashgabat forum of March 2026 mark a new phase in a relationship that has been quietly, but steadily, reshaping Central Asia's economic geography When Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, arrived in Beijing in the third week of March 2026, it was … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People gives Interview to China’s CGTN
On the sidelines of his visit to China, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, gave an interview to the CGTN television channel, offering an in-depth look at the multifaceted strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China. Berdimuhamedov emphasized the deep historical roots of bilateral ties, which date back to the era of the Great Silk … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan and President of Uzbekistan Hold Telephone Talks
On 20 March 2026, at the initiative of the Turkmen side, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The leaders congratulated each other and the peoples of both countries on the holidays of Oraza Bayramy (Eid … [Read more...]
Belarusian Business in Ashgabat: Outcomes of the Business Visit and New Contracts
A large delegation of Belarusian enterprises visited Ashgabat. The trip, organized by the Mogilev and Minsk branches of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI) with the support of the Embassy of Belarus in Turkmenistan, took place from 15 to 19 March 2026. The main occasion for the visit was an exhibition dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Union … [Read more...]
Gas, Logistics, and an Akhal-Teke Horse as a Gift: Key Highlights of the Beijing Meeting Between Turkmenistan’s National Leader and the President of China
On 18 March 2026, an official meeting took place in Beijing between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, according to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH). At the beginning of the meeting, President Xi Jinping extended his greetings to the President of … [Read more...]
From Seed Production to IT: More Than 20 Chinese Companies Participate in IFT 2026 Forum in Ashgabat
On 18 March 2026, the International Forum “Investments in the Future of Turkmenistan” (IFT 2026) took place in Ashgabat. The Chinese delegation at the forum was one of the largest and most diverse. It included leaders from more than twenty companies representing sectors that are especially important for Turkmenistan's development. These businesses operate in areas such as … [Read more...]
ADB to Support Turkmenistan in Strategic PPP Framework and Pilot Projects
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting Turkmenistan in establishing a robust strategic framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs), aiming to diversify foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows beyond the dominant oil and gas sector. This initiative was highlighted by Senior Private Sector Development Specialist Dmitry Kabrelyan during his presentation at the … [Read more...]
2025 Macroeconomic Outcomes: Turkmenistan’s GDP Exceeds $77.4 Billion, External Debt at 3% of GDP
At the plenary session of the International Forum “Investment in the Future of Turkmenistan” (IFT 2026), held in Ashgabat on 18 March 2026, the leadership of the country's financial and trade sectors announced the results of 2025 and outlined plans for the current investment cycle. Turkmenistan’s stable GDP growth of 6.3%, low external debt at 3% of GDP, and an extensive … [Read more...]
Private Sector as a Locomotive of Modernization: International Forum “Investment in the Future of Turkmenistan” Summarizes 18 Years of UIET Activity
At the plenary session of the International Forum “Investment in the Future of Turkmenistan” (IFT 2026), held in Ashgabat on 18 March, Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev, who oversees Turkmenistan’s trade sector, presented an overview of the activities of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET). Today, this umbrella organization brings … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People Pays Friendly Visit to China
On 17 March 2026, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed for a friendly visit to the PRC, the state news agency TDH reports. Prior to his departure for Beijing at Ashgabat International Airport, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the leaders of the … [Read more...]
Showcase for Investors: Turkmenistan’s Private Sector Demonstrates Readiness for International Partnership at Exhibition in Ashgabat
A large-scale exhibition showcasing the economic achievements of the private sector opened on 17 March 2026 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event is dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET). More than 100 companies are vividly demonstrating the transformation of Turkmen business. … [Read more...]
Over 250 Chinese Companies Gather in Beijing for Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum Presentation
A large-scale business meeting was held in Beijing to present the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Expo, which will take place from April 28 to 30 in Turkmenistan at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event presentation was organized with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in China. The organizers include CODA, JSC “Talwas Yoly,” a … [Read more...]
nCa Interview: Relations Between the Republic of Armenia and Turkmenistan Characterized by Stability, Predictability, and Mutual Respect – Ambassador Arsen Avagyan
The relationship between Armenia and Turkmenistan today serves as a model of stable partnership, rooted in mutual respect. While the political dialogue between Yerevan and Ashgabat remains at a high level, both nations acknowledge the existence of significant untapped potential across various sectors. In an exclusive interview with News Central Asia, the Ambassador … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan attended UPU Training on remuneration for the Europe and CIS region
On 10-11 March 2026, a seminar on remuneration for the member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in Europe and the CIS was held in Tbilisi, organized by the UPU International Bureau. A welcoming address was delivered by Ms.E.Kubusidze, Head of Communications, Information and Modern Technologies Department of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable … [Read more...]
War on Iran – Part Seven – Emerging and Receding Dimensions
Tariq Saeedi As I watch the conflict grind into its second week, it becomes clearer every day that this war was launched without the kind of planning that history demands. There was no widely accepted justification that could withstand scrutiny, and no set of measurable objectives that could be ticked off as achieved or abandoned. In their absence, what accumulates is … [Read more...]
Belarus Expands Economic Reach into Afghanistan via “Uzbek Gateway”
Elvira Kadyrova In recent years, the geoeconomic map of Eurasia has been shifting under the pressure of international sanctions and the emergence of new strategic partnerships. Central Asia is increasingly positioned as a primary beneficiary of this shift, leveraging its geographic location and expanding transport infrastructure to provide logistical solutions for landlocked … [Read more...]
China’s Aging Boom: Can the “Silver Economy” Deliver Quality Growth?
Guo Keyu is a journalist at CGTN who has long covered the development of China’s eldercare sector and the country’s rapidly growing silver economy. At China’s annual political meetings (the “Two Sessions”), one theme resonates more than most in this year’s Government Work Report: the strategic push for a high-quality “silver economy.” The message signals a shift in how … [Read more...]
Why Central Asia, Not Washington, Must Drive Critical Minerals Cooperation
Rassul Kospanov, Vlad Paddack Foreign ministers and senior officials from more than 50 countries convened on Feb.4 in Washington for the United States’ inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were among the delegations present – symbolically significant for a region that has spent the last decade signalling “multi-vector” foreign policy … [Read more...]
War on Iran – Part Three – Secondary and Tertiary Repercussions
Tariq Saeedi The initial phase of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Tehran's counterattacks, has produced immediate and visible primary effects: widespread death and destruction across targeted sites. Among the most tragic incidents was the bombing of a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, where reports indicate at least 165 students aged 7 to 12 and school staff … [Read more...]
Tajik-Turkmen Trade Surges 17.1% in 2025
On 3–4 March 2026, Dushanbe is hosting the 14th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. The meeting is co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Sulaymon Ziyozoda, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan in charge of the agro-industrial complex, Tangryguly … [Read more...]
Turkmen delegation in Baku: Meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister and political consultations
On 27 February 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, received a delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ahmed Kurbanov. This is reported by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the dynamic development of the political dialogue aimed at further strengthening friendly … [Read more...]
Central Asia–UK Ministerial Working Lunch in London: Turkmenistan’s Key Initiatives
On 26 February 2026, a working lunch for the Foreign Ministers of Central Asian nations and the United Kingdom was held in London as part of the "CA5+UK" ministerial meeting. Hosted by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the event focused on regional security, sustainable development, and the strengthening of interregional connectivity. During the discussions, Turkmenistan’s … [Read more...]
London and Central Asia: Launch of the CA5+UK Format Ushers in a New Era of Strategic Partnership
On 26 February 2026, London hosted the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom in the CA5+UK format. The meeting was attended by: This marks the first time since the Central Asian nations gained independence in 1991 that the Foreign Ministers of the region and the United Kingdom have convened in such a format. During the … [Read more...]
Energy, Fintech, Consulting, and Transport: Turkmenistan Outlines Priorities for Central Asia–UK Cooperation
On 26 February 2026, a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom took place at Lancaster House. The participants reviewed prospects for deepening political dialogue, as well as trade, economic, and investment cooperation. "In his speech, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov expressed gratitude to the British side … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Interested in Attracting British Capital for Infrastructure and Energy Projects
On 26 February 2026, Rashid Meredov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, participated in a joint meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries, Julia Ann Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, and Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury of the United Kingdom. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Initiative Gains Regional Support: ECO to Study Joint Trade Zones
In a significant step toward deepening regional economic integration, the Council of Permanent Representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has formally endorsed a proposal to explore the creation of joint trade zones across its member states. The decision was reached during a regular meeting of the Council held on 25 Feb 2026 in Tehran. The initiative, … [Read more...]
London: Turkmen Foreign Minister Holds Talks with EBRD President
On Wednesday (25 Feb 2026) afternoon, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, met with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Ms. Odile Renaud-Basso, according to the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the sides discussed expanding financial and investment cooperation and the implementation of … [Read more...]