On 11 September 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kenji Yamada, TDH reports. During the talks, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the friendly and mutually beneficial relations between Turkmenistan and Japan. Kenji Yamada conveyed greetings to the Head of State and the National … [Read more...]
CIS Expands Economic Agenda as Ashgabat Hosts New Cooperation Initiatives
Transport security, high technologies, innovation, digitalization and mutual trade were among the key issues addressed at the 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, held in Ashgabat on 11 September. The meeting resulted in the approval of a number of programmes and concepts aimed at strengthening practical economic cooperation among the CIS member states. The meeting was … [Read more...]
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan met with the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan
On 11 September 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.Kenji Yamada. During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and favorable areas of development of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation, with particular emphasis on trade and economic relations. Noting the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 9 – A Home of Your Own Taste – Furniture and the Changing Interior
Elvira Kadyrova and Ramilya Delmuhametova There is a fascinating way to observe social change without leaving someone's living room. Look around. What does the furniture look like? How is the room arranged? What kind of sofa is there? What is in the kitchen? What does the bedroom look like? Is there a large television? Are there fitted cupboards? What materials … [Read more...]
Ashgabat and Kabul Bolster Trade Ties as ACCI Chairman and Turkmen Ambassador Meet
In a bid to deepen regional trade networks and accelerate joint infrastructure ventures, the Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), Sayed Karim Hashemi, met with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Khodja Ovezov, at the ACCI headquarters in Kabul. The meeting focused on facilitating private-sector collaboration, developing key … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 8 – The Appliances that Changed the Household
Raviliya Kadyrova and Ilmira Delmuhametova Some of the most important changes in quality of life are so commonplace that we stop noticing them. Turn on the washing machine. Open the refrigerator. Set the air conditioner. Heat something in the microwave. Vacuum the carpet. Watch television. None of these actions feels remarkable. But consider a … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 7 – From What Was Available to What You Like – The Changing Wardrobe
Liliya Zhirnova and Tamir Shakirov There is a simple question that can reveal an enormous amount about a society: When you need a new shirt, how many different shirts can you choose from? Not how many shirts exist in the world. How many can you actually walk into a shop and choose between? That distinction captures much of the transformation in Turkmenistan's … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 6 – The Refrigerator Test – What 35 Years of Change Look Like in a Turkmen Kitchen?
Elvira Kadyrova There are many sophisticated ways of measuring development. One can calculate GDP per capita, compare industrial output, measure investment or examine the growth of trade. Or one can open a refrigerator. It may sound almost absurdly simple. But the contents of a household refrigerator can tell us a great deal about how everyday life has … [Read more...]
AI, Smart Irrigation and Digital Logistics: How Technology Is Transforming Turkmenistan’s Economy
Artificial intelligence is gradually moving beyond its traditional areas of application and becoming a tool for addressing practical economic challenges. In Turkmenistan, modern digital technologies are increasingly being used to improve water resource management in agriculture, optimize freight transportation and advance renewable energy. These areas are now among the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 5 – From Meat to a Food Industry – What Happened to the Meat Counter?
Raviliya Kadyrova There is another transformation that can be seen most clearly when we stop thinking about the product itself and look at everything that happens before it reaches the consumer. Thirty-five years ago, meat was primarily understood as a basic food commodity. Today, the meat market increasingly includes sausages, smoked products, meat rolls, … [Read more...]
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov discusses partnership with Head of Çalık Holding
National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Ahmet Çalık, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Çalık Holding, TDH reports. The talks took place within the framework of Berdimuhamedov’s visit to the Netherlands. Ahmet Çalık expressed gratitude for the invitation to the first Akhalteke Equestrian World … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People meets with Head of the German Economy Committee on Eastern European Relations
National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy, TDH reports. The talks took place in Düsseldorf, which served as the arrival and departure point for the National Leader during his trip to the Netherlands for the World … [Read more...]
The Netherlands and Turkmenistan Discuss Promising Areas of Cooperation
Turkmenistan and the Netherlands are considering promising vectors of cooperation. Opportunities for a more active involvement of Dutch businesses in implementing projects in Turkmenistan were reviewed during a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on Foreign Affairs and … [Read more...]
Central Asia — Economic Model for Tomorrow Morning
Tariq Saeedi For three decades, the economic story told about Central Asia has largely been a story about what lies beneath the ground and what passes over it: hydrocarbons, cotton, minerals, and — increasingly — transit. That story is not wrong. It is simply incomplete, and its limits are becoming visible. A model built primarily on extraction and passage generates … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 4 – More than Milk – The Quiet Transformation of the Dairy Market
Ilmira Delmuhametova Milk is one of those products we tend not to think about. It arrives on the table, goes into tea, becomes yoghurt or cheese, or disappears into a child's breakfast. Yet if we compare the dairy shelf of today with what was normally available in the early years of independence, the difference is substantial. The transformation is not simply from … [Read more...]
Bishkek Declaration: SCO Rejects Bloc Confrontation, Emphasizes Security, Technology and Connectivity
Elvira Kadyrova In the Bishkek Declaration adopted at the SCO summit on 1 September 2026 in Kyrgyzstan, the member states emphasized that the organization is not a military-political bloc and rejected bloc-based confrontation in international relations. The document also sets out the SCO’s positions on Iran, Afghanistan, terrorism and technological threats, while outlining … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 3 – From Scarcity to Style – The Changing World of Footwear
Tamir Shakirov and Liliya Zhirnova Ask someone who remembers the first years of independence what was difficult to find in the shops, and footwear is likely to be among the answers. There was a time when a pair of good shoes was something to be found rather than something to be selected. And sneakers—the ubiquitous footwear of today's world—were hardly a feature of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 2 – From Five Loaves to a World of Bread
Elvira Kadyrova and Ramilya Delmuhametova There are some changes in a country that announce themselves loudly. New roads, airports, buildings and factories are difficult to miss. And then there are changes that sit quietly on the dinner table. Bread is one of them. Thirty-five years ago, when Turkmenistan became independent, the bread available to ordinary consumers … [Read more...]
Xi Jinping–Sadyr Japarov Meeting in Bishkek: China and Kyrgyzstan Build a New System of Comprehensive Connectivity
Elvira Kadyrova The talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek on 31 August marked a new phase in China–Kyrgyzstan relations — from implementing individual infrastructure and investment projects to building a comprehensive system of economic connectivity spanning transport, border infrastructure, trade, standards, investment, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and ECO Advance Plans for Joint Trade Zones
The initiative to establish joint trade zones across the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region, promoted by Turkmenistan, has taken a further step forward. According to materials released following a recent visit by the ECO Secretary General to Iran’s Golestan Province, a site has been designated for the proposed Joint Trade Zone (JTZ), while discussions are underway … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Foreign Minister of Japan
On Sunday, 30 August, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Foreign Minister of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reported. At the beginning of the meeting, Motegi said Japan attaches great importance to developing mutually beneficial relations with Turkmenistan, which it regards as a reliable partner. He conveyed … [Read more...]
Technology, Circular Economy and Artificial Intelligence: Turkmenistan and Japan Shape a New Partnership Agenda
Japan and Turkmenistan are expanding cooperation beyond traditional energy and infrastructure projects, exploring opportunities in artificial intelligence, data centers, circular economy initiatives and human-resource development. On 30 August, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held talks with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at the Ministry of Foreign … [Read more...]
Japan and Turkmenistan Seek to Deepen Strategic Ties Ahead of Foreign Minister’s Ashgabat Visit
Japan and Turkmenistan are entering a new stage in their bilateral relationship, with economic cooperation, regional connectivity, international diplomacy and emerging technologies set to feature prominently during Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s visit to Ashgabat on 29–30 August. Writing ahead of his visit in an article published by Turkmenistan’s … [Read more...]
Newly Appointed Ambassador of Türkiye Presents Credentials to the President of Turkmenistan
On 28 August 2026, in Ashgabat, the newly appointed Ambassador of Türkiye, Şener Cebeci, presented his credentials to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, TDH reports. Turkmenistan and the Republic of Türkiye are bound by the closest brotherly relations of a long-term, strategic nature, the Head of State emphasized while congratulating Şener Cebeci on his … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s garment enterprises develop practical garment costing skills
From 25 to 26 August, a two-day practical workshop was held in Ashgabat for representatives of small garment enterprises, tailoring studios and designers from Turkmenistan. The programme covered garment costing and the use of costing data to support effective management decisions. The event was organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the European Union-funded … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Looks to Unlock the Untapped Potential of Caspian Pastures
Turkmenistan’s Caspian coastal pastures have significant potential for livestock development, yet a substantial share of these lands remains underused. According to Turkmen scientists, the main constraint is a shortage of watering points: despite adequate forage resources, many areas, particularly in the Oktumgum sand massif, remain largely unused during certain periods. … [Read more...]
Xinhua: China’s cotton know-how takes root in Central Asia
Several hundred kilometers from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, cotton plants in a 1,000-mu (about 66.67 hectares) demonstration field are approaching one meter in height, each bearing 8 to 10 bolls. For Song Meizhen, chief scientist of a high-quality cotton research team at the Institute of Western Agriculture under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the … [Read more...]
South Korean Ambassador Discusses Expanding Korean Companies’ Involvement in Industrial Projects in Turkmenbashi
On 26 August 2026, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan Lee Won-jae visited the Turkmenbashi Oil Processing Complex (TOPC), where he met with the complex's General Director, Dovran Chishiyev, toured the production facilities, and held meetings with representatives of South Korean companies. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on cooperation … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and EBRD Take Economic Partnership to a New Level
Turkmenistan is taking further steps to deepen its integration into the global economy by expanding strategic cooperation with leading international financial institutions. A key element of this policy is its long-term partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which received fresh momentum following a visit to Ashgabat by EBRD President Odile … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Japan Prepare Package of Documents Ahead of December Meeting of Economic Committees
Turkmenistan and Japan are preparing a package of documents to be signed following the meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees for Economic Cooperation. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, during a videoconference on Wednesday, 26 August, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and Hiroyuki Tsubai, Chairman of the … [Read more...]
SCO countries are making green development an engine of growth
Chen Ziqi, a reporter from CGTN Kazakhstan’s Akmola wind power cluster converts strong steppe winds into clean electricity. [Photo:CMG] Member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are navigating a common challenge: how to continue economic development and improve living standards while protecting the environment. To address this challenge, they … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Xinjiang Expand Cooperation in Agriculture, Science, and Technology
A delegation from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China, led by Erkin Tuniyaz, Deputy Secretary of the XUAR CPC Committee and Chairman of the People’s Government of the region, is currently visiting Ashgabat, according to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan.’ The visit primarily aims to translate bilateral interaction into practical applications, ranging from … [Read more...]
Startup Culture and Central Asia
Startup culture, in its classic form, is a set of working habits — flat hierarchies, fast iteration, generalist roles, and a tolerance for failure — that grew out of Silicon Valley's need to build new things quickly under conditions of extreme uncertainty. It is often defined against "corporate culture," which prizes stability, process, and risk avoidance over speed and … [Read more...]
Trans-Сaspian corridor, ePhyto and AI at customs: How a GIZ project is supporting Turkmenistan’s integration into international trade
Turkmenistan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its integration into international and regional economic ties. Regional initiatives are playing an important role in this process, including the GIZ project “Trade Facilitation in Central Asia/Capacity Development for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.” In an interview with NeutralTurkmenistan, project manager Judith Blank … [Read more...]
16th Meeting of Committees for Economic Cooperation Between Turkmenistan and Japan to Be Held in Tokyo
The 16th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees for Economic Cooperation will take place in Tokyo from 14 to 16 December 2026. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan reports on the preparations for the upcoming forum. Key issues related to further promoting bilateral cooperation were discussed on 17 August 2026 during a meeting between Ambassador of … [Read more...]
Science at the Service of the Economy: How the International Technology Park in Ashgabat Ensures Turkmenistan’s Technological Sovereignty
At the intersection of Ashgabat’s urban landscape and the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains lies what can quite literally be described as the “scientific heart” of Turkmenistan — the International Scientific and Technological Park. Spanning an area of approximately 70,000 square meters, this flagship of innovation serves as a key platform for research vital to … [Read more...]
Bangladesh and Turkmenistan to strengthen bilateral ties, cooperation in energy security
Bangladesh and Turkmenistan vowed to strengthen bilateral relations during the political consultations between the two countries held in Ashgabat on 15 August 2026. Ambassador Dr. M. Nazrul Islam, Secretary, Bilateral (East & West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan led their respective … [Read more...]
Korea’s energy opportunity in Central Asia
Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu, deputy director of the Seoul Institute of Global Affairs For much of the post-Soviet period, Korea’s relationship with Central Asia has been defined by trade. Seoul saw Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as emerging markets for Korean cars, electronics and consumer goods. Three decades later, that relationship is being … [Read more...]
The Architecture of a Unified Space: Key Outcomes of the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Informal Summit in Kyrgyzstan
Elvira Kadyrova An informal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan on 31 July 2026. The summit was attended by President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President … [Read more...]
TIF 2026 Opens October 1: Ashgabat Welcomes Global Investors.
On October 1–2, the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat will host the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 (TIF 2026), the country's leading international platform for fostering investment cooperation. The forum brings together government officials, international financial institutions, and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities and advance projects with a strong focus on … [Read more...]
“Slavic Caravan” Rail Freight Service Opens New Trade Opportunities for Belarus and Uzbekistan
The first "Slavic Caravan" direct freight train has departed from Belarus for Uzbekistan, Belarusian media report. The project was launched through a partnership between Belarusian Railway and JSC "Uzbekistan Railways". Traveling along the Belarus–Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan corridor, the train will cover nearly 4,000 kilometers in just 5 to 7 days. The inaugural … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and EBRD Confirm Readiness to Expand Cooperation
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Turkmenistan have confirmed their readiness to expand cooperation. This was discussed during a meeting between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, held in Ashgabat on Tuesday, 28 July. As President Berdimuhamedov noted, Turkmenistan has been a member of the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and EBRD Open New Chapter of Partnership: Package of Strategic Memorandums Signed in Ashgabat
Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is reaching a qualitatively new strategic level. Talks held on Tuesday in Ashgabat between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso culminated in the signing of a solid package of bilateral documents setting the direction of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Iran Discuss Development of Economic Cooperation and Joint Intergovernmental Commission Activity
On 27 July 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, and transport spheres. The Minister … [Read more...]
Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements: Understanding the Resources Shaping the Future
nCa Report For much of the past decade, the global conversation on energy has focused on oil, natural gas and renewable power. More recently, another group of resources has moved into the spotlight: critical minerals and rare earth elements. These materials are now central to discussions on economic security, industrial policy, technological innovation and supply chain … [Read more...]
Three Central Asian Nations Lead CIS in Exchange-Traded Volume Growth with Belarus
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have emerged as the top three Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) nations for growth in exchange-traded turnover with Belarus. Official data for the first half of 2026 shows exchange trade with Kazakhstan grew to 139% year-on-year, while Tajikistan reached 308%, and Turkmenistan spearheaded the surge at 360%. The figures were … [Read more...]
Fitch Affirms Turkmenistan at ‘BB-‘; Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Turkmenistan's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at 'BB-' with a Stable Outlook. Key Takeaways & Highlights from the rating commentary: Among the factors that could lead to a rating upgrade, the agency highlights an improvement in governance standards, the availability and reliability of economic data, enhanced consistency … [Read more...]
Belarusian Businesses Explore Opportunities to Expand Exports to Turkmenistan
Representatives of around 30 companies from Belarus' real sector met to discuss practical strategies for entering the Turkmen market and building successful partnerships with local businesses. The discussions took place during a business breakfast with Yuri Dmitrichkov, Trade and Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Belarus in Turkmenistan, according to the Brest branch of the … [Read more...]
Speech by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum
Distinguished Mr. Prime Minister! Esteemed forum participants! This forum is designed to foster the development of bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Speaking of Turkmenistan's economic development, I would like to note that at the beginning of 2026, our country approved an Investment Program. Its primary goal is to sustain our annual Gross Domestic … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Visits Georgia: Ashgabat Proposes Establishing a Turkmen Terminal on the Black Sea Coast (updated)
On 16 July, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Georgia on a state visit. The visit featured a series of high-level meetings, including summit talks between the two heads of state, consultations involving government officials, ministers and senior representatives of both countries, as well as the Turkmen–Georgian Business Forum. The agenda focused on … [Read more...]