Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan Aimyrat Gochmyradov January 27, 2026, marks the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan. They were officially established on January 27, 1993. Over the past period, bilateral cooperation has acquired a stable, … [Read more...]
Ashgabat to Host Exhibition of Turkish Export Goods – Visit of Türkiye’s Minister of Commerce Expected
From 10 to 12 February 2026, Ashgabat will host the 12th Exhibition of Turkish Export Products, featuring approximately 100 companies and associations. The Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Türkiye, Ömer Bolat, is expected to attend the opening ceremony along with an official delegation. This was reported by the Embassy of Türkiye in Turkmenistan. The exhibition aims … [Read more...]
Davos 2026 and Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi This is a kind of lightweight analytical look at the Davos 2026 and some of the things that may relate to Central Asia. We have divided the narrative into three sections: Participants from Central Asia at Davos 2026 The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 concluded on January 23, 2026, with nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, … [Read more...]
China-Central Asia format: The catalyst for practical cooperation – On the occasion of exceeding the $100 billion trade mark between China and Central Asia.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin According to statistics from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, the volume of trade between China and the five Central Asian countries in 2025 amounted to US $ 106.3 billion, with an increase of 12% compared to the previous year. This is the first time that … [Read more...]
SPECA Economic Forum 2026 Concludes with Strong Regional Commitments on Connectivity, Trade, and Sustainable Development
The SPECA Economic Forum 2026, held on 21–22 January in Ashgabat, brought together high-level government representatives, UN regional commissions, international financial institutions, and regional experts to advance cooperation across transport, energy, digital trade, and sustainable development in Central Asia. Hosted under the theme “Regional Connectivity for Sustainable … [Read more...]
Women entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan took part in international exhibitions in the field of clothing design and home decor in Paris
Women entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan took part in the international exhibitions Maison & Objet and Who’s Next Paris, held in Paris from 15 to 19 January. The visit was organised under the project “Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration,” implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with funding from the European Union. Participation in the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Assumes CIS Chairmanship: Focus on Security, Economy, and Connectivity
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Russia and Plenipotentiary Representative to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Esen Aydogdyev, presented the country's Concept for its 2026 CIS Chairmanship during a meeting of the Commission on Economic Affairs under the CIS Economic Council in Moscow on 22 January 2026. Aydogdyev outlined the key priorities for Turkmenistan's … [Read more...]
From the Caspian to the Persian Gulf: Kazakhstan and Iran Advance Logistics Projects
Elvira Kadyrova Astana and Tehran are intensifying efforts to strengthen transport and logistics links, positioning Iran as a key gateway for Kazakhstan. In a recent meeting, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Iran Ontalap Onalbayev discussed expanding bilateral connectivity with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh. According to Kazakhstan's Foreign … [Read more...]
GDP Per Capita Hits $15,000: Kazakhstan Sets Record for Central Asia
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hailed a landmark year for the Kazakhstan economy during the 5th meeting of the National Kurultai on 20 January 2026. Addressing the assembly, the Head of State revealed that the nation’s GDP per capita has reached an unprecedented $15,000, setting a new record for both the country and the Central Asian region. The President attributed these … [Read more...]
Resilient Together: Strengthening the Caucasus and Central Asia Through Regional Cooperation
Yingming Yang, Vice-President, Asian Development Bank, and Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, International Monetary Fund Despite heightened global uncertainty and persistent geopolitical tensions, the Caucasus and Central Asia have continued to surprise on the upside. Growth in the subregion, which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, … [Read more...]
Historic Milestone: China-Central Asia Trade Turnover Surpasses $100 Billion for the First Time
In 2025, economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asian nations reached a qualitatively new level, hitting a historic milestone. According to official data from the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, reported by Xinhua News Agency, the total trade turnover between China and the region amounted to $106.3 billion, a 12% increase over the previous year. This … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan announces the leasing of facilities in the free trade zone on the border with Turkmenistan
On the border territory of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the process of leasing commercial facilities in the Shavat–Dashoguz Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has officially been launched. This was reported by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan. This is a key stage in the implementation of the project, aimed at stimulating bilateral trade, creating new business … [Read more...]
Be Prepared: The Timeless Wisdom Nations Must Relearn
Tariq Saeedi When Lord Robert Baden-Powell chose "Be Prepared" as the motto for the Boy Scouts in 1907, he wasn't simply offering practical advice for camping trips. The founder of the scouting movement understood something profound about human resilience: true preparedness isn't about predicting specific dangers, but about cultivating the character, skills, and mindset … [Read more...]
10 trends shaping global trade in 2026
Slower growth, rising protectionism and structural shifts in value chains, services and regulation are redefining trade flows, creating new risks and opportunities. Global trade had a record year in 2025, with preliminary data pointing to a 7% increase to exceed $35 trillion for the first time. While growth is expected to remain positive in 2026, the pace will slow. UN … [Read more...]
SPECA Economic Forum 2026 in Ashgabat to advance regional connectivity and the UN drive to peace and trust
The United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) will hold its annual economic forum and the 20th session of its Governing Council in the framework of the SPECA High-Level Week in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from 20 to 23 January 2026. These events will mark a major milestone for regional cooperation at a time when global challenges demand renewed … [Read more...]
From Economic Pain to Narrative Conflict in Iran
Tariq Saeedi As the world watches the unfolding events in Iran with a mix of concern and speculation, it's easy to get lost in the cacophony of international commentary. The recent protests, which erupted in late December 2025, have once again thrust the Islamic Republic into the global spotlight, highlighting deep-seated economic frustrations and the ever-present shadow … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Economic Rise: EDB Chief Economist on Transport Corridors, Logistics Boom, and the Path to Industrial Power
Central Asia is rapidly emerging as one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, with robust growth, expanding trade routes, and strategic opportunities in logistics and industry. Evgeny Vinokurov, Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) shares his perspective on this transformation. Originally featured on The Astana Times YouTube channel, this interview … [Read more...]
The Farming Sector: A Nation’s First Line of Defence
Tariq Saeedi Napoleon Bonaparte reportedly observed that an army marches on its stomach. This simple truth contains a profound strategic insight: before any nation can defend its borders, project power, or pursue its interests, it must first feed its people. The farming sector, far from being a mere economic concern, constitutes the first line of defence for any country … [Read more...]
Food Security: The Foundation of National Strength
Tariq Saeedi National security is commonly understood through the lens of military capability, diplomatic influence, and economic power. Yet underlying all these dimensions is a more fundamental requirement: the ability to feed one's population. Food security—the capacity for sustainable food self-sufficiency—represents not merely an agricultural concern but a cornerstone … [Read more...]
Central Bank of Turkmenistan unveils E-Commerce System Development Statistics as of Early 2026
As of 1 January 2026, Turkmenistan continues the steady development of its electronic commerce infrastructure. This is confirmed by official data published on the website of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan. According to the presented statistics, 1,043 trading points are currently connected to the electronic commerce system (E-Commerce) through various banks. These are … [Read more...]
Economies of Central Asia Show Robust Growth Amid Slowdown in CIS – UN Report
Most countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia maintain strong economic growth momentum, despite an overall slowdown in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Georgia region. These findings are presented in the new UN report "World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026." According to the report, following 4.6 per cent growth in 2024, the region’s GDP is … [Read more...]
Business, agriculture, housing and support for young families – areas of preferential lending in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is actively developing a system of preferential loans aimed at supporting the economy, improving the standard of living of the population and stimulating export-oriented production. This work is based on a series of presidential decrees that create favorable conditions for business, agriculture, housing construction and young families. The main efforts are focused … [Read more...]
Astana hosted the 3rd General Assembly of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry
On January 8, 2026, Astana hosted the 3rd General Assembly of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI). The event gathered leaders from national chambers of commerce and industry, government officials, and business representatives from across the Turkic world. Established in 2019 with its permanent secretariat in Istanbul, the TCCI serves as an … [Read more...]
State Budget of Turkmenistan for 2026: Priorities, Revenues, and Investments
A round table was held in Ashgabat, organized by the newspaper "Turkmenistan," where representatives of the parliament and the Ministry of Finance and Economy discussed the details of the state budget for the upcoming year. The Chairman of the Committee on Economic Issues of the Parliament of Turkmenistan, the Head of the State Budget Department of the Ministry of Finance and … [Read more...]
Dokma Online Store: A Showcase of Turkmen Textile Excellence
In an era of digital transformation, e-commerce is rapidly expanding worldwide, and Turkmenistan is actively embracing this trend. A prime example is the Dokma platform - https://dokma.com.tm/ - , a comprehensive online catalog featuring high-quality textile products from the country's leading national manufacturers. Dokma offers a diverse range of textile items tailored to … [Read more...]
From Uranium Mining to Nuclear Power Generation: Kazakhstan Corrects a “Historical Absurdity”
The development of nuclear energy is a strategic necessity and a matter of prestige for Kazakhstan. This follows from the interview of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with the newspaper "Turkistan". Tokayev stressed that "without reliable energy generation, Kazakhstan will not be able to transition to a new technological model of the economy. Supercomputers, data centers, … [Read more...]
Gas, Nuclear Energy, and Logistics: How Central Asia Transformed from “Periphery” to a Pillar of Russia’s Economic Strategy
The Moscow-based Russian Civil Society Fund recently released a report titled "A Decade of New Opportunities: Outlines of a New Strategic Partnership Between Russia and the Countries of Central Asia." The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the strategic partnership between Russia and the Central Asian states over the past decade (2015-2025). It also forecasts the … [Read more...]
It is not Yuan against Dollar tussle. It is evolving nature of global economy.
It's interesting to see how trade dynamics are shifting in subtle ways across the globe, driven more by practical needs than any grand showdown. Take the recent buzz from Central Asia, for instance. --- According to a fresh report from Eurasianet, the Chinese yuan is quietly picking up steam as a payment option in regional commerce, especially in Kazakhstan. There, on the … [Read more...]
Livestock Sector in Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
In the vast steppes and mountain pastures of Central Asia, livestock have been more than just animals—they've been wealth, sustenance, and a way of life for millennia. Today, this ancient tradition stands at a crossroads, caught between the weight of modern challenges and the promise of unprecedented opportunities. Livestock, in its broadest sense, refers to domesticated … [Read more...]
Central Asia poised to become Trillion Dollar Economy by 2035
Central Asia, as a region, has shown remarkable growth across economic indicators in 2025. According to the Moderate Scenario, the region may gain the status of a Trillion Dollar Economy by 2035. Current Economic Baseline According to the most recent data, Central Asia's combined GDP reached $519 billion in 2024 China Daily. The latest forecast from Evgeny Vinokurov, … [Read more...]
Strategic Partnership Between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan Further Strengthened in 2025 – Ambassador Gozalov
In 2025, the friendly, fraternal, and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan developed significantly, becoming even stronger and broader on the basis of mutual trust and friendship. In line with the spirit of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2017, the continued deepening of cooperation and the launch of mutually beneficial initiatives in new … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Japan Strengthen Economic Ties with Major Bilateral Agreements
During Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's working visit to Japan to attend the inaugural "Central Asia + Japan" summit, he held talks with executives from leading Japanese business circles. The meetings resulted in the signing of a substantial package of documents aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors such as the economy, transport, digital technologies, … [Read more...]
Focus on Green Tech: Turkmenistan Proposes Water Treatment and Waste Management Projects to Japan
Turkmenistan is inviting Japanese businesses to partner on a series of major initiatives in water conservation, wastewater treatment, and waste management. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov detailed these proposals during a high-level meeting with executives from leading Japanese corporations on 19 December in Tokyo. The President called on Japanese firms to consider several … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s President Holds Key Meetings During Visit to Japan
On 19 December 2025, during his working visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a series of high-level meetings with: The discussions primarily focused on strengthening economic, inter-parliamentary, and humanitarian cooperation between the two nations. Emperor Naruhito congratulated President Berdimuhamedov on the successful hosting of the … [Read more...]
Eurasian Economies to Grow by up to 9.3% in 2026: EDB Publishes New Macroeconomic Outlook
18 December 2025 The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has presented its Macroeconomic Outlook for 2026–2028. According to EDB analysts, investment activity and domestic demand will remain the key drivers of growth in most countries of the region, despite moderate global economic expansion and persistently elevated interest rates. Key takeaways: More about the … [Read more...]
China’s Economic Roadmap for 2026: A Pivot Toward Deeper Ties with Central Asia
nCa Report As 2025 draws to a close, China's Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) has laid out a pragmatic blueprint for the year ahead, emphasizing stability amid domestic slowdowns and global uncertainties (source). The meeting, held in Beijing from December 10 to 11, reaffirmed commitments to boosting domestic demand, stabilizing the property sector, and leaning on … [Read more...]
Ashgabat will host the Turkmen-Chinese Trade and Economic Forum in April 2026
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Chinese Industrial Overseas Development Association (CODA), with the assistance of Talwas Yoly Closed Joint Stock Company and the Oguz Forum&Expo division, will hold a Turkmen-Chinese Trade and Economic Forum entitled "New Opportunities for Trade and Economic Cooperation", which will be held on 28-30 April 2026 in … [Read more...]
Mutual investment in the Eurasian region reached a record US $48.4 billion: a new report by the EDB
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released the report as part of its flagship project Monitoring of Mutual Investments. New data show that investment activity in the Eurasian region continues to expand despite the global decline in foreign direct investment (FDI). Mutual FDI between the region’s countries reached a record US $48.4 billion at the end of the first half … [Read more...]
Türkiye’s Second-Largest Contracting Market: Erdoğan Pledges to Boost Turkmenistan Economic Ties
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has underscored the strong fraternal bonds between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, emphasizing shared history, culture, and economic potential during his recent visit to Ashgabat for the International Forum on Peace and Trust. Speaking to journalists on his return flight to Türkiye, President Erdoğan expressed gratitude to the National Leader of the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan-Qatar Relations
nCa Report Key Points on Turkmenistan-Qatar Relations Historical and Diplomatic Overview Turkmenistan and Qatar, both energy-rich nations, have built ties based on mutual interests in natural gas and regional stability. The relationship has evolved steadily since independence-era engagements. Key Exchanges and Outcomes Visits at presidential and ministerial … [Read more...]
Putin at the Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat: Russia and Turkmenistan Develop Partnership in the Spirit of Friendship and Good Neighborliness
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin participated in an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. Russian President Vladimir Putin opened his address with warm congratulations to President of Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan: a strategic partnership that strengthens the region
In recent years, cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has been experiencing a new, truly rapid stage of development. Today, bilateral relations are no longer limited to just diplomatic ties — they have acquired a complex character: from joint economic, transport and logistics projects to large-scale cultural initiatives that strengthen friendship and … [Read more...]
Russia and China Deepen Financial Alliance With Moscow’s Landmark Yuan Bond Issue
Russia has taken a major step toward fuller integration with China’s financial system by issuing its first sovereign bonds denominated in Chinese renminbi, raising nearly $3 billion in a transaction that both sides hailed as a milestone in their rapidly expanding economic partnership. The information comes from the Financial Times and the Russian media. The Russian Finance … [Read more...]
European Union Says It Seeks No Expansion in Central Asia
The European Union’s special representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, rejected suggestions that Brussels is pursuing political or economic expansion in the region, emphasizing that the bloc’s growing engagement is driven solely by mutual benefit and a desire for stability. “We are not immediate neighbors, so it is very difficult to accuse us of any attempts at … [Read more...]
OPEC Fund Has Invested Heavily in Central Asia, Kazakhstan Official Says
The OPEC Fund for International Development, a multilateral lender owned by OPEC member states, has directed more than $1.4 billion to development projects across Central Asia over the past 20 years, Kazakhstan’s first deputy minister of national economy, Azamat Amrin, told lawmakers this week. The figure emerged during parliamentary debate on ratification of a framework … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Strengthens Export Ties with Central Asia Through Local Manufacturing and Trade Expansion
As reported by Omid Radio, Afghanistan has launched the 25th phase of exports from Herat province, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to expand trade with Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. During a ceremony in Herat, Governor Shaikh Maulana Islam Jar emphasized the growing production capabilities of Afghanistan, particularly … [Read more...]
ADB-Turkmenistan – 25 Years of Partnership
For 25 years, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Turkmenistan have partnered to meet the country's critical development needs. Since Turkmenistan became a member of ADB in 2000, the bank has helped the country progress on its path toward sustainable economic and social development. ADB has contributed toward improving transport infrastructure, strengthening … [Read more...]
We look with optimism towards the future of the Romanian-Turkmen cooperation, says Ambassador Ion Naval
Ambassador Ion Naval of Romania to Turkmenistan hosted a reception on 1 December 2022 to mark the National Day of Romania. The chief guest representing the Government of Turkmenistan was Mammetguly Astanagulow, Minister of Finance and Economy and Co-Chairman of the Turkmen side of the Romanian-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical … [Read more...]
TAPI: The idea, the ideology, and the way forward – Part Two
Tariq Saeedi In the first part of this report, we established that TAPI is no merely an idea, it is an ideology. Under this new paradigm, we decided to start with two basic questions: Both of these questions must be answered together for the sake of clarity. In this part of the series, we will also deal with a supplementary question: Can the consumers in Pakistan pay … [Read more...]
TAPI: The idea, the ideology, and the way forward – Part One
Tariq Saeedi The Statement: TAPI is more than an idea --- it is an ideology. The Spectrum: From Preposterous to Profound TAPI, as a gas pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India is an idea; an idea whose time has come, an idea that is akin to the force of nature. TAPI, as a corridor, is the collective name for a number of … [Read more...]