At the Halk Maslahaty meeting on 23 September, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, outlined the key directions for Turkmenistan’s future development, placing special emphasis on industrialization, energy, technological progress, workforce training, and youth support. In his keynote address, Berdimuhamedov … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan approves national strategies on industry, neutrality, and youth policy at annual People’s Council session
On 23 September, Ashgabat hosted a regular meeting of the Halk Maslahaty [People’s Council] of Turkmenistan, chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the State News Agency TDH reports. The meeting of the country’s highest representative body was attended by members of the Government, deputies of the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 18 – Here we are today
Elvira Kadyrova, Ramilya Delmuhametova, Raviliya Kadyrova, Ilmira Delmuhametova, Liliya Zhirnova, Tamir Shakirov We conclude this series here. We began with bread. Something that everybody needs. We looked at shoes. Something everybody wears. We looked inside the refrigerator. Inside the home. Into the shops. At the telephone in people's hands. At … [Read more...]
Changing economic priorities of Uzbekistan reshape its engagement with the CIS
Alexey Kustov, Chief Research Fellow Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan For Uzbekistan, Commonwealth of Independent States primarily represent a set of practical mechanisms, including the free trade regime, mutual recognition of documents and standards, visa-free movement of citizens, and agreements on transit and … [Read more...]
Saudi Delegation, World Bank and Major Corporations: TIF 2026 Sets an Ambitious International Agenda
More than 800 delegates from 45 countries, a high-level business delegation from Saudi Arabia, representatives of the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, the Asian Development Bank, as well as major multinational companies — on 1–2 October, Ashgabat will become a platform for international business … [Read more...]
The Way Forward: Navigating the Next Era of the Korea-Central Asia Partnership
Elvira Kadyrova and Tariq Saeedi The conclusion of the historic, first-ever Korea-Central Asia Summit in Seoul marked a definitive structural shift in Eurasian diplomacy. While initial global coverage rightly focused on the immediate deliverables of the Seoul Declaration—including the institutionalization of biennial summits and the blueprint for South Korea’s "K-Silk … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 17 – Growing Up in a Different Turkmenistan
Tamir Shakirov Perhaps the fairest way to judge 35 years of change is to ask a child. Not a government official. Not an economist. Not an industrialist. A child. What does the world look like to someone growing up in Turkmenistan today? The answer would be almost unrecognizable to someone who was a child in the early 1990s. Start with something as simple … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 15 – From Getting Somewhere to Getting Around – The Changing Experience of Mobility
Elvira Kadyrova and Tamir Shakirov One of the best ways to understand a country is to ask a deceptively simple question: How easily can an ordinary person get from one place to another? Mobility is often discussed in terms of highways, railways and airports. But for ordinary people, mobility is much more personal. It is the journey to work. The trip to the … [Read more...]
B5+ITALY Business Platform Launched in Astana, Marking New Stage in Italy–Central Asia Economic Partnership
The Central Asia–Italy Business Platform Forum was held in Astana on September 18, officially launching the B5+ITALY platform, according the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration. Italy was represented by Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi. The forum brought together deputy ministers from the relevant ministries of Italy, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
MFA Briefing: Turkmenistan’s WTO Accession — Where Does the Process Stand?
Turkmenistan is developing its relations with global markets on the basis of openness, diversification and integration into internationally accepted legal frameworks. A key part of this effort is the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). An update on the progress of Turkmenistan’s WTO accession process was provided by Atageldi Haljanov, Head of the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 14 – The Small Things We Take For Granted – Cosmetics and Personal Care
Elvira Kadyrova and Liliya Zhirnova There is a curious way in which progress disappears. It happens when something that was once difficult to find becomes so ordinary that nobody thinks about it anymore. Walk into a supermarket or cosmetics shop in Ashgabat today and look at the shelves. Shampoo. Conditioner. Soap. Toothpaste. Skin-care … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 13 – From Eating Out to Going Out – The New Culture of Cafés and Restaurants
Elvira Kadyrova, Ilmira Delmuhametova, Liliya Zhirnova and Tamir Shakirov There was a time when going out to eat was mostly associated with particular occasions. A celebration. A wedding. A formal gathering. A visit to a restaurant was something one planned. Today, eating outside the home has become part of a much broader culture of leisure. A person can … [Read more...]
Business Summit in Seoul: Turkmenistan Ready to Expand Direct Contacts Between Business Communities of Central Asia and Korea
Turkmenistan is ready to facilitate the expansion of direct contacts and exchanges between the business communities of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, as well as the development of new joint projects. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated this while speaking at the first "Central Asia – Republic of Korea" Business Summit in Seoul on 16 … [Read more...]
Smart City Diplomacy and Digital Education: Turkmenistan Outlines Strategic Initiatives at Inaugural Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit
On Wednesday, 16 September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit and the inaugural six-party Business Summit in Seoul. During the summit, Turkmenistan presented the "Smart City Diplomacy" initiative, proposed expanding cooperation in education and digital skills for youth, stepping up joint scientific … [Read more...]
Korea and Central Asia to Hold Summits Every Two Years: Seoul Declaration Adopted
The presidents of the Republic of Korea and the five Central Asian countries — Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — adopted the Seoul Declaration, outlining long-term areas of cooperation and a new institutional framework for engagement between the sides. The document was adopted in Seoul on September 16 following the first Korea–Central Asia … [Read more...]
Trade, Critical Minerals and Infrastructure: Korea and Central Asian Countries Sign 19 MoUs at First Business Summit
Elvira Kadyrova South Korea and the five Central Asian countries have agreed to expand business cooperation in trade and investment, critical minerals, energy, infrastructure and logistics. The agreements were reached at the first Korea–Central Asia Business Summit, held in Seoul on 16 September 2026. According to the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the … [Read more...]
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Discusses Innovation and Business Cooperation in Seoul
On the sidelines of the Turkmen-Korean Business Forum in Seoul on 15 September 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, held a series of meetings with key representatives of the business and expert communities of the Republic of Korea, focusing on expanding bilateral socio-economic, scientific, and technological cooperation. During talks with … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and South Korea Expand Economic Partnership: 17 Investment Projects Worth $12 Billion Underway, 14 New MOUs Signed
Turkmenistan is ready to create all necessary conditions and provide comprehensive support to the Korean business community in implementing promising joint projects across the country. Multi-billion-dollar initiatives involving Korean investment are already underway, with several more set to launch in the near future. This was highlighted in an address by President Serdar … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Visits Seoul: High-Level Talks, Dozens of Signed Documents, Series of Meetings, and a New Academic Title
On September 15, high-level talks took place in Seoul between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung. The official program of the state visit covered key aspects of bilateral cooperation: the President of Turkmenistan held a series of meetings with the leadership of the Republic of Korea, the parties signed a … [Read more...]
South Korea and Turkmenistan Agree to Expand Economic Partnership, Sign Investment Protection Agreement and 13 Documents
Elvira Kadyrova South Korea and Turkmenistan signed an agreement on the promotion and protection of investments on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, aimed at providing additional safeguards for investors and expanding opportunities for Korean businesses in Turkmenistan. The agreement was signed in Seoul on the occasion of the first Korea-Central Asia Summit. South Korean … [Read more...]
“Ýerli Tor”: A New Stage of Technological Cooperation Between Turkmenistan and Korea
On 15 September 2026, during the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea and participation in the historic first "Central Asia – Republic of Korea" Summit in Seoul, significant agreements were reached to expand technological and business cooperation between the two countries. One of the practical outcomes was the signing of an Agreement to … [Read more...]
Tashkent brings together leaders and key deals in Polymer Market of Central Asia
September 22-24th, 2026, traditional Plastex Uzbekistan 2026 exhibition will be held in the capital of Uzbekistan More than 250 companies and brands from Austria, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, China, Latvia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Uzbekistan have confirmed their participation in the exhibition. Organizers: international exhibition company Iteca … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan at 35: Part 10 – From Shopping to Choosing – The Transformation of the Retail Experience
Elvira Kadyrova and Raviliya Kadyrova There was a time when shopping was largely about finding what you needed. Today, it is increasingly about deciding which one you want. That may be one of the simplest ways to describe the transformation of retail life in Turkmenistan over the 35 years since independence. The shops of the early independence period inherited much … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Meets with Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
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...]