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...]
85% of SDG Targets Integrated into Turkmenistan’s National Development Programmes, Deputy Finance and Economy Minister Says
Turkmenistan has integrated 85% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its national and sectoral development programmes, with 131 national SDG targets and 175 indicators officially adopted. The announcement was made by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held under … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan
On 14 July 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, who is on an official visit to Ashgabat. During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The talks focused on political … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Hold Political Consultations in Ashgabat, Sign Bilateral Agreements
On 14 July 2026, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan held a new round of political consultations between their foreign ministries in Ashgabat. The Turkmen delegation was led by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, while the Uzbek side was headed by Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, according to Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the consultations, the two sides held … [Read more...]
Central Asia demonstrates positive dynamics in FDI inflows
Central Asia is considered as one of the subregions of developing Asia, demonstrating positive dynamics in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, according to the World Investment Report 2026 by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Key findings for the region: Overall trends: FDI inflows to Central Asia increased from $4 billion to $5 billion in 2025. The region … [Read more...]
Belarus, Uzbekistan Elevate Relations to Strategic Partnership: Outcomes of the Minsk Summit
On 9 July 2026, Minsk hosted a historic summit talks between the President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus, and the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The centerpiece of the summit was the signing of the Declaration on Establishing Strategic Partnership Relations—a fundamental document that charts the course for long-term bilateral cooperation. The Declaration: Core … [Read more...]
Developing Asia leads investment among developing regions as patterns shift within the region
Key takeaways Geneva, Switzerland, 7 July 2026 Developing Asia remained the world's largest destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) among developing regions in 2025. But the region's significance increasingly lies not only in the volume of investment it attracts, but also where within the region that investment is going. That shift matters for … [Read more...]
Global investment rises 6% to $1.6 trillion, but development gains remain uneven
Key takeaways Geneva, Switzerland, 7 July 2026 Global foreign direct investment rose 6% to $1.6 trillion in 2025, ending two years of decline, but the recovery remains narrow, fragile and uneven, according to the World Investment Report 2026 by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Inflows to developed economies rose 11%, while developing economies … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Outline Steps to Strengthen Cooperation at Intergovernmental Commission Meeting in Ashgabat
The 9th meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Ashgabat on 8 July at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyyev and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov. The participants reviewed … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy
On Wednesday, 8 July, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, who arrived in the country to participate in the session of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission. During the meeting, the two sides discussed key aspects of their strategic partnership and outlined measures to diversify economic … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Belarus: Building a Dynamic New-Generation Partnership
Elvira Kadyrova The partnership between Uzbekistan and Belarus is entering an exciting new phase — moving beyond traditional trade toward deep industrial cooperation, joint production, and shared prosperity. With complementary strengths and strong political will, the two nations are creating tangible opportunities for businesses, regions, and citizens alike. Bilateral … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Receives Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister
On Tuesday, 7 July 2026, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, met with Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, according to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH). At the beginning of the meeting, Jabbarov emphasized that Azerbaijan highly values the strong and steadily … [Read more...]
Tajikistan Presents Free Economic Zone Opportunities to Turkmen Businesses
The meeting of the Tajik-Turkmen Business Council took place on 7 July 2026 in Dushanbe, reports the National Information Agency of Tajikistan "Khovar." The meeting served as a platform for presenting the investment and economic opportunities of the two states, as well as for conducting B2B business negotiations. The meeting served as a platform for presenting the investment … [Read more...]
Belarus Independence Day Celebrated in Ashgabat: A Course Toward Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Elvira Kadyrova On 3 July 2026, a solemn reception was held in the capital of Turkmenistan to mark the main national holiday of the Republic of Belarus — Independence Day. The event, which gathered diplomats, public figures, business representatives, and journalists, became a vivid testament to the strengthening bonds of friendship and multi-vector cooperation between the … [Read more...]
EBRD finances first large-scale refractory concentrate processing facility in Central Asia
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is contributing to the development of sustainable and ecologically responsible mining and processing in Kazakhstan by supporting the operations of its long-term client Solidcore Resources (SR), an AIFC-listed company and the country’s leading gold producer. The EBRD will provide a loan of up to US$ 300 … [Read more...]
Rural Support Strategy: How Dayhanbank Finances Turkmenistan’s Agricultural Sector
Turkmenistan is consistently strengthening the economic potential of its agricultural sector by introducing effective financial instruments and expanding material and technical support for agricultural producers. Neder Nederow, Department Head of the Credit Policy Directorate of the State Commercial Bank of Turkmenistan “Dayhanbank,” detailed these measures in an article … [Read more...]
Strategic Partnership in Action: Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Hold Talks in Ashgabat
On 1 July 2026, negotiations were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and his Kazakh counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev. On the same day, a regular round of Turkmen-Kazakh political consultations between the two ministries took place. During the meeting, the ministers noted that thanks to a … [Read more...]
Foresight in Action: Accelerating the SDG Transitions in Turkmenistan
Uladzimir Valetka, ECONOMIST In Turkmenistan, systems thinking and strategic foresight have helped the UN Country Team (UNCT) engage the Government more effectively to identify strategic entry points for advancing national development aspirations and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This shift did not happen overnight. It followed a phased … [Read more...]
Eurasian Development Bank Eyes Major Expansion with 11 Potential New Members
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is moving toward a significant broadening of its membership, with the bank's Council having approved the potential addition of 11 countries, EDB Chairman Nikolay Podguzov announced at the institution's annual meeting and business forum. The prospective new members span a wide geographic arc, encompassing Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, … [Read more...]
Central Asia Needs $251 Billion in Investment by 2030, EDB Says
Central Asia faces a combined investment requirement of more than $250 billion across its energy, transport, water and logistics sectors by the end of the decade, a senior official at the Eurasian Development Bank said Friday. Speaking at an EDB business forum in Almaty, Deputy Chairman Ruslan Dalenov put the energy sector's financing needs alone at $170 billion, with a … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan Business Forum Boosts Economic Cooperation
Business representatives from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met in Astana on 24 June 2026 for the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan Business Forum, an event aimed at deepening trade and economic cooperation and expanding ties between the private sectors of the two countries. Organized with the support of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan and the QazTrade Center for … [Read more...]
Complete list of documents signed by Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan
Here is the complete list of documents signed by Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan during the visit of President Berdimuhamedov on 23 June 2026: … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Showcases Export Potential at Korea Import Expo 2026 in Seoul
Turkmenistan has opened its national pavilion at the Korea Import Expo 2026, an international import trade exhibition that began on 23 June at the COEX Exhibition Center in Seoul, according to information from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea. The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives of the Korean business community, including … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Secures $314,000 World Bank Deal to Upgrade Economic Data Systems
As reported by THP, Turkmenistan's Finance and Economy Minister Mammetguly Astanagulov met with World Bank officials to finalize an advisory agreement worth $314,000 aimed at aligning the country's national accounts with SNA-2025 international standards and refining GDP measurement methods. Discussions also touched on a broader cooperation roadmap spanning green economy … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and World Bank Team Up to Modernize National Statistics
THP reports that Turkmenistan's State Statistics Committee has entered into an advisory partnership with the World Bank Group covering 2026–2027, with the goal of bringing the country's statistical practices in line with international SNA-2025 standards. The initiative will focus on updating how GDP is calculated, refining price monitoring methods, and improving purchasing … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Elevate Strategic Partnership During President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s State Visit
[Final Version] The state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan has emerged as a landmark event in the modern history of relations between the two Caspian neighbors, producing a broad package of agreements, new transport and maritime initiatives, and a strong reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between Ashgabat and Baku. Hosted by … [Read more...]
IMF Mission Highlights Turkmenistan’s Economic Resilience and Path Forward
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Ms. Anna Bordon, recently concluded a productive visit to Turkmenistan from June 4 to 16, 2026, as part of the 2026 Article IV consultation. The mission reviewed the country’s economic performance, outlook, and policy priorities aimed at fostering diverse, inclusive, and sustainable growth. Discussions with senior … [Read more...]
Pakistan–Turkmenistan Partnership Enters a Proactive Phase, Strengthening the Central Asia–South Asia Connection
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova A notable shift is taking place in Pakistan–Turkmenistan relations. What was once a partnership largely associated with strategic visions and flagship connectivity projects is increasingly evolving into a broad-based and action-oriented relationship, marked by a steady stream of initiatives across trade, investment, education, healthcare, … [Read more...]