The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has signaled a strategic intent to tap into Turkmenistan’s extensive experience in natural gas production, following high-level talks between the ruling party’s leadership and a delegation from the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan. The meeting, held in Kampala between NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and Ata Serdarov, head of … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People Meets with the Rais of Tatarstan
On Wednesday, 13 May, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is currently visiting Kazan, met with the Rais of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. This was reported by the press service of the Head of Tatarstan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is leading the Turkmenistan delegation at the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discuss trade and connectivity enhancement
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan Atadjan Movlamov, to discuss bilateral trade enhancement, regional connectivity, energy cooperation, and strengthening institutional engagement between the two brotherly countries. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the growing importance of regional trade … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview – Lee Won-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Turkmenistan
Today, our series featuring heads of diplomatic missions in Turkmenistan continues with an exclusive interview with Lee Won-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Turkmenistan. nCa: Ambassador Lee Won-jae, Welcome to Turkmenistan. --- With your rich and versatile experience and your remarkable achievements, I am sure you will elevate the Korea-Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uganda Explore New Frontiers in Diplomatic and Economic Ties
Uganda and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following high-level diplomatic talks focused on trade, education, tourism, energy, and cultural cooperation. The meeting, organized by Ambassador Twaha Matata, Chargé d’Affaires at Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran (which is also accredited to Turkmenistan), was hosted by a Ugandan … [Read more...]
UNDP and the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan Convene Third Coordination Meeting of the Sustainable Economy and Finance Working Group
Ashgabat, 11 May 2026: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan, convened the 3rd Coordination Meeting of the Sustainable Economy and Finance (SEF) Working Group, bringing together representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan and international development partners on 11 May 2026 at the UN Building … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Cambodia Open a New Chapter in Relations: Results of Inaugural Political Consultations in Phnom Penh
A milestone event in the history of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Cambodia took place in Phnom Penh as the two nations held their first-ever inter-ministerial political consultations on 8–9 May. Political Dialogue During the political consultations, where the Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and USA launch joint Business Cooperation Association
In a landmark day for bilateral relations, Washington saw the official launch of the Turkmen American Business Cooperation Association (TABCA) alongside a high-level economic forum held at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters. These back-to-back events signal a significant shift toward strengthening direct commercial ties and fostering small-to-medium enterprise … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Georgian Minister of Economy
On 7 May, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mariam Kvrivishvili, who is in Ashgabat on an official visit. According to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the sides discussed the traditionally close and friendly relations between the two nations, which are … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Interested in Developing Logistics Hubs at Georgian Ports
On 7 May, during the official visit of the Georgian delegation to Ashgabat, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Nokerguly Atagulyev, met with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mariam Kvrivishvili. During the talks, the parties discussed a wide range of opportunities for deepening economic cooperation between the two … [Read more...]
From Energy to Tourism: Turkmenistan and Georgia Outline Concrete Steps to Deepen Economic Partnership
On 7 May 2026, Ashgabat hosted the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Georgian Commission on Economic Cooperation. The event was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. The Turkmen side was led by the Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan, Nazar … [Read more...]
Rediscovering Ancient Threads: The Case for Closer Ties Between Central Asia and Egypt
nCa Commentary In an era of shifting global alliances and supply chain uncertainties, countries across different regions are quietly exploring partnerships that blend historical resonance with practical modern benefits. Central Asia and Egypt represent one such pairing—distant on the map, yet connected by deep currents of history, faith, and complementary interests. While … [Read more...]
Venture Capital’s Paradox Quarter — And What It Means for Central Asia
nCa Report Venture capital in the first quarter of 2026 delivered one of the most striking — and somewhat paradoxical — periods in the industry's history. On the surface, it was a boom. Underneath, it was far more uneven. A record-breaking quarter Global VC investment more than doubled from $128.6 billion in Q4 2025 to a record $330.9 billion in Q1 2026, fueled by an … [Read more...]
Samarkand ADB Meeting Signals Shift Toward a More Connected, Strategic Asia
nCa Report The 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), held from 3–6 May 2026 in Samarkand, concluded with a clear message: Asia’s future lies in connectivity—across energy systems, digital networks, and supply chains. Bringing together more than 3,000–4,000 delegates from nearly 70 member countries—including finance ministers, central bank governors, … [Read more...]
Why Regional Trade Matters More Than Ever for Central Asia
Mikheil Janelidze, Zulfia Karimova, Roman Mogilevskii In an era of shifting supply chains and rising uncertainty, regional trade offers Central Asia a path to resilience, scale, and growth through deeper integration. Trade has always shaped how people in Central Asia work, live, and connect with one another across borders. Today, it is no longer just a source of growth, … [Read more...]
Türkiye Calls for Equal Partnership with the European Union
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during a recent cabinet meeting, addressed Türkiye's long-standing relationship with the European Union, framing his remarks less as a critique than as a call for a more honest and forward-looking partnership. The president argued that a fully integrated Türkiye would substantially strengthen Europe's capacity to act as a coherent global … [Read more...]
The Golden Fruit of the Desert: Unlocking the Future of Turkmenistan’s Melons and Watermelons
nCa Report A Legacy That Travels Well There is a story, well-documented in history, that tells you everything you need to know about Turkmenistan's melons. The Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad — men who could command any luxury in the medieval world — maintained a relay courier system specifically to bring fresh melons from Merv (present-day Mary in Turkmenistan) to their … [Read more...]
nCa Special Reports – Structural Improvement and Expansion of Scope
We are pleased to announce that some important structural improvements have been introduced in our monthly lreports of the nCa Special Reports product line. The scope of the reports has also been expanded. The monthly report on Turkmenistan now has additional details on the select sectors, giving it more depth. The monthly report on the Central Asia Economy now covers all … [Read more...]
Enormity of Scale Is a Powerful Magnet for Partnership with China
Tariq Saeedi Introduction In the annals of modern geopolitics, few phenomena have reshaped the global order as quietly yet decisively as China's emergence as the partner of choice for a large swath of the developing world. This is not primarily a story of ideology, military alliances, or soft-power seduction — it is, at its core, a story of scale. China's capacity to … [Read more...]
Beyond Herd Size: What Really Drives Farmers to Formal Markets in Central Asia
Efforts to modernize agriculture in Central Asia often focus on a simple idea: bigger farms perform better and integrate more easily into formal markets. However, research by Rustam Rakhmetov suggests that reality is far more nuanced. In his 2026 study, “Formal Market Participation and Farm Performance: The Case of Cattle Producers in Central Asia,” published in … [Read more...]
War on Iran – Part Twenty-Six: The Price of Uncertainty – How the On-Again, Off-Again Iran Talks are Fracturing the Global Economy
Tariq Saeedi The world has grown wearily accustomed to the rhythm of American diplomacy under Donald Trump — a lurching, unpredictable cadence that alternates between the theatrics of engagement and the blunt instrument of maximum pressure. Nowhere has this rhythm been more damaging, or more globally consequential, than in the protracted drama surrounding Iran. As Part … [Read more...]
ESCAP Warns of Mounting Economic Pressures Across Asia-Pacific
A new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific has issued a stark warning: the economic outlook for Asia and the Pacific is coming under increasing strain from geopolitical tensions, rising prices, and deepening global uncertainty. The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 finds that the ongoing Middle East … [Read more...]
Russia, Turkmenistan Advance Plans for Full-Cycle Steel Production Cooperation
Russian and Turkmen partners are stepping up industrial cooperation with a focus on establishing a full-cycle ferrous metallurgy industry in Turkmenistan, according to statements made by Denis Manturov at the International Industrial Exhibition Innoprom Central Asia in Tashkent. Manturov said Russian companies are actively working with Turkmen counterparts not only on steel … [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...]
54th Anniversary of the UAE National Day Celebrated in Ashgabat: Ambassador Alhameli Announces Record Trade Growth with Turkmenistan
On 28 November 2025, UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmed Alhay Alhameli hosted a grand reception in Ashgabat to mark the 54th anniversary of the National Day of the United Arab Emirates. The event was attended by heads and staff of diplomatic missions accredited in Ashgabat, representatives of Turkmen business circles, journalists, public figures, well-known bloggers, and … [Read more...]
C5 is now C6 – What will change?
Tariq Saeedi The transformation of Central Asia's consultative mechanism from C5 to C6 with Azerbaijan's formal inclusion represents far more than a diplomatic courtesy. At the November 2025 Tashkent summit, Central Asian leaders agreed that Azerbaijan would participate as a full member in future meetings, marking a strategic realignment that recognizes existing realities … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Qatar Strengthen Strategic Partnership: Outcomes of the Third Intergovernmental Commission Meeting in Doha
On 26 - 27 November, 2025, the third meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Qatari Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Doha, State of Qatar. Heads and representatives of various government agencies and business circles of two countries participated in the meeting. The session was co-chaired by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic … [Read more...]