Cross-border transit volumes through Turkmenistan are demonstrating steady positive growth. According to the latest data from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, cargo turnover through checkpoints on the State Border exceeded 10.5 million tons in the first six months of this year. This represents a 10% year-on-year growth. The agency noted that foreign trade transport … [Read more...]
Russia’s Aeroflot and Belarus’ Belavia Launch Single Ticket Service to Turkmenbashi via Minsk
The Russian national carrier Aeroflot and the Belarusian airline Belavia have entered into an interline agreement, opening sales for single airline tickets on convenient connecting routes, including flights to the Turkmenbashi International Airport. According to an official statement from Aeroflot, Aeroflot passengers have gained the opportunity to fly to Georgia, Israel, … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Next Leap: From Building Corridors to Making Them Work
nCa Commentary For nearly a decade, the development agenda of Central Asia has been dominated by one objective: building connectivity. Railways, highways, ports, logistics hubs and border infrastructure have received unprecedented investment, transforming the region into one of Eurasia's emerging transit crossroads. Today, a new consensus is beginning to … [Read more...]
The Aviation Silk Road: Connecting Eurasia Through the Skies
nCa Report For centuries, the Silk Road connected civilizations across Eurasia through a network of trade routes that carried goods, ideas, technologies, and cultures between East and West. In the twenty-first century, the concept has been reimagined in multiple forms under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Among these is the Aviation Silk Road—also known as the Air … [Read more...]
Beyond Geography: Why Operational Efficiency Will Define the Future of the Middle Corridor
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova The first generation of discussions about the Middle Corridor focused largely on geography. Maps were drawn, routes were compared, and countries were identified according to their position along the emerging Eurasian transport corridor. The next generation of discussion must move beyond maps. Transport corridors do not compete because … [Read more...]
Gwadar and Central Asia: Geography Makes the Case, Work Continues
Tariq Saeedi The conversation around Gwadar has never quite settled into a stable consensus. For a stretch, it's the port that rewires Eurasian trade — the hinge point of a new regional order. Then the mood shifts, and it becomes the cautionary tale of ambition lapping execution, a facility with a master plan and not enough cargo to justify it. Both readings have had real … [Read more...]
Air Belgium Prepares to Launch Cargo Operations via Ashgabat
The Belgian charter airline Air Belgium may launch cargo flights through Ashgabat International Airport as early as the beginning of August 2026. The prospects for starting these operations were discussed during a meeting between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, and the CEO of Air Belgium, Georges Chachati. The technical framework for the transit … [Read more...]
Brussels Opens New Chapter in Europe-Central Asia Connectivity
nCa Report When European Commission officials welcomed transport ministers and diplomats to Brussels last Monday, the occasion was more than a routine policy gathering. The launch of the Connectivity Agenda Platform on 23 June marked a concrete step in the EU's long-running effort to build trade routes that bypass Russia and knit together two regions that have historically … [Read more...]
Crossroads by Design: How Turkmenistan Is Repositioning Itself at the Heart of Eurasian Trade
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova There is a question that tends to get lost in all the excitement around the Middle Corridor — the overland trade route linking China to Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus. Governments trumpet new investments, analysts debate geopolitical implications, and logistics companies eye the route as an alternative to increasingly fragile … [Read more...]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Could Open Ahead of Schedule, Says TRACECA Official
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway corridor could be completed by 2028–2029, two years earlier than the originally projected 2030 timeline, according to TRACECA Secretary General and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Jasurbek Choriev. Speaking at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Choriev said construction began in 2024 and is progressing with … [Read more...]
Pakistan Eyes Major Eurasian Trade Boost by Linking Gwadar Port to Russia-Backed INSTC
Pakistan is actively pursuing integration into the Russia-backed International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) by connecting it with the strategically vital Gwadar Port, officials from both Moscow and Islamabad have confirmed. Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister Talha Burki announced Pakistan’s interest during the second Russia–Pakistan International … [Read more...]
Reception in Ashgabat on the Occasion of the Independence Day of Georgia: A Course Towards Strategic Partnership and Regional Connectivity
While the world faces fragmentation, Georgia and Turkmenistan continue to build strong economic bridges: at a reception honoring the Independence Day of Georgia in Ashgabat, Ambassador Konstantine Sabiashvili announced that a major Turkmen-Georgian business forum and exhibition will be held in Tbilisi as early as July this year. The Ambassador Extraordinary and … [Read more...]
French Business Aims for Large-Scale Purchases of Turkmen Urea and Petroleum Products
Today in Ashgabat, within the framework of the third session of the "White City Ashgabat 2026" conference dedicated to advanced energy and digital systems for cities of the future, Thierry Lhommeau, President of "Ste SODIPP International", delivered a report. His speech focused on the strategic prospects for cooperation between France and Turkmenistan, the global energy … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Kenya Build an Economic Bridge Between Central Asia and Africa: Outcomes of the Tokayev-Ruto Summit Talks in Astana
Astana has become the venue for a major geopolitical and economic event, hosting the President of Kenya, William Ruto, on a state visit. This historic, first-ever visit by a Kenyan leader to the Central Asian republic marks the beginning of a new milestone in interregional partnership. On 20 May 2026, the leaders of the two countries, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and William Ruto, … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s International Freight Volume Set to Increase by Around 50% by 2030 – EDB
By 2030, international freight volumes in Central Asia could increase by approximately 50%, while container traffic is projected to grow by nearly 70%. This was announced by Margulan Abdirov, Senior Executive Director of the Transport, Industry, and Infrastructure Directorate at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), during his remarks at the ESE ASIA 2026 international forum in … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Modernizes Two Customs Posts on Borders with Iran and Kazakhstan
As part of the phased modernization of customs checkpoints located along international transport corridors crossing Turkmenistan, upgrading works have been completed at the "Artyk" and "Garabogaz" customs posts. This was reported by the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The Garabogaz highway checkpoint — the "Garabogaz" customs post — is located in the Balkan province … [Read more...]
Supply Chains Are Becoming Intelligent — And Central Asia Is Joining the Transformation
nCa Report The modern economy runs on supply chains. Every product we use — from food and medicines to smartphones and automobiles — travels through a long network of producers, transporters, warehouses, ports, customs systems, wholesalers, retailers, and finally consumers. For decades, supply chains were managed through paperwork, telephone calls, spreadsheets, and … [Read more...]
China’s western rail gateway speeds freight links to Europe, Central Asia
Freight train traffic through Alashankou, also known as Alataw Pass, a key rail gateway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has surpassed 3,000 trips so far this year, reaching the milestone 19 days earlier than in 2025. This reflects steadily rising demand for reliable overland trade routes to Europe and Central Asia, reports Xinhua. A China-Europe … [Read more...]
A New Step on the Great Silk Road: Dry Cargo Vessel “Gadamly” Joins Turkmenistan’s Merchant Fleet
On Friday, 8 May, the Turkmenbashi International Seaport hosted a commissioning ceremony for the new dry cargo vessel Gadamly, the latest addition to Turkmenistan’s domestically built fleet. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the event to oversee the vessel’s entry into service. In his address, the President emphasized that "the commissioning of new cargo vessels … [Read more...]
The Silk Road Worked Because It Belonged to Everyone
Tariq Saeedi There is a growing tendency today to speak about trade corridors as instruments of strategy, influence, and competition. Maps are drawn with arrows pointing around rivals, past adversaries, and away from inconvenient neighbors. Connectivity is increasingly discussed in the language of exclusion. History offers a different lesson. What we now call the … [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...]
The Ashgabat Corridor Revisited: A Quiet Artery Gains Strategic Weight
nCa Report In an era defined by shifting trade routes and geopolitical uncertainty, an old regional initiative is quietly re-emerging with renewed relevance. The Ashgabat Agreement corridor—linking Central Asia to the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman—has moved back into focus as countries seek resilient, diversified pathways for trade. What began in 2011 as a modest … [Read more...]
New Multimodal Corridor: Cargo from China to Afghanistan to Transit via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
As part of the strategy to diversify transport and logistics corridors in the region, a new multimodal route has been launched for the delivery of containerized cargo from China to Afghanistan. The new path is designed to be a more efficient alternative to traditional maritime shipping. This was reported by Uztemiryulkonteyner (the container fleet operator of Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) Railway: A Strategic Connectivity Project
nCa Short Report The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway is a pivotal infrastructure project designed to boost trade and economic ties across Central Asia, connecting China directly with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Initially proposed in the 1990s, it has gained significant traction as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to create alternative trade … [Read more...]
Belarus Launches Accelerated Rail Route to Iran via Russia and Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova The largest logistics operator in Belarus, “Beltamozhservice”, has announced the launch of an accelerated container rail service for cargo delivery to Iran. The new route follows the eastern branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) through Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Delivery time is just 13–15 days, making it … [Read more...]
UAE’s DP World Signs Deal to Modernize Afghanistan’s Key Trade Ports
Taliban-ruled Afghanistan is set to enhance its trade capabilities with Central Asian states and Pakistan through a new agreement with Dubai-based logistics giant DP World, as reported by multiple sources. Ariana News reports that the Ministry of Finance of Afghanistan and UAE-based DP World signed an investment term sheet on December 7 to modernize key commercial land … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan Develops Container Transportation to Europe via Turkmenbashi Port: 18 Block Trains Dispatched in 2025
JSC "Uztemiryo'lkonteyner," the operator of the container fleet for the Uzbekistan railways, successfully organized regular container shipments from Uzbekistan to European countries in 2025 via the seaport of Turkmenistan on the Caspian Sea – the Port of Turkmenbashi. In total, 18 block trains carrying mineral fertilizers, potassium, carbamide, aluminum, and copper … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Launches Modernized Border Checkpoints with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Elvira Kadyrova Kazakhstan has commissioned two upgraded automobile border checkpoints: "Kazygurt" on the border with Uzbekistan and "Temir-Baba" on the border with Turkmenistan, according to the official website of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. The upgrades have reduced border crossing times to as little as 30 minutes thanks to the introduction of new … [Read more...]
Transport integration in Central Asia: the contribution of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Ibrahimova Dildora, Head of the Centre for Transport and Logistics Development Studies at the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Transport cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is now taking on strategic importance, shaping a new architecture of connectivity in Central Asia and creating additional opportunities for the region to enter the wider … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Leads Central Asia with Fastest Customs Transit Times, GIZ Study Shows
Turkmenistan has the fastest customs transit processing in Central Asia, with an average clearance time of just 37 minutes, according to a new study conducted by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) between August and October 2025. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan released the findings on 4 Dec, highlighting the country’s continuing leadership in … [Read more...]
“Specialized Logistics 2025”: The Association “Turkmen Logistics” and GIZ strengthen the potential of the transport industry
The Turkmen Logistics Association, in partnership with the GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) Regional Project on Trade Facilitation in Central Asian countries, has successfully completed the cycle of intensive training courses "Specialized Logistics 2025". The event, which lasted from 25 to 27 November 2025, was aimed at improving the skills of specialists from … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Forge Closer Economic Ties, Focus on $1 Billion Trade and New Transit Corridors
Deputy Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met in Astana today to accelerate economic partnership, setting their sights on a $1 billion trade target and securing vital logistics routes. Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, held discussions with Khodjamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers … [Read more...]
Report: Türkmentel-2025 and ITTC-2025 International Forums in Ashgabat
nCa Report Date: 12–14 November 2025 Location: Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan General Introduction On 12 November 2025, Ashgabat launched two landmark international events under a single roof for the first time: Organized by Turkmenistan’s consolidated transport and communications complex with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the … [Read more...]
First train on Russia-Iran cargo route covers 4000km in 12 days
On 8 November 2025, a milestone unfolded in the sphere of Eurasian trade when the first scheduled freight train from Russia pulled into Iran's Aprin dry port, right on the outskirts of Tehran. This wasn't some random shipment; it was a carefully coordinated effort that had been in the works to strengthen ties between Moscow and Tehran, especially amid ongoing global tensions … [Read more...]
Great Milestone in Maritime History of Turkmenistan – First Domestically Built Cargo Ship Launched
nCa Report On November 4, 2025, Turkmenistan marked a major milestone in its maritime history with the launching ceremony of the "Gadamly", the country's first domestically built cargo ship, an event that's being hailed as a symbol of national progress and international collaboration. This dry cargo vessel, with a carrying capacity of 6,100 tons and designed specifically … [Read more...]
The 24th meeting of the Turkmenistan–European Union Joint Committee was held in Ashgabat
On 7 November 2025, the 24th meeting of the Turkmenistan-European Union Joint Committee was held in Ashgabat. The delegation of Turkmenistan was headed by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy B.Yalakov. The delegation of the European Union was headed by Audrone Percauskene, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the European External Action … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Strengthens the Eurasian North-South Corridor: Foundation Laid for the Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz Highway Section, Bridge over Garabogazköl Bay Put into Operation
Turkmenistan is realizing a number of important transport projects in the western part of the country, aimed at improving connectivity within the country, as well as on a regional scale and within the framework of overall connectivity in Eurasia along the North-South route directions. On 2 November 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, visiting the Balkan … [Read more...]
New China-Central Asia Transport Corridor Launches Trial Operations
Seven trucks carrying containers departed from the Kashi International Hub Port in northwestern China's Xinjiang region on October 15, marking the launch of a trial international transport service connecting China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, according to Chinese state media reports. The multimodal transport corridor represents a significant development in … [Read more...]
Seamless Border: How Electronic Pre-Declaration Accelerates Import and Transit Through Turkmenistan
The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan continues to implement modern digital technologies aimed at streamlining customs procedures and facilitating international trade. One of the key components of this effort is the adoption of an electronic pre-declaration system for goods, as stipulated by the country’s Customs Code. As of 1 June 2024, carriers and other stakeholders … [Read more...]
Transit Through Central Asia Surges by 70% from 2020 to 2024
Central Asia is rapidly emerging as a key transit hub in Eurasia, proving that a lack of sea access is no barrier to economic growth. Thanks to its unique geographical position at the heart of the continent and the active implementation of infrastructure projects, the region is experiencing remarkable growth in transit transportation. According to data from the Eurasian … [Read more...]
Central Asia and China Open New Logistics Routes: Trial Launch of Multimodal Corridor to Turkmenistan
On Wednesday, 15 October, the trial operation of the international multimodal transport corridor linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan officially launched, according to Xinhua. The corridor features two multimodal routes, with goods transported by rail from Xi’an (Shaanxi Province, Northwest China) and Chengdu (Sichuan Province, Southwest China) to Kashgar … [Read more...]
China-Europe Freight Train Marks 50,000th Trip from Horgos Port
A China-Europe freight train loaded with electronic products, mechanical and electrical equipment, and daily necessities departed from the Horgos Railway Port in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Małaszewicze, Poland, on Saturday, marking the 50,000th train to pass through the port since operations began in March 2016, according to the Global Times. The … [Read more...]
Doors to Asia and Europe: Turkmenistan’s Transport Strategy as the Foundation for Global Connectivity – Expert Opinion
Sapa Gurbanberdiyev, Deputy Chairman of the “Türkmen logistika” Association One of the key factors determining a country’s competitiveness in today’s geo-economic landscape, including Turkmenistan, is sustainable transport connectivity and efficient logistics. Robust and reliable transport systems are also vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including … [Read more...]
Report: China and Central Asia Railway Connections
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Key Points Current Railway Connections The primary links are at Alashankou-Dostyk and Khorgos-Altynkol, both on the China-Kazakhstan border. These handle the vast majority of rail cargo between China and Central Asia. A third crossing, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is being developed to increase capacity. No direct rail connections exist yet to … [Read more...]
Investing in Sustainable Transport: Unlocking Turkmenistan’s Potential for Trade and Job Growth
At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (Awaza, 18-19 Sep 2025), Uladzimir Valetka, Economist at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Turkmenistan, emphasized the transformative power of sustainable transport in fostering trade, creating jobs, and driving inclusive economic growth. His speech highlighted Turkmenistan’s strategic role as a regional transit hub and … [Read more...]
TIF 2025: Turkmenistan’s Transport Strategy – Integrating into the Global Network
Elvira Kadyrova and Ravilya Kadyrova Awaza, September 18, 2025 – At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025), Turkmenistan’s Minister of Railway Transport, Mammet Akammedov, unveiled the country’s logistics strategy, aimed at modernizing the transport sector and strengthening its role in global connectivity. Turkmenistan is actively implementing national programs to … [Read more...]
Energy, Industry, and Transport Sectors Dominate Discussions on First Day of TIF 2025
AWAZA, Turkmenistan – September 18, 2025 – The first day of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025) is featuring robust discussions on the nation's core economic sectors, with international experts and Turkmen officials exploring opportunities in energy, construction, and logistics. The day's agenda included dedicated sessions on critical areas for investment. "Session … [Read more...]
TIF 2025: Turkmenistan Modernizes Road Infrastructure to Become a Key Eurasian Transit Hub
Elvira Kadyrova and Ravilya Kadyrova Awaza, September 18 – At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025), held in Awaza, Dovran Ataev, Deputy Chairman of the State Agency for the Management of Highway Construction, spoke about the large-scale modernization of the country's road infrastructure. According to him, Turkmenistan is actively working to bring its … [Read more...]
Record Growth in Freight Transport: China and Central Asia Strengthen Logistics Ties
In the first eight months of 2025, freight trains between China and Central Asia made 9,626 cross-border trips—an increase of 22.7% compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for this timeframe. During this period, 751,000 standard containers (TEU) were transported, marking a year-on-year growth of 31.1%, according to China Media Group. As of 31 August 2025, … [Read more...]
Iran Aims to Increase Cargo Transit with Turkmenistan to 20 Million Tons
From September 6 to 8, 2025, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Railway Transport Mammet Akmammedov, visited Iran. The delegation held talks with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, Jabbar Ali-Zakeri, according to IRNA news agency. The discussions focused on expanding … [Read more...]