Trade and transit activity through northern Afghanistan’s vital Hairatan railway port has seen a significant surge, with officials reporting an average of 280 to 300 freight wagon arrivals daily from Central Asian nations. The 75-kilometer Hairatan–Mazar-e-Sharif railway serves as a critical economic lifeline for the landlocked country, connecting Afghanistan directly to … [Read more...]
UNDP supports Turkmenistan’s capacity building in the WTO accession process
ASHGABAT, 12 October 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, is conducting a series of practical training sessions from 5 to 14 October 2026 aimed at strengthening national capacity and enhancing the professional skills of specialists in support of Turkmenistan’s accession process to the … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Opens Strategic Wakhan Road to China Border, but Commercial Operations Await Beijing’s Accord
Afghan authorities have officially inaugurated a 121-kilometer (75-mile) gravel road stretching across the remote Wakhan Corridor in Badakhshan province to the border of China’s Xinjiang region. The opening marks the completion of a two-year infrastructure project aimed at establishing Afghanistan’s first direct overland road connection with China. However, key questions … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Afghanistan – India Business Forum
Private-sector representatives and trade delegations from Afghanistan, Central Asian nations—including Uzbekistan—and India signed 22 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) valued at over $400 million following the conclusion of a major tri-regional business networking forum. The economic forum focused on deepening cross-border commercial ties, expanding regional trade … [Read more...]
World Bank: Trans-Caspian Corridor Investments Could Triple Trade Volumes by 2040
Report puts infrastructure need at more than $25 billion, with a further $30 billion for enabling investments A new World Bank Group report estimates that investment in the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC), also known as the Middle Corridor, could more than triple trade volumes along the route and halve travel times by 2040. The report, Integration: World-Class … [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...]
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...]
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 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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Rail Cargo Between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Surges Amid Corridor Development
Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan has recorded robust growth in the first months of 2026, underscoring the strengthening of regional trade links and the expanding role of the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor. According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway operator, bilateral rail cargo volumes with … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Georgia aim to strengthen trade and economic ties
On 9 June 2026, a meeting took place between Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Georgia D.Seyitmammedov and Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia T. Ioseliani. The meeting was also attended by L. Abashidze, General Director of JSC Georgian Railway. During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of bilateral economic cooperation, … [Read more...]
Belarusian Enterprises and Leading Universities Showcase Potential in Ashgabat
A large-scale working visit of a Belarusian business and academic delegation to Ashgabat has successfully concluded. Held from 22 to 26 May, the trip was timed to coincide with the 25th "White City Ashgabat – 2026" International Exhibition and Conference. The visit was organized by the Minsk Branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI) and the National … [Read more...]
Belarus and Turkmenistan Maintain Resilient Economic Ties, Says Ambassador Chepurnoy
Belarus and Turkmenistan maintain resilient trade and economic relations, driven by complementary economies and dynamically growing bilateral trade, according to Belarusian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Stanislav Chepurnoy. "It is no exaggeration to say that our economies are largely complementary. This creates solid opportunities to further expand cooperation across various … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Boosts Economic Partnership in the CIS: Trade Turnover Exceeds $4 Billion
On 22 May 2026, during an expanded-format meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Ashgabat, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, delivered a speech. In his address, he outlined Ashgabat's key priorities within the Commonwealth, highlighted a record growth in mutual trade, and proposed concrete steps for the … [Read more...]
Intra-Regional Trade in Central Asia Doubles Over the Past Five Years, EDB says
The volume of mutual trade among Central Asian countries reached $12.3 billion in 2025, an increase of nearly twofold compared to 2020, according to Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). Kazakhstan remains the largest participant in mutual trade, accounting for over half (54%) of all intra-regional goods supplies, totaling $6.6 billion. While Uzbekistan is the key sales market, … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Discusses Further Steps for Digital Trade Development
On 11 and 12 May 2026, the International Trade Centre (ITC) held two workshops in Ashgabat on the regulation of digital trade and e-commerce. The events were organized within the framework of the European Union-funded project "Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration." The workshops were attended by about 60 representatives from the public and private … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Outcomes of the State Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan: Mirziyoyev Awards Berdimuhamedov Uzbekistan’s Highest State Order – First Joint Border Trade Zone Launched
On 17 November 2025, in Tashkent, on the second day of the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, high-level talks were held between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The meeting, which took place first in a narrow format and then in an expanded format with the participation of official delegations, … [Read more...]
Visa-Free Access Introduced at Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Joint Border Trade Zone
On the sidelines of the state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Turkmenistan’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations Nazardurdy Agakhanov held detailed talks on the practical implementation of the newly launched Shavat–Dashoguz cross-border trade … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan visits Uzbekistan
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan is on a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, 16-17 November 2025. The visit coincides with the 7th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of Central Asia that took place on 16 November 2025. The main content of the visit will take place on 17 November 2025. In addition to the other planned activities, there would be … [Read more...]
Speech by Dr. Begench Karayev at the Margalla Dialogue 2025
Potential for trade and economic connectivity and the analysis of the factors impeding connectivity: Options and strategies for improving trade and economic connectivity. Dear conference participants, Dear moderator, First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to participate in this highly respected forum, for the hospitality extended, and for … [Read more...]
Report: State of E-Commerce in Central Asia
nCa Report Editor’s Note: There are certain shortcomings in this report, mainly because quite a bit of the related information and data is not available on the net. Some of the information is behind the firewalls. The difference in methodologies among the data sources is another factor. For the collation and augmentation of information and for the general heavy … [Read more...]
Turkmen-Russian Intergovernmental Commission Meeting in Ashgabat: Focus on Trade, Transport, and Education
The meeting of the Turkmen-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation took place in Ashgabat. The commission was co-chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev, responsible for the trade sector, and Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin. “Our cooperation rests on a … [Read more...]
Vast Potential of Partnership between Turkmenistan and Malaysia
nCa Report The prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia look promising, with a solid foundation in energy and growing opportunities in trade, education, tourism, and other sectors. Recent developments, such as the restructuring of the Petronas Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) in the Caspian Sea and a surge in bilateral trade, suggest potential for … [Read more...]
About 120,000 Documents Processed Through the Single Window System in Turkmenistan
From January to August 2025, approximately 120,000 documents were processed in electronic format through the “Single Window for Export-Import Operations” system, according to the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. Reportedly, in 2024, around 100,000 permits and authorizing documents were processed through this system. The Single Window project was implemented by the … [Read more...]
TIF 2025 Final Day Opens with Focus on Digital Transformation and Trade
Awaza, 19 September 2025 – The final day of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025) began today with sessions focused on modernizing the nation's economy through technology and strengthening its position in global trade. The day's agenda opened with "Session 5: Digital and Green Transformations in the Interest of Sustainable Development". Moderated by the Head of the … [Read more...]
TIF 2025 First Day Concludes with Signing of Key International Agreements
AWAZA, Turkmenistan – September 18, 2025 – The successful first day of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025) concluded this evening, culminating in a formal "Ceremony of signing bilateral documents" that translated high-level discussions into concrete investment agreements. The ceremony marked a significant outcome for the forum, demonstrating tangible progress in … [Read more...]
EDB and India Exim Bank Analyze Trade and Investment Relations Between India and Central Asia
Mutual trade between India and Central Asian countries has grown from $500 million in 2010 to $1.7 billion, following an upward trajectory. This is highlighted in an analytical report titled “Exploring Trade and Investment Relations between India and Central Asia: Unlocking Economic Benefits.” The report was jointly prepared by the Eurasian Development Bank (EABR) and the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Interregional Ties
A delegation from Turkmenistan's Balkan province, led by the governor Khojamyrat Ashirmyradov, paid a visit to Kazakhstan's Mangystau region. During the visit, a meeting was held on 28 August with the Akim (governor) of the region, Nurdaulet Kilybay. According to the press service of the Akim of the Mangystau region, the parties discussed the Strategic Partnership … [Read more...]
Roadmap to Boost Trade: How Bishkek and Astana Strengthen Economic Ties
On 22 August 2025, during the official visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Kyrgyz Republic and summit talks with President Sadyr Japarov, a series of bilateral documents were signed aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two countries across various domains, from economy and trade to culture and security. This recent … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to Increase Trade Turnover to US $ 2 Billion
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to approve a joint Action Plan aimed at increasing mutual trade volumes to US $ 2 billion, according to the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This agreement was reached in Avaza on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, where Uzbekistan’s … [Read more...]
More Transportation Infrastructure, Transit Corridors Crucial to Reduce Delays, Costs, Strengthen Competitiveness in Landlocked Developing Countries, Round Table Hears
Amid calls from landlocked developing countries for more transportation infrastructure and transit corridors, one speaker at this morning’s round-table (#4) discussion at the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries encouraged those countries to use existing international instruments to enable smoother transit. The theme of the round table was “Building … [Read more...]
Integrating Landlocked Developing Countries into Global Economy Benefits Everyone, Speakers Say at Round Table on Transformative Potential of Trade Facilitation
Speakers from around the world today emphasized that integrating landlocked developing countries into the global economy will benefit everyone, as the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held its second round-table discussion on the theme “Seizing the transformative potential of trade, trade facilitation and regional integration for landlocked … [Read more...]
From Landlocked to Land-Linked: Tailoring Solutions for African and Asian LLDCs at LLDC3
Tariq Saeedi The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), set to take place from August 5–8, 2025, in Awaza, Turkmenistan, under the theme “Driving Progress through Partnerships,” provides a critical platform to address the unique challenges faced by landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). While LLDCs in Africa and Asia share common … [Read more...]
Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Economic Partnership – 8th Joint Commission Meeting
On July 28, 2025, Baku hosted the 8th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on cooperation in the economic and humanitarian spheres between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The meeting concluded with the signing of a protocol aimed at expanding bilateral partnership across multiple economic sectors. Key Participants Co-Chairs of the Joint Intergovernmental … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan prepares for its WTO accession process
As Turkmenistan gets ready for its negotiations to join the World Trade Organization, a high-level delegation travelled to its neighbouring country Kazakhstan to learn from their experience. Kazakhstan joined the World Trade Organizion (WTO) in 2015, which means its advice can help orient Turkmenistan strategically for the complex process that goes along with joining the … [Read more...]
TAPI, trade and agriculture top agenda for Turkmenistan-Afghanistan Meeting on the sidelines of ECO Summit in Azerbaijan
On 3 July 2025, in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister, foreign minister Rashid Meredov met with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Office of Afghanistan. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ECO Summit. At the focus of the discussion was the multi-nation Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, … [Read more...]