Pakistan will inaugurate its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, on June 22, marking a significant step in regional connectivity and international trade expansion, Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said. Addressing a press conference in the city of Multan, Punjab, on Tuesday, Abbasi said the […]
Bulgaria and Kazakhstan Strengthen Cooperation via the Trans-Caspian Route
Bulgaria and Kazakhstan are set to intensify efforts to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, which is becoming a vital link in transcontinental logistics connecting East and West. The Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria signed a Memorandum […]
Regional cooperation in focus: Results of the ECO Transport Meeting in Tehran
On 2 June 2025, Tehran hosted the 13th Ministerial Meeting on Transport of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which was attended by ministers, deputy ministers and senior representatives of ECO member States, as well as officials from international partner organizations. This meeting served as a key platform for strengthening regional cooperation in the field of […]
Irkeshtam Checkpoint on China-Kyrgyzstan Border Tests 24-Hour Operation Mode
On Sunday, 1 June 2025, the Irkeshtam checkpoint, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, began testing a 24-hour cargo clearance mode, according to Xinhua. This makes Irkeshtam the second land port in the region, following Khorgos on the China-Kazakhstan border, and the first in southern Xinjiang to implement such a system. […]
Russia and Turkmenistan discuss the development of transport cooperation
Mammetkhan Chakyev, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, had a working meeting with Roman Starovoit, Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, via video link. During the talks, the parties discussed key areas of transport cooperation between the two countries. One of the central topics […]
Strengthening Connectivity: Second Meeting on the TUTIT+ China Corridor Held in Dushanbe
On 26 May 2025, the second meeting of the High-Level Working Group on the Multimodal Corridor Tajikistan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye (TUTIT + China) took place in Dushanbe. Organized by the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan, the meeting was supported by the “Trade Facilitation in Central Asia” project of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Economic […]
Vietjet Qazaqstan – New airline in Central Asia
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Key Points Introduction On May 6, 2025, VietJet Airlines and Qazaq Air announced Vietjet Qazaqstan, a new low-cost airline in Astana, aiming to deepen aviation ties between Vietnam and Kazakhstan. This launch, witnessed during Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam’s state visit, marks a significant step in VietJet’s global expansion, formalized by VietJet’s […]
First China-Central Asia Freight Train of 2025 Departs from Tianjin Port to Tashkent
The first China-Central Asia freight train of 2025 connecting Tianjin Port to Tashkent via Horgos successfully departed on Tuesday, marking an important milestone in the ongoing development of trade routes between China and Central Asia. As reported by Xinhua, the train carries fifty containers loaded with a diverse cargo of auto parts, mechanical equipment, building […]
Central Asian Transport Connectivity Strengthened Through Multilateral Commitments
nCa Report In a series of high-level meetings held in Astana, Kazakhstan, transport ministers from Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China, convened to advance regional and international transport cooperation. These discussions, centered on modernizing infrastructure, digitalizing transport processes, and fostering multimodal corridors, signal a transformative step toward enhanced connectivity, trade, and […]
While Turkmenbashy Arport is closed for repairs, all local flights are re-routed to Balkanabat
The newly completed airport at Balkanabat is serving as alternate airport for the duration the Turkmenbashy airport remains closed for repairs and renovation. As of 19 May 2025, all the domestic flights that were landing and taking off from Turkmenbashy airport, have been re-routed to Balkanabat airport. As reported by Turkmenportal, passengers can now use […]
New International Airport Opens in Western Turkmenistan
On 2 May 2025, a new International Airport was inaugurated in Balkanabat, the administrative center of Balkan province, west of Turkmenistan. The opening ceremony was led by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In his welcoming remarks, the head of state emphasized: “The development of economic sectors, including the transport and communications sector, is being carried […]
Meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization
On 28 April 2025, on the sidelines of the First High-level Forum on Sustainable Development in the Organization for Economic Cooperation (ECO) region in Arkadag, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the main areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and […]
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan hold the first meeting of the Joint Commission on Transport, Transit and Logistics
On 28-30 April 2025, Bishkek hosts the first meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Kyrgyz Commission on Transport, Transit and Logistics. The meeting is attended by a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Deputy Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan A.Khudaiberdiyev, foreign ministry of Turkmenistan reports. During the […]
The President of Kazakhstan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people held informal talks: energy and transport under the spotlight
On 22 April 2025, informal talks were held in Turkestan between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The Head of Kazakhstan thanked Berdimuhamedov for visiting Turkestan, the spiritual capital of Kazakhstan, a city of sacred importance to all Turkic peoples. Tokayev congratulated Arkadag Berdimuhamedov on the beginning […]
Turkmenistan facilitated the test multimodal transportation on the Russia—Afghanistan route
In April 2025, the Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), which operates container transportation on the country’s railways, organized the first test multimodal container transportation on the Russia – Afghanistan route with transit through Turkmenistan. This step has become an important stage in the development of the international North-South transport and transit corridor, in […]
Turkmenistan and Moldova Seek to Strengthen Economic Partnership
On 2 April 2025, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Ukraine Mr. Toyly Atayev, accredited concurrently in the Republic of Moldova, met with the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova Mr. Sergiu Harea and the Vice-President of the Chamber Mr. Mihai Bylba in the building of the CCI of […]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visits construction site of the new international airport in the western province
On 1 April 2025, during a working trip to the Balkan province, National Leader of the Turkmen People, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, traveled by helicopter from Turkmenbashi to Balkanabat. He visited the construction site of the new international airport in Jebel, where he reviewed the progress of the ongoing large-scale construction. To demonstrate the runway’s readiness, an […]
Turkmenistan’s Aviation Hub: Near 6,000 Transit Landings in a Decade
Turkmenistan’s strategic development of its transport infrastructure has yielded significant growth in international air transportation and transit cargo flows, with approximately 6,000 transit landings recorded at the country’s airports over the past ten years. A key milestone was the April 2015 intergovernmental agreement on air services between Turkmenistan and Luxembourg. This agreement facilitated the commencement […]
Sustainable freight transport in Central Asia: A unified regional path
Central Asia’s freight transport faces key challenges, but a coordinated regional approach could unlock sustainable connectivity and resilience. Experts recently gathered at an International Transport Forum (ITF) event to assess strategies. The recent Policy Dialogue on Sustainable and Resilient Freight Connectivity in Central Asia – which brought together government representatives, international organisations, financial institutions, the […]
Iran, Turkmenistan eye launching trial passenger rail, boost freight capacity
Iran and Turkmenistan have reached an agreement to initiate a trial passenger rail service between their nations, while also doubling freight capacity, signaling a major boost to regional connectivity. Farzaneh Sadegh, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, announced the development following her return from a visit to Turkmenistan, where she attended the Conference of […]
The joint Turkmen-Iranian Economic Commission will meet in Tehran in May
A meeting of the joint Turkmen-Iranian economic commission will be held in the Iranian capital, Tehran, at the end of May this year. This issue was discussed during the meeting of, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeghi Malvajerd with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov. The meeting […]
Turkmenistan as a Key Logistics Hub of Eurasia
Turkmenistan, located at the intersection of the most important North-South and East–West transport and transit routes, plays a key role in the development of logistics in the Eurasian region. The country is actively developing its transport infrastructure, attracting the attention of investors and international partners. Akmukhammet Yusubov, Deputy Chairman of the Turkmen Logistika Association, writes […]
Prospects of Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation presented at IFT 2025 in Ashgabat
The development of bilateral economic relations between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan was discussed in detail at the International Forum on Attracting Investments in the Private Sector of Turkmenistan (IFT 2025). Aydar Kazybayev, a member of the public council of the National Welfare Fund of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Samruk-Kazyna” and co-chairman of the Turkmen-Kazakh Business Council, […]
Kazakhstan and the EU strengthen investment cooperation with new agreements
On 13 March in Astana, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, held talks with European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, who is on a diplomatic tour of Central Asian countries. The discussions focused on the implementation of projects in key areas of bilateral and regional cooperation, including transport and […]
The President of Turkmenistan received the European Commissioner for International Partnerships
On Wednesday, 12 March, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. As noted during the meeting, in recent years, Turkmenistan’s political and diplomatic relations with the European Union have become more active, with cooperation developing not only on a bilateral basis, but also within the Central Asia–European Union format. Turkmenistan […]
Visit of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships to Ashgabat – transport, energy and trade among the key topics of the upcoming talks
On the eve of the first Central Asia–European Union Summit, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela begins his week-long tour of five Central Asian countries on 12 March. Turkmenistan will be the first country to be visited by the Commissioner. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, Síkela revealed the purpose […]
EU Commissioner Síkela to Embark on Ambitious Central Asia Tour this week
Jozef Síkela, the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, is set to embark on a seven-day diplomatic mission across all five Central Asian countries from 12 to 18 March 2025. The tour reflects the EU’s growing strategic interest in a region representing a €340 billion economy with an average annual growth rate of 5%. In […]
President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Georgia hold talks in Ashgabat – agenda and outcomes
On 7 March 2025, talks were held in Ashgabat between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze. Welcoming the head of the Georgian Government, President Berdimuhamedov noted that Georgia is a friend and reliable partner of Turkmenistan. As it was emphasized, the Turkmen-Georgian relations, which are traditionally friendly and constructive, […]
Turkmenistan’s TULM Facilitates Belarusian Potash Transit via North-South Corridor
JSC Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), as the operator of container transportation on the railways of Turkmenistan, continues to implement large-scale container transportation within the framework of the international transport corridor “North – South”. Since February 2025, TULM has started transporting potash fertilizers produced by Belaruskali, one of the largest enterprises in Belarus. […]
The first container train launched from India to Kazakhstan
As part of the expansion of international transport corridors, the first container train connecting India and Kazakhstan was launched, Uzbek Railways reports. The project is implemented with the support of three major transport and logistics operators in the region: Uztemiryulcontainer JSC (the official forwarder for railways of Uzbekistan), TULM JSC (the Transport and Logistics Center […]
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Railway Cooperation: Important MoUs Signed
A technical delegation from Afghanistan, headed by Deputy Minister of Public Works for Railway Transport Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, visited Turkmenistan to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of railway transport. The visit was marked by the signing of several important memoranda of understanding with the Turkmenistan Railway Agency. Within the framework of the signed memoranda, […]
Eighth meeting of the intergovernmental commission of Türkiye and Turkmenistan in Ankara: new horizons of cooperation
On 25 February 2025, the eighth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Türkiye and Turkmenistan was held in Ankara, at the Presidential Complex, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic partnership. The meeting was chaired by Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yilmaz and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of […]
Across China: Direct road transport service launched between China, Turkmenistan
A truck bearing TIR signs on Thursday departed from an international road transport assembly center in Zhengzhou, the capital of central China’s Henan Province, bound for Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, embarking on the first journey of a new direct road transport service between the two countries, Xinhua reports. TIR, an abbreviation for Transports Internationaux […]
Turkmenistan delegation participated in Third Caspian Economic Forum in Tehran, discussing key regional cooperation initiatives
On 17-18 February 2025, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, participated in the Third Caspian Economic Forum held in Tehran. The forum featured six thematic sessions, where representatives from the Caspian littoral states engaged in discussions on a wide range of issues aimed at advancing five-sided […]
IRU shapes critical transport discussions at the United Nations
The world road transport organisation, IRU, intervened on key policy debates of the highest UNECE Inland Transport Committee meetings and side events. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Inland Transport Committee (ITC) 2025 focused on the successes and challenges for inland transport on the road to 2030. Discussions centred on enhancing sustainable regional […]
New International Airport at Jebel, Turkmenistan, almost ready for opening
Preparations are in full swing for the launch of a new international airport complex in the village of Jebel, located in the Balkan velayat. During an extended Cabinet of Ministers meeting on February 7, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted several facilities set to open during the International Year of Peace and Trust, with the Jebel International […]
China’s TIR boom: New hubs, new operations, new horizons
China’s TIR transport market experienced remarkable growth in 2024, marking a turning point in its development. With record-breaking numbers, the rise of new operations, and the establishment of logistics hubs, 2025 promises even greater expansion and innovation.China’s TIR operations surged in 2024, with an expanded scope covering cross-border e-commerce, cold chain products, and bulk freight. […]
Caspian-Black Sea Transport Corridor Agreement expected this year
On 10 February 2025, a quadrilateral working meeting was via videoconference to discuss the draft intergovernmental agreement on the establishment and implementation of the Caspian Sea-Black Sea international transit and transport corridor, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, as […]
Phone Talks between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the President of Iran Highlights Cooperation on Gas Swap, Energy, Transport, and International Year of Peace and Trust
Turkmenistan and Iran continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation covering various fields, from energy to transport. This became obvious from a telephone conversation between the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, which took place on Monday, 10 February. During the phone call, the sides discussed key aspects […]
New railway route reduces travel time from China to Afghanistan by 3-5 days.
On Monday, 10 February 2025, a freight train departed from the Chinese city of Chongqing to Hairaton in Afghanistan, marking the launch of the first direct railway route connecting metropolis in southwestern China with Afghanistan, Xinhua reports. The train carrying 55 containers with communication equipment manufactured by the Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE will cross the […]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the prospects of increasing the capacity of the Farap-Alat checkpoints
On 4 February 2025, representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a videoconference meeting. The agenda included increasing the capacity of the Farap–Alat road checkpoints and discussing proposals from the parties on this issue. As noted, after […]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan enjoy a strategic partnership in transport and connectivity
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan pay special attention to the active deepening of transit and transport links. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu at the final press conference following the talks in Astana with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov (Kazinform ). “About […]
Kazakhstan Seeks Alternative Europe Routes via Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan is developing alternative transport routes to Europe via Turkmenistan, Iran and Türkiye. This follows from the commentary of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kazinform agency. According to the Ministry, work is currently underway to develop an alternative route bypassing Russia and Belarus. The new route will pass through […]
EU-Turkmenistan Partnership: Summing up the achievements, we look to the future
On 24 January, the European Union Delegation to Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a joint press conference to reflect on the their partnership in 2024 and to outline strategic priorities for the year ahead. The event brought together local and international media, representatives from Turkmen ministries and agencies, and coordinators […]
The Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–EU transport corridor is fully operational, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Transport says
To date, the Kyrgyzstan– Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan –Azerbaijan–EU transport corridor is fully operational, the Kyrgyz agency Tazabek reports with reference to the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic Beknazar Bazaraliev. According to the official, Kyrgyz cargo carriers are already using this route to supply goods to Europe. “Our cargo carriers deliver […]
Trans-Caspian TIR pilot boosts global lithium-ion battery supply chains
The first Trans-Caspian corridor shipment of lithium-ion batteries from China to Türkiye under the TIR system has demonstrated the potential for faster trade by significantly reducing transport times. A pilot TIR operation via the Trans-Caspian route saw ten trucks operated by Chinese hauliers carry lithium-ion batteries from China’s Alashankou border crossing to Kazakhstan’s Port of […]
Half a thousand ports around the world: a mega-corridor connects western China with global markets
The new Land-Sea International Trade corridor, a key logistics network connecting China’s western regions with global markets, currently covers 555 ports in 127 countries and regions. This is reported by the Xinhua news Agency. The trade corridor, whose operations center is located in the city of Chongqing in southwestern China, connects the world’s ports via […]
Iranian President’s visit to Tajikistan: Economy, security and regional issues in focus
From 15 to 17 January, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was on a state visit to Tajikistan. On January 16, Pezeshkian had summit talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, which resulted in the signing of 23 documents. The signed memoranda and programs cover a wide range of areas, including cooperation between the Ministries of […]
Turkmenistan and Iran extend Artyk-Lotfabad Border Checkpoint operating hours
The third meeting of border agencies from Turkmenistan and Iran was held at the Artyk customs post on the Turkmen-Iranian border on 13 January 2025, according to the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, customs, border and migration services, and agencies of automobile and railway […]
Uzbekistan Seeks Alternative Trade Corridors – Some will pass through Turkmenistan
The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan is actively working to diversify international routes and create alternative transport corridors for cargo transportation. This move aims to reduce reliance on transit countries facing challenges and ensure the stability of foreign trade operations. Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov emphasized this need, stating in an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV […]