Our Strategic Intelligence Brief (SIB-003) has been launched. --- Commercial Opportunities Created by Turkmenistan’s Logistics Transformation This one tells you where the money actually goes. SIB-003 doesn't describe infrastructure — it prices the commercial ecosystem growing around it: cold-chain, bonded warehousing, fleet MRO, AI logistics. Real verticals, real risk … [Read more...]
From the Eastern Borders of Turkmenistan to the Black Sea: “Ojar Aziýa” Presents the Sarakhs–Mary–Serhetabat Highway Project in Tbilisi
On July 16–17, 2026, in Tbilisi, as part of the state visit of Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Georgia, the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum and a multi-sector exhibition of Turkmen products and services were held. The events brought together representatives of government bodies, business circles, and leading companies from both countries, creating an important … [Read more...]
Transport, Energy, and Business: Key Topics in Talks Between the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Georgia
On 17 July 2026, in Tbilisi, as part of his state visit to Georgia, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held negotiations with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The meeting, conducted in both a tete-a-tete format and with expanded delegations, marked a new stage in the diversification of political, trade and economic, as well as cultural and humanitarian … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Visits Georgia: Ashgabat Proposes Establishing a Turkmen Terminal on the Black Sea Coast (updated)
On 16 July, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Georgia on a state visit. The visit featured a series of high-level meetings, including summit talks between the two heads of state, consultations involving government officials, ministers and senior representatives of both countries, as well as the Turkmen–Georgian Business Forum. The agenda focused on … [Read more...]
Inns of Empire: How the Seljuks Invented the Connectivity State
Elvira Kadyrova and Liliya Zhirnova Long before "connectivity" became a term of art in Central Asian diplomacy, the Seljuks had already built the infrastructure to prove the concept. Nine centuries before the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian transit routes became fixtures of regional summitry, the Seljuk state was solving an identical problem: how do you make a … [Read more...]
Pakistan’s Six New Overland Transit Routes to Iran: How Central Asia can benefit from these
nCa Report In April 2026, Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce issued the Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026 (effective April 25), formalizing six overland road corridors. These routes connect Pakistan’s key ports—Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar—to Iran’s border crossings at Gabd (near Gwadar/Rimdan) and Taftan. They were activated amid disruptions in … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Outline Steps to Strengthen Cooperation at Intergovernmental Commission Meeting in Ashgabat
The 9th meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Ashgabat on 8 July at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyyev and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov. The participants reviewed … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Boosts Logistics Capacity: First Half Cargo Turnover Exceeds 10.5 Million Tons
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...]
Specifications of tanker presented by Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan
Azerbaijan presented Turkmenistan with an oil tanker on 22 June 2026, during the two-day state visit to Baku by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The vessel, named Dostlug — the Azeri spelling of "friendship" — was built at the Baku Shipyard. It has an overall length of 141 meters, a width of 16.9 meters, and a draft of 4.54 meters. Its deadweight stands at 7,875 … [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...]
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...]
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Elevate Strategic Partnership During President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s State Visit
[Final Version] The state visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan has emerged as a landmark event in the modern history of relations between the two Caspian neighbors, producing a broad package of agreements, new transport and maritime initiatives, and a strong reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between Ashgabat and Baku. Hosted by … [Read more...]
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...]
‘Pakistan can bridge Central Asia to global markets’
Rasheed Khalid Policy analyst from Valdai Discussion Club in Russia Dr Daria Saprynskaya has highlighted that connectivity encompasses trade, logistics, investment and security, all of which are deeply interlinked. Saprynskaya was addressing Eminent Speaker Series on “Breaking the connectivity barrier to Central Asia: Pakistan and the C5 in 2026” organised here by … [Read more...]
Chinese Locomotives Become the Backbone of Turkmenistan Railways
nCa Report The unveiling of the first of 15 new Chinese-built CKD9A-1 freight locomotives in Ashgabat last week may appear at first glance to be a routine procurement event. However, a review of publicly available information suggests that it marks another step in a much broader transformation of Turkmenistan’s railway sector, one in which Chinese-built locomotives have … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Hosts 9th Meeting of Turkmen-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission: Comprehensive Action Plan Signed
On 4 June 2026, the 9th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Turkish Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGC) took place in Ashgabat. During the session, government delegations from both nations held detailed discussions on expanding their strategic partnership and outlined concrete steps to diversify bilateral trade. The Turkish delegation was led by Vice … [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...]
Digitalization, Navigation, and Transport Corridors: Key Takeaways from the CIS Summit in Ashgabat
Ashgabat took center stage today as the premier diplomatic and business hub for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government sparked a wave of rapid-fire bilateral talks, paving the way for full-scale multilateral discussions. Delegations focused on pivotal issues, ultimately sealing agreements that will reshape regional … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan receives Prime Minister of Russia
On 22 May 2026, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin on the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States held in Ashgabat. During the meeting, the sides discussed a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda, paying special attention to … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan at the Tokyo Summit: From “Green Diplomacy” to Youth Exchanges
The address by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the historic first "Central Asia + Japan" leaders' summit was dedicated to strengthening the multifaceted partnership between the regions. The President emphasized that this meeting in Tokyo, chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, was a milestone event laying the foundation for long-term relations … [Read more...]
Central Asia emerges as Powerhouse in Aviation World
Central Asia is quietly becoming a powerhouse in the aviation world, emerging as the fastest-growing market globally over the past two decades, even though it's still the smallest region in terms of total scheduled seats. According to a recent analysis from OAG, the region is on track to offer 33.7 million seats in 2025, fueled by a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%—that's … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]