Anton Usov At the Second European Union (EU)-Central Asia Economic Forum at the end of May 2023, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) presented a study on sustainable transport connections between Central Asia and Europe. Funded by the European Commission, the study identified country-specific needs and measures to reduce transportation costs, increase operational […]
Turkmen Railways Offer Attractive Discounts for International Transit via Turkmenbashi Port
The Turkmenbashi International Seaport presents a strategic location for transit, import, and export operations in the region. At a recent roundtable highlighting its role as a Central Asian export hub, a representative from Demiryollary JSC (Railways) announced several benefits for utilizing transit routes through the port in 2024: Significant Discounts: 40% discount: on raw sugar […]
Kazakhstan Eyes Turkmenistan, Latvia as Alternatives for Troubled Road Freight Routes
Facing hurdles in European road freight transport, Kazakhstan explores alternative routes via Turkmenistan and Latvia. The proposal came from deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament Bolatbek Nazhmetdinuly during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin. According to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, by the end of 2023, the total volume of road […]
Turkmenistan Railways Publishes Schedule for Transit Freight Trains
The official website of Turkmen Railways published a schedule for transit freight trains. *Local time (GMT+5) ///cross-post from Turkmenistan Railways
Streamlining Cargo in Turkmenistan: Turkmenpost and Turkmen Railways Join Forces
The postal service company Turkmenpost and the national railway operator Turkmen Railways have launched a new automated cargo transportation management system. This collaboration aims to make shipping goods within the country significantly easier and faster. Benefits for cargo carriers: Effortless Documentation: The system offers most processes online, including calculating costs, preparing documents, and selecting the […]
Turkmenistan’s Maritime Merchant Fleet Sees Strong Growth in 2023
The total volume of cargo transported by the Turkmen Merchant Marine Fleet in 2023 surged by 19.7% compared to 2022, reaching 2.26 million tons, according to the Agency for Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan. This impressive achievement surpassed the fleet’s cargo transportation plan for the year by 30%. Key Highlights: Cargo turnover: 17.2% increase, […]
Turkmenbashi and Amirabad Ports Forge Partnership
Representatives from the Agency of Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan (Turkmendenizderyayollary) met with their counterparts at the Amirabad Port Special Economic Zone in Iran on 14 February 2024, during the Iran Maritime Economy Forum. Turkmen delegates were welcomed by representatives of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the Mazendaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well […]
Turkmenbashi Port Employees Enhance Skills with International Training
The Turkmen Logistics Association, in collaboration with CILT Central Asia and USAID Trade Program in Central Asia, is equipping employees of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport with valuable skills through online training sessions led by international experts. First training focused on Maritime Management and Leadership. Kirill Samarai, a renowned maritime transportation specialist from CILT Central Asia, […]
Turkmen Specialists Visit Port of Valencia to Learn About Green Initiatives
Representatives from Turkmenistan’s Agency for Maritime and River Transport (“Turkmendenizderyayollary”) paid a working visit to the Port of Valencia, Spain, on 14-15 February 2024. This trip was part of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) project “Promoting Green Ports and Connectivity in the Caspian Region.” The visit aimed to learn about the […]
Turkmen transport companies took part in a webinar on the development of Eurasian multimodal transport
On 15 February 2024, the Association “Turkmen Logistics” together with the International Coordinating Council for Trans-Eurasian Transportation (ICCTT) organized a webinar: “New vectors of development of Eurasian multimodal transportation”. The event gathered numerous participants, including high-ranking officials and top managers of transport companies. About 60 representatives from 25 government agencies and the private transport sector […]
Experts Discuss Boosting Central Asian Exports through Turkmenbashi Port: Infrastructure, Services, and Partnerships Highlighted
Transport industry experts and representatives from regional associations in Central Asia convened virtually on 14 February 2024 to discuss the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport as a key transit hub for exports from the region. Organized by the USAID Trade Program in Central Asia, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport […]
Caspian Sea Collaboration: Turkmenistan, Iran Discuss Maritime Partnership
Delegates from the Turkmen Agency of Maritime and River Transport (“Turkmendenizderyayollary”) participated in the “Iranian Maritime Economy” forum held in Tehran on 12-13 February 2024. Alongside transport companies, government agencies, and business groups from Iran, they discussed key issues: developing international trade and strengthening transport links between regional countries along the North-South and West-East corridors. […]
A round table on the topic: “The role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport as a transit hub for Central Asian exports”
On 14 February 2024, an online round table titled “The role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport as a transit hub for Central Asian exports”, organized by the Turkmen Logistics Association and CILT Central Asia with the support of the USAID Trade Program in Central Asia. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about […]
Iran offers Fast Transit Times on North-South Rail Corridor: 3-5 Days from Turkmenistan to Bandar Abbas
Miad Salehi, Vice-Minister for Roads and Urban development, Director General of Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI), announced impressive transit times for freight along the North-South corridor through Iran. Speaking at a maritime economy conference in Tehran, he stated that goods move from the Turkmenistan border (Sarakhs) to Bandar Abbas in just 3-5 days. Salehi […]
The Association “Turkmen Logistics“ and the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi join forces to unlock the transport and transit potential of Turkmenistan
A strategic partnership between the Turkmen Logistics Association (TLA) and the Turkmenbashi International Seaport promises to unlock a new era of prosperity for Turkmenistan’s transport and transit sector. Marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and a joint action plan for 2024, this collaboration lays the groundwork for extensive cooperation across several key […]
Ambassador Akmaljon Kuchkarov hosted a press briefing – An overview of the current state of multidimensional Turkmen–Uzbek relations presented
On 5 February 2024, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, Akmaljon Kuchkarov, hosted a briefing for Turkmen journalists and representatives of foreign media accredited in Ashgabat. The event was dedicated to the 583rd anniversary of the great Uzbek writer and thinker Alisher Navoi, who made a huge contribution to the development of Turkic literature. In […]
Russian Railways Eyes Turkmenbashi Port for Afghanistan and Iran Exports
Representatives of Russian Railways Logistics (RZD Logistika) recently visited the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, exploring new routes for exporting goods to Afghanistan and Iran, according to the report from the State Service of Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan. The visiting delegation was briefed on the port’s infrastructure and offerings, including capabilities of its general, bulk, […]
Kazakhstan Modernizes Customs Posts on the Border with Turkmenistan, China and Uzbekistan
The Government of Kazakhstan is launching a full-scale modernization of checkpoints on the border with China, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This was announced by Vice Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Birzhanov during a press conference at the Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. These measures are being […]
(UPDATED) Russian Railways Delegation Discusses Cooperation with Turkmenistan
A delegation from Russian Railways (RZD), led by Deputy General Director Sergey Pavlov, pays a visit to Turkmenistan to explore collaboration opportunities in the railway sector. The visit focused on potential projects and initiatives that could strengthen bilateral ties and boost the efficiency of regional transportation networks. During their meetings with Chairman of the Agency […]
EIB Global to Support Sustainable Transport in Central Asia with Co-financing of €1.47 Billion
EIB Global, the European Union’s bank for long-term investments outside the EU, has signed memorandums of understanding for project co-financing with Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan for a total of €1.47 billion, the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan reports. This significant commitment was announced at the EU-Central Asia Investors Forum […]
European and international financial institutions announce €10 billion commitment to support sustainable connectivity in Central Asia
The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity started today (29 January 2024) in Brussels. The event brings together government officials, financing institutions, businesses and civil society from Europe, all five Central Asian countries, and beyond. European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis announced that European and international financial institutions present at the […]
Turkmenistan’s accession to the Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic to advance the implementation of the Single Window system
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on Friday, 26 January, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers Mammetkhan Chakiyev reported that Turkmenistan is implementing measures to join the Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This move reflects Turkmenistan’s […]
Xinjiang’s Trade grows with Central Asia, Becoming its Largest Market
Urumqi customs data shows Central Asia as the largest trading partner for China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR). In 2023, trade turnover surged by 50%, accounting for a remarkable 79.4% of XUAR’s total foreign trade volume, Xinhua reports. Trade with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, XUAR’s top three partners, increased by 70.8%, 25.8%, and 93.4%, respectively. […]
Uzbekistan offers China to join corridor linking Central Asia and Türkiye
Uzbekistan has offered China access to a crucial transport corridor linking Central Asia with Türkiye. During last week meeting in Beijing, Uzbekistan Railways chairman Zufar Narzullayev proposed including Chinese State Railways in the protocol governing the corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye. He also suggested collaborating to boost the corridor’s capacity. The talks further explored rail freight options between China and […]
Turkmenistan Joins Regional Efforts to Expand Trans-Caspian Trade Route
Representatives from Turkmenistan, alongside officials from other Central Asian nations and international organizations, gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 25-26 January 2024, for the third meeting on expanding the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (TCTR). The Turkmen Logistics Association, Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), and several transport and logistics companies actively participated in the discussions. The […]
Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity – 29 and 30 January 2024
The European Commission invites you to the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity; Taking place on 29 and 30 January 2024 in Brussels, the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity will bring together high-level representatives from Central Asian countries, EU Member States, partner countries along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, EU Institutions, international and bilateral […]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are discussing options for transport connectivity – one of the routes runs through Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are considering various options for transport connectivity in order to create an effective transport and logistics system that could play a critical role in enhancing economic relations. Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastaev met with First Deputy Minister of Communications, Railways and Maritime Affairs of Pakistan Syed Mazhar Ali Shah in Astana […]
Turkmenistan Drives Regional Connections with Growing Container Traffic
In January-December 2023, 52 container trains passed through the territory of Turkmenistan in the directions Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia and Russia-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran, reports JSC Demiryollary (Turkmen state-run company, passenger and cargo carrier of the Turkmen railway network). In 2023, 10,799 container shipments were carried out from the territory of Turkmenistan, including 5,614 transit, 2,316 export and 2,869 import container […]
Turkmen-Iranian Border Meeting Seeks to Bolster Trade and Efficiency
Representatives from Turkmenistan and Iran convened at the Artyk customs post in Akhal province on 16 January 2024, to discuss enhancing trade and streamlining border procedures. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan reported on the meeting, aimed at improving cross-border traffic through the Artyk-Lotfabad checkpoints. Leading the delegations were A.Niyazov, Head of the Customs Control […]
Turkmenistan’s Maritime Transportation surpassed 2 Million ton of cargo in 2023
Turkmenistan’s Closed-type Joint-Stock Company “Maritime Merchant Fleet” achieved remarkable indicators in 2023 as their vessels had transported over 2 million tons of cargo. The transported cargo included petroleum products, building materials, fertilizers, grain, containers, bulk cargo, and transit goods. During 2023, bulk carriers and ferries delivered about 4,000 containers, more than 15,000 vehicles and other […]
Turkmenistan starts construction of final stage of Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway
Turkmenistan has launched the final third stage of the construction of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway, which will connect the capital with the eastern part of the country, the International Broadcasting Center of Turkmenistan reports. The length of the current segment of the autobahn along the Mary – Turkmenabat route is 288 km. Currently, work is […]
40% of investments in the economy of Kazakhstan come from the European Union
About 40% of the attracted investments in the economy of Kazakhstan come from the countries of the European Union. This was stated by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov at a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, held in Astana on 15 January. During the meeting, the sides discussed issues of increasing […]
Turkmenistan Airlines Takes Flight to New Destinations: Kuala Lumpur, Italy, and More
Turkmenistan Airlines is expanding its international reach, launching convenient connections to exciting destinations in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Starting in February and March, flights will start on the routes: Ashgabat – Kuala Lumpur – Ashgabat (from 15 February onwards). Ashgabat – Jeddah – Ashgabat (flights starting from 16 February). Ashgabat – Ho […]
A Decade of Booming Trade: China-Kazakhstan Logistics Base Surpasses 500,000 TEUs
For the past ten years, the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base has been a driving force in cross-border trade, exceeding a significant milestone by handling over 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) transported via China-Europe freight trains, according to Xinhua. This achievement marks a testament to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative, with Lianyungang […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan prepare an agreement to simplify visa rules for international cargo carriers
On 10 January 2024, a meeting of the Turkmen-Uzbek expert working group on fees and charges levied during international road transport by carriers of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan was held, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan reports. At the videoconference meeting, the parties discussed the following issues: • Streamlining the fees levied on carriers from both […]
Turkmen Transport Inspection starts issuing permits for foreign carriers engaged in international transportation by vehicles registered in Turkmenistan
Since 15 January 2024, the branches of the State Enterprise “Turkmenulaggozegchilik” (Turkmen Transport Inspection) under the Agency “Turkmenavtoulaglary” (Turkmen Motor transport) will begin issuing permits for foreign carriers to utilize vehicles registered in Turkmenistan for international transport. The departments of permits and document analysis will operate in the Akhal prpvince and the city of Ashgabat. […]
Turkmenistan’s Private Logistics and Transport Companies Rise: Building Bridges across Asia and Europe
Turkmenistan, being a vital link between East and West, is actively reclaiming its historical role as a connecting bridge between Europe and Asia. Ambitious plans envision the country becoming the key transit and logistics hub of Central Asia. Driving this vision is the Turkmen Logistics Association, whose member companies are boldly expanding their international reach […]
Brussels to host Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity
Brussels will host Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity on 29-30 January 2024, European Commission reports. The Global Gateway Transport Investors Forum takes forward the conclusions of the EU-commissioned Study on Sustainable Transport Corridors between the EU and Central Asia, and aims to translate the political commitments of the EU and the five countries […]
China’s major manufacturing hub opens new TIR route with Uzbekistan
Shenzhen is accelerating the development of TIR transport corridors connecting China to Central Asia to facilitate growing trade volumes, slashing delivery times. Following the successful launch of the Shenzhen (China) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) TIR route in 2023, a new route connecting Shenzhen to Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, has been activated by IRU member ZZHY. A Chinese […]
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan Discuss Boosting Torghundi Port Capacity
On 8 January 2024, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Khoja Ovezov, met with the head of the Afghan Railways Administration (ARA), Maulavi Bakht-ur-Rahman Sharafat, in Kabul. Their discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation in railway connectivity and transit between the two nations. A key focus of the meeting was enhancing the capacity of the […]
Turkmenistan’s initiated United Nations General Assembly resolutions on transport and energy connectivity have been officially published in six languages
In December 2023, the UN General Assembly approved two resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan – on transport and energy. Resolutions entitled “Strengthening the links between all modes of transport to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” and “The pivotal role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in driving sustainable development” have now been officially published in six […]
Istanbul meeting paves the way for the development of the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye multimodal transport corridor
The first meeting of the railway administrations of the participating countries of the multimodal transport corridor Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Türkiye was held in Istanbul, where important issues related to the development of this transport route were discussed, the Information and Analytical Media Center of Uzbekistan Temir Yullari (Uzbek Railways) reports. The key […]
Russian Logistics Operator Opens Transport Services between Turkmenistan and Russia
PEC, a prominent Russian multiservice logistics operator, has launched direct deliveries of combined cargo between Turkmenistan and Russia via the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC), Logistics.ru reports. The new service offers regular bi-weekly flights with plans to increase frequency next year. PEC provides comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes, handling cargoes ranging […]
Kazakhstan Seeks Access to Pakistani Seaports to Boost Trade
Kazakhstan is interested in gaining access to Pakistani seaports, such as Gwadar and Karachi, to promote exports to the markets of Pakistan and South Asia and to increase the attractiveness of the transit potential of the two countries in entering the markets of the Persian Gulf and East Africa. This was stated by the Minister […]
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on transport, initiated by Turkmenistan
On December 19, 2023, the UN General Assembly at the 48th plenary meeting of the 78th session unanimously adopted a resolution: Strengthening connections between all modes of transport to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The resolution, initiated by Turkmenistan, was co-sponsored by 47 states. This resolution calls on Member States to support the continued operation and […]
Russian Railways extend discounts on transportation on the eastern branch of the North-South corridor
The Board of Russian Railways has decided to extend for 2024 the previously introduced discounts for the transportation of a wide range of goods. In particular, 20% discounts are extended for export-import container shipments through Russian-Kazakhstan border crossings, provided that the cargo also passes through the Bolashak – Serkhetyaka border crossing between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. […]
Turkmenistan convened Fourth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Sustainable Transport
On December 14, 2023, the Fourth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Sustainable Transport took place in a virtual format, chaired by Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of diplomatic missions to the UN from the Group’s member countries, as well as invited Permanent Missions among the co-sponsors of the UN […]
Turkmenistan’s Maritime Fleet Transported Over 2 Million Tons of Cargo in January-November 2023
The total volume of cargo transported by the ships of the Turkmenistan Maritime Trade Fleet in January-November 2023 amounted to 2.064 million tons, or 21.6% up year-on-year. In general, the fleet’s cargo transportation plan for January-November 2023 was fulfilled by 129.4%, according to a press release from the Fleet. Cargo turnover in January-November 2023 amounted […]
Transport and communication sector of Turkmenistan is one of the drivers of the national economy
The share of the transport and communications sector in Turkmenistan’s GDP amounted to 8.8% in 2022, increasing from 7.4% in 2015, driven by significant investments. This was announced by Deputy Chairman of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Annayev, speaking at a meeting of ministers of landlocked […]
Turkmenistan’s trade turnover with the CIS countries exceeded $2.6 billion (Updated)
Turkmenistan’s foreign trade turnover with the states of the Commonwealth of Independent States in January-October 2023 exceeded US $2.6 billion or 16.5% of the country’s total foreign trade turnover. This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Khojamyrat Geldimyradov, speaking at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government […]