On September 18, 2024, a round table entitled "Transport Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and Romania - Connecting Asia and Europe" was held in the building of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania. State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania - Adrian George Foghis, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Romania took part in the meeting. The … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted second Central Asia–Germany Summit
The second Central Asia–Germany Summit was held in Astana on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. The meeting was attended by: • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz • President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov • President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon • President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov • President of Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with German businessmen – The promising areas of the Turkmen-German partnership outlined
On 17 September 2024, in Astana, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with representatives of German business circles. During the meeting, the head of state announced several projects in which Turkmenistan is seeking proposals from German partners. Transport In the transportation and communications sectors, Turkmenistan is open to exploring the use of … [Read more...]
Kazakh-German summit talks in Astana – Kazakhstan and Germany are implementing investment projects worth $55 billion
On 16 September 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz had summit talks in Astana. Tokayev called Scholz's visit historic, as it is the first visit of the head of the German Government to Kazakhstan in the last 14 years. As Tokayev noted, Germany is one of Kazakhstan's main trading partners and top … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to access Gwadar port under CPEC
Turkmenistan is poised to become the first Central Asian nation to access Gwadar port as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). An agreement between Pakistan and Turkmenistan is expected to be signed soon. The Pakistani government has established a committee to review the draft agreement between Gwadar Port and Turkmenbashi Port. This development is part of … [Read more...]
TIF 2024: Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan to hold online meetings of relevant departments to strengthen business ties – Two countries’ postal services inked an agreement
Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic Nazarbek Malaev took part in Turkmenistan Investment Forum TIF 2024, which was held on 10-11 September 2024 in Ashgabat. On the sidelines of this Forum, Malaev met with Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammedkhan Chakiyev, Deputy … [Read more...]
Speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the opening and groundbreaking ceremonies of energy, transport, communication and logistics infrastructure facilities at Turkmenistan-Afghanistan border
Dear compatriots! Dear friends! Dear guests! Today is marked by a truly historic event for Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. We are witnessing the successful implementation of a number of major projects with the blessing of Arkadagly Hero Serdar. There are seven of them in total. First of all, we are talking about the laying of the Serkhetabat – Herat section, called … [Read more...]
IRU and Turkmenistan hold high-level talks on road transport priorities
Turkmenistan can continue to grow its road transport sector by coupling “hard” and “soft” infrastructure developments. A roadmap discussed by IRU and Turkmenistan could further streamline efforts. In meetings with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Rashid Meredov, and Director General of the Agency for Transport and … [Read more...]
TIF 2024: 18 agreements and MoUs inked on the sidelines of the Turkmen Investment Forum in Ashgabat
Eighteen agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Turkmen state-run, public-private enterprises and foreign companies during the dedicated signing ceremony on the second day of TIF 2024 in Ashgabat. The deals cover a wide range of sectors, including energy, textile production, chemical industry development, shipbuilding, railway equipment, … [Read more...]
(UPDATED – Pictures and Text) Turkmenistan and Afghanistan launch the construction of a number of energy and transport infrastructure facilities
On 11 September 2024, a ceremony was held at the border of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan with the participation of delegations of the two countries to launch the construction of energy and transport infrastructure facilities. The ceremony was led by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov via videoconference. The groundbreaking ceremony at the Islim-Cheshme border … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Automobile Plant Shares Its Innovative and Logistics Solutions at TIF 2024 Investment Forum
Khalil Nobatov Today, the Investment Forum of Turkmenistan TIF 2024, which opens up new opportunities for the development of the country's economy, started at the capital's Yildiz Hotel. One of its participants was the Ashgabat Automobile Enterprise of the Turkmenavtoulaglari Agency, which is part of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of … [Read more...]
TIF 2024: Uzbekistan proposes to create a unified transport system in Central Asia
Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, outlined his country's efforts to enhance regional and interregional transport connectivity at the TIF 2024 Investment Forum in Ashgabat. Makhkamov highlighted several key transport initiatives involving Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. In order to create the shortest route to the World Ocean for the … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan Joins the Ashgabat Agreement
Kyrgyzstan has officially joined the Ashgabat Agreement, aimed at creating a transport corridor between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution on 22 August 2024, formalizing the country's accession to the agreement, Tazabek reported. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will oversee the implementation of the agreement … [Read more...]
Border Meeting: Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discuss joint projects inauguration
Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, foreign minister Rashid Meredov met with the foreign minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Mottaqi at the shared border’s zero point, the official government website of Afghanistan reported on 5 September 2024. The meeting brought together delegations from various organizations of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. During this gathering, the … [Read more...]
TIF 2024: attractive trajectories of economic prosperity
Preparations for one of the main events in the economic life of the country - the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024) are in full swing in Ashgabat, which will be attended by representatives and officials of major international organizations, financial and banking institutions, energy companies, as well as various specialized structures of various countries of the … [Read more...]
Anadolu Agency interviews Turkish ambassador in Ashgabat
The Anadolu Agency, the state-run news service of Türkiye, has interviewed Ambassador Ahmet Demirok, the envoy of Türkiye in Ashgabat. Commenting on the state of relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, the ambassador said that Türkiye was the first to recognize the independence of Turkmenistan and the first to open embassy in Türkiye. Demirok said that Türkiye fully … [Read more...]
Iran’s rail trade with Turkmenistan up 30% at Sarakhs border crossing
1,050,000 tons of goods were transported through Iran’s Sarakhs border crossing with Turkmenistan in the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year (started in March 2024), showing a 30% growth compared with the same period last year, IRNA reports. Nearly 600,000 metric tons of the total foreign trade at the Sarakhs railway border was related to goods transit … [Read more...]
Armenia’s business mission to Almaty: Strengthening economic ties and new transport routes via Turkmenistan and Iran
Almaty recently hosted an important event for business cooperation between Kazakhstan and Armenia — 50 Armenian entrepreneurs visited Kazakhstan with a business mission. The event, organized by the Diplomatic Club “Astana” in collaboration with the embassies of both countries, was aimed at strengthening constructive dialogue between the countries, creating additional … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan sign four documents related to TAPI, TAP, Railways
The Afghan delegation led by the Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum Products of Afghanistan Hidayatullah Badri, had a meeting on 30 August 2024 in Ashgabat. The Turkmen side was represented by several deputy prime ministers, ministers, and other senior officials. The expanded talks led to the signing of four documents: – Memorandum of Understanding between the … [Read more...]
Afghan minister visits Turkmenistan – TAPI board of directors meeting – Cooperation talks
The Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum Products of Afghanistan Hussein Badri and his delegation are visiting Turkmenistan. A meeting of the board of directors of TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project) was held in Ashgabat on 29 August 2024. The key aspects of the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas … [Read more...]
Arkadag visits Iran – Meets Spiritual Leader and President – Four documents signed
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and the Head of Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov traveled to Iran on 28 August 2024. This is the first high-level visit of a foreign dignitary to Iran since the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, known by his title Arkadag, had a meeting with the Iranian president. Four documents were signed on … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to Increase Middle Corridor’s Capacity to Ten Million Tons Annually
Saniya Sakenova The Kazakh government is working to implement the Roadmap to eliminate bottlenecks and develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) until 2027 between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye and between Kazakhstan and Georgia. This will increase the route’s capacity to ten million tons per year, the Prime Minister’s press service reported on Aug. … [Read more...]
China sets 2050 target for world-class aviation hubs
China plans to establish a group of world-class aviation enterprises and hubs by 2050, according to a new guideline released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the National Development and Reform Commission. The guideline outlines a three-phase strategy for developing international aviation hubs with milestones set for 2025, 2035 and 2050. By 2025, the … [Read more...]
Warehouse space deficit in Central Asia estimated at 20 million m²
There is an acute shortage of warehouse space in Central Asia, which leads to a situation of zero vacancy in the market. According to Stanislav Akhmedzyanov, Managing Partner of IBC Global, the deficit of modern warehouse facilities in the region is measured in tens of millions of square meters. "If you need a high-quality modern warehouse, it is almost impossible to find … [Read more...]
Talks held with the head of the National Logistics Corporation of Pakistan
On 23 August 2024, a meeting was held in the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and Farrukh Shahzad Rao, Director General of the National Logistics Corporation of Pakistan. During the meeting, the parties noted that the time-tested Turkmen-Pakistani relations have great potential for further … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Iran are preparing to establish joint trade zone
Turkmenistan and Iran are preparing to establish a joint trade zone. It will be located Incheh Borun n the Golistan province of Iran. It is a small town with population of about 2000. Nevertheless, it is strategically important as the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway line enters Iran at this point. An area of 12577 hectares (about 125 square km). It is 40km from the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to abolish requirement of permit for road cargo movement between the two countries
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are ready to abolish the requirement of permit for the movement of road cargo between the two countries. According to Kazinform, the document on the Open NPA website states that cargo transportation by motor vehicles between states or transit through their territories will be carried out without permission. It should be noted that the amendments … [Read more...]
Astrakhan University Ready to Expand Training of Personnel for Water Transport of Turkmenistan
The meeting between the leadership of the Caspian Institute of Sea and River Transport named after General Admiral F. M. Apraksin and representatives of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan was devoted to the presentation of the capabilities of the Astrakhan Region for training personnel in the field of water … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan will privatize railway stations and trains
Uzbekistan is preparing to privatize the railway stations and trains in the public-private format. This will be helpful for the construction, modernization and management of the objects and the trains. The bill is under debate at the lower house of the Uzbek parliament. Podrobno.uz reports that the new bill defines the rights and obligations of carriers and wagon … [Read more...]
9 of the world’s 10 busiest ports are in Asia
Arailym Temirgaliyeva From January to July 2024, the volume of cargo and baggage delivered by maritime and coastal routes in Kazakhstan increased by 2.1 times against the same period in 2023 and reached 1.6 million tons. The figure is reported to be the highest within the past five years, Kazinform News Agency learned from Energyprom.kz. Maritime and coastal freight … [Read more...]
Reviving the Silk Road with a new digital link
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan’s $50 million fiber-optic cable sets the stage for a digital Silk Road transformation A significant fiber-optic cable connection will be laid along the Caspian Sea floor thanks to an investment of over $50 million from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, Jaslan Madiyev, the minister of digital development, innovations and aerospace industry of Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part Four
Turkmenistan Fleet Expansion and Modernization Turkmenistan Airlines has made significant strides in modernizing and expanding its cargo fleet. In March 2023, the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200P2F cargo aircraft, marking Central Asia's first Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted widebody. This aircraft, registered as EZ-F429, arrived in Ashgabat in May … [Read more...]
Tajikistan to build railway line up to border with Afghanistan. KOICA of Korea will cooperat
nCa Report Tajikistan is planning to build a railway line to its border with Afghanistan. The ministry of transport of Tajikistan and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have signed a protocol of negotiations on the development of a feasibility study (TES) for the Jaloliddini railway project Balkhi-Nizhny Pyanj. As reported by Asia Plus, “The main goal of … [Read more...]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part Three
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan is undergoing a transformative journey in developing its cargo aviation sector, driven by strategic initiatives, infrastructure improvements, international collaborations, and regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing the country's position as a pivotal hub for air cargo in Central Asia. Growth and Expansion Cargo Volume and Fleet Expansion In … [Read more...]
How will the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway affect the transport connectivity of Central Asia?
The launch of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the construction of which will start in October 2024, will strengthen transport connectivity in Central Asia and increase the transit attractiveness of the region, believes Uzbek expert Nargiza Umarova. Growing geopolitical tensions in the world threaten the security of traditional sea routes on the one hand, and … [Read more...]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part Two
Uzbekistan 1.1 Overview and Statistics Uzbekistan's air cargo sector has seen substantial growth and development in recent years. In 2022, Uzbekistan's airports processed 80,100 metric tons of cargo and mail, a 62% increase compared to pre-COVID 2019 levels. For 2023, a further 19% increase in freight volume was planned, targeting 95,300 metric tons. This growth is … [Read more...]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part One
Development of Air Cargo The Central Asia, the Caspian region, and the Caucasus regions are witnessing a significant transformation in their air cargo sectors, driven by strategic investments, infrastructure enhancements, and international collaborations. This rapid development is underscored by the bi-annual International Central Asia Aviation Summit, which in April 2024 … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are interested in developing the eastern branch of the North-South corridor
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin and Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammetkhan Chakiyev held a bilateral meeting in Astana. The sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the transport sector. Both countries are actively cooperating in the development of the … [Read more...]
Central Asian Transport Ministers Advance Cooperation
Ministers of Transport of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan convened in Astana on 8 August 2023, to discuss enhancing regional connectivity. The meeting, held ahead of the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, focused on expanding transit corridors, rail and road infrastructure, and air travel options, ministry of … [Read more...]
Security, transport, energy and the climate agenda – the key statements of the President of Azerbaijan at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana
"Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia represent a single historical, cultural, and geopolitical space, with growing strategic importance. Our peoples share a centuries-old history, culture, religion, and common values," President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan stressed, speaking at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana. In his … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan could make efforts to link the transport systems of Central Asia, China, Europe, the Middle East, says President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan could make efforts to create the necessary conditions for the linking the transport systems of Central Asia, China, Europe, the Middle East, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said during a meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Astana, Friday, 9 August. In this regard, the relevance of the … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held summit talks in Astana – A Program of strategic partnership and alliance for the next 10 years adopted
On 8 August 2024, high-level talks were held in Astana between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. As a result of the talks, a Program of strategic partnership and alliance for the next 10 years was adopted, the key objectives of which are to further strengthen friendly ties and encouraging the expansion of bilateral … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan is building up the potential of transport diplomacy and transit highways
TDH Commentary The sphere of transport and communications is the most important component of the economy of any nation. The dynamics of its development largely determines the dynamics of the development of the whole country. In turn, one of the integral components of the transport infrastructure is the freight and passenger transportation service, which is responsible for … [Read more...]
Record-Breaking Cargo Delivery on China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Route
A container train recently completed the 4,486-kilometer journey from China to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan in a record-breaking five days, Kazinform reports. Departing from the Kazakh-Chinese terminal in Xi'an, China, the train traversed the Kazakhstan Railways network to the Saryagash border station before reaching its final destination, Tashkent, a major Central Asian … [Read more...]
Gas swap and transport corridors: How Iran and Turkmenistan are building the future of cooperation
Trade between Turkmenistan and Iran is currently valued at approximately $500 million. However, Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani believes this figure is set to soar as the two nations collaborate on new economic ventures. In an interview with the Turkmenistan newspaper, the ambassador highlighted the significance of a recent gas swap agreement with … [Read more...]
India-Uzbekistan Container Service Launched via Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan's Transport and Logistics Center (TULM) has successfully launched the first container train service between India and Uzbekistan. The inaugural train, carrying 20 TEU containers of ceramic tiles, departed from Iran's Bandar Abbas port and is currently en route to Chukursai railway station in Uzbekistan via Turkmenistan's Sarakhs. At Sarakhs, cargo is being … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan is ready to invest in the construction of the Torghundi-Herat railway in Afghanistan
The Turkmen delegation headed by Chairman of the Turkmendemiryollary Agency (Turkmen Railways) Azat Atamuradov held talks with Deputy Minister of of Public Works for Railway transport of Afghanistan Bakhtur Rahman Sharaft in Kabul, the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan reported. The two-day meeting involved detailed discussions between the delegations of both countries … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan – Tajikistan: Strategic partnership of fraternal peoples
Irina Imamkulieva Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, based on their strategic objectives and program documents, jointly maintain positive dynamics of interaction in all priority areas of cooperation. Based on the principles of equality, mutual support and trust, Turkmen-Tajik relations demonstrate an exemplary model of strategic partnership. The stages of a long journey Two … [Read more...]
China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran Develop New Transport Route
JSC "Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan" (TULM) and Kazakhstani logistics company JSC "KTZ Express" have successfully piloted a new container train route connecting China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. The inaugural train, carrying 45 forty-foot containers of auto parts, traversed the route from Xi'an (China) to Tehran (Iran) via Altynkol and Bolashak … [Read more...]
The trilateral Working group between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan is actively continuing its work to achieve common goals in regional development in the Caspian Sea
On July 24, 2024, the second Meeting of the trilateral Working Group on Improving Connectivity in the Caspian Sea was held in the online format. During the meeting of the Working Group, the draft Action Plan was thoroughly reviewed by representatives of the Parties, new wordings of the paragraphs have been proposed. At the same time, following the discussions within the … [Read more...]