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 addition, … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
(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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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%, … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 underway on the … [Read more...]
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 trade turnover, attracting … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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, … [Read more...]
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 countries … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 and … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Arman … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 General Assembly resolutions on global … [Read more...]
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 to … [Read more...]
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 developing … [Read more...]
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 of the CIS … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Foreign Ministry: Turkmenistan Seeks Billion-Dollar Trade Boost with Afghanistan, Discusses TAPI Pipeline
Ashgabat has set a target on significantly expanding trade with Afghanistan, aiming to reach US $1 billion of trade turnover, according to the Afghanistan Foreign Ministry. The statement came during a two-day visit by Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov to the Afghanistan province of Herat. Meredov met with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and other high-ranking … [Read more...]
Turkmenbashi International Seaport offers a new system of tariff rates
In order to create a logistics center in the international seaport of Turkmenbashi and in line with the improvement of tariff policy, as well as the creation of a cargo base on the territory of the port, Turkmenbashi port offers a new tariff system. Tariff rates Note: Incoming and outgoing vessels with transit cargoes are accepted without waiting in line; … [Read more...]
Since the beginning of 2023, 85,000 Iranian and Turkish trucks have entered Turkmenistan – the Turkmenbashi port offers ample opportunities for cargo transit to Europe and Russia
Since the beginning of the year, an average of 85,000 Turkish and Iranian trucks carrying transit and import goods have entered Turkmenistan from Iran, the Agency for Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan "Turkmendeñizderýaýollary" reports. There are plans to establish feeder sea transportation between Iranian ports and Turkmenbashi. Given the potential for … [Read more...]
Turkmen Logistics and LAFF discussed trade opportunities between Turkmenistan and the Baltic States
On 15 December 2023, the Turkmen Logistics Association and the Latvian Association of Freight Forwarders and Logistics (LAFF) held an online meeting, which was attended by member companies of both organizations. The meeting was organized with the aim of promoting the development of international trade relations and was devoted to the topic “Trade opportunities between the … [Read more...]
Russia’s FESCO and Uzbek Railways agreed to advance transit routes through Turkmenistan
Major Russian transport and logistics player FESCO and Uzbek Railways agreed to develop new transit routes through Turkmenistan, opening up corridors to Turkey, Africa, and the Mediterranean. This agreement was reached following a recent meeting in Tashkent between Andrey Severilov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the FESCO Transport Group, and Abdumalik Kamildzhanov, … [Read more...]
Turkmen Airlines launches flights from Tatarstan to Thailand with a stopover in Ashgabat
Turkmenistan Airlines has been launching passenger flights on the route Moscow (Russia) - Ashgabat – Bangkok (Thailand), the Turkmen air carrier reports. Flights will be operated once a week on Fridays and back flight - on Sundays. The approximate travel time, taking into account the stopover, is about 12-14 hours. The ticket can be purchased online on the website of the … [Read more...]
Azerbaijani Cargo Carrier Launches New Service Linking Central Asia and Europe
ADY Container, a subsidiary of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, has partnered with shipping giant COSCO Shipping Lines to launch a new container service connecting the ports of Aktau (Kazakhstan), Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan), and Constanta (Romania). This marks a significant development for regional trade and transportation, offering a faster and more efficient route between Central … [Read more...]
Turkmen Airlines launches flights from Tatarstan to Thailand with a connection in Ashgabat
From 22 December 2023, Turkmenistan Airlines has been launching passenger flights on the route Kazan (Tatarstan, Russia) - Ashgabat – Bangkok (Thailand), the Turkmen air carrier reports. Flights will be operated 2 times a week on Saturdays and Sundays. The ticket price includes: -flight -luggage 25 kg -full hot meals on all sections of the route The approximate travel … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan’s Cargo Carriers Divert Routes to Turkmenistan and Iran Amid EU Border Closures
Kazakhstan’s cargo carriers bound for Europe are reorienting their routes to Turkmenistan and Iran to ensure unhindered transit. This was announced by Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Satzhan Ablaliyev at a government meeting on Tuesday, 5 December 2023. Ablaliyev noted a positive trend in recent years, with Kazakhstani carriers increasing their share in the EU cargo … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Civil Aviation Fleet Bolstered with New Boeing 777-300 ER Airliner
In a significant boost to its civil aviation capabilities, Turkmenistan welcomed the arrival of a brand-new Boeing 777-300 ER passenger airliner at Ashgabat International Airport on Monday, 4 December 2023, as reported by TDH. This marks the first of two state-of-the-art aircraft of this model, acquired through a contract signed with the renowned American aircraft … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan: A major regional hub of international corridors
Sapa Gurbanberdiev, a leading specialist of the Economic Society "Türkmen logistika ulgamy" One of the strategically important directions of Turkmenistan's foreign policy is the development of transport and communication links at both the regional and international levels to achieve the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development for the period up to 2030. The Program for the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan Establish Joint Committee to Enhance Railway Cooperation
On 1 December 2023, a delegation from Afghanistan led by Bakht Rahman Sharafat, Director General of the Afghanistan Railway Administration, met with Azat Atamyradov, Head of the Turkmendemiryollary Agency (Turkmen Railways). According to the Afghanistan Railway Authority's press service, the meeting focused on in-depth discussions regarding bilateral cooperation in the railway … [Read more...]
Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan Explore Multimodal Transportation through Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan have initiated discussions on establishing a multimodal cargo transportation route via the International Port of Turkmenbashi, a Caspian Sea port in Turkmenistan. This development holds the potential to streamline the movement of goods between the two countries and enhance economic cooperation. Representatives of Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of … [Read more...]
Five Steps to Economic Resilience in the Caucasus and Central Asia
By Eugene Zhukov, Lyaziza Sabyrova, Roman Mogilevskii The ability of the economies of the Caucasus and Central Asia to effectively respond to external shocks critically depends on their cooperation in diversifying trade and transport routes. The right policies and development of the Middle Corridor is a key to success. In the last several years, the countries of the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to Jointly Develop Corridor from China to Iran
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have agreed to jointly develop the China–Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran corridor. The agreement was reached during the first meeting of the Kazakh-Turkmen joint working group on the development of transport, transit, and logistics, held in Ashgabat on 26-27 November 2023. The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of … [Read more...]