Turkmenistan Economy: Turkmenistan reported 6.3% GDP growth in the first half of 2026, with official data highlighting strength in transport and communications, trade, services, and construction—though the IMF flags difficulty reconciling the official narrative with other indicators. TAPI Gas Pipeline: Ashgabat reviewed progress on the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, stressing faster work on the Serhetabat–Herat section and renewed focus on exploration, drilling, and output growth. SCRMET Trade: The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange (SCRMET) logged 14 foreign-currency transactions totaling over $4.755m, while domestic purchases totaled over 511.7m manats across key goods including polypropylene and cement. US Visa Bonds: The US made its visa bond program permanent for B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries, including Turkmenistan, with refundable deposits up to $20,000 set by consular officers. Regional Energy/Transport: A new report says Eurasia’s Asia–Europe rail projects total $345bn, with Central Asia accounting for 21% of investment value—rail remains the biggest slice. Central Asia–Korea Prep: Turkmenistan took part in senior officials’ talks ahead of the first “Central Asia–Republic of Korea” summit, coordinating the draft “Seoul Declaration” and flagship cooperation areas. Clean Tech Cooperation: CAREC met Türkiye’s States Innovation Hub to discuss education, innovation, and green energy collaboration across Central Asia. Tourism & Culture: Turkmenistan is preparing for major Akhal-Teke equestrian events in the Netherlands in early September, with Dutch officials backing the plan.