CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat: Turkmenistan hosted the 111th CIS Economic Council meeting, with decisions aimed at boosting trade and investment links, improving transport security, and pushing digital transformation in sectors including agriculture. Caspian & regional water diplomacy: A second consultative meeting on implementing the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin opened in Avaza, focusing on a shared regional vision, transboundary water coordination, and mechanisms supported by UNDP/GEF and regional partners. Turkmen-Japanese business push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, highlighting expanded cooperation in energy, industry, transport, chemicals, and digitalization, with joint projects and technology exchange on the agenda. Energy forum momentum: Registration is building for OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (21–23 October), with 400+ participants already signed up and exhibition space sold out, including 100+ first-time companies. Construction materials in Dashoguz: A private enterprise in Dashoguz began industrial-scale production of rolled roofing felt, using a modern semi-automatic line and locally sourced bitumen via the state exchange. Agribusiness update: Dashoguz velayat cotton growers are accelerating the harvest, with uninterrupted operation of receiving stations and gins and use of 200+ modern combine harvesters, including John Deere models. Regional connectivity talks: Turkmenistan also fed into CIS discussions on corridors linking Europe and Asia, with particular attention to Caspian transit potential.