AGP Executive Report

Turkmen-Uzbek Industrial Push: Ashgabat hosted a Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum with some 20-plus firms from each side focusing on construction materials and industrial partnerships, including Uzbek plans to expand into Turkmenistan’s building market and joint technology and supply deals. Middle Corridor Trade Digitization: eTIR services started across the Caspian Sea linking Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, with a pilot shipment showing faster, more secure multimodal transit under a single digital procedure. Turkmen-Iran Economic Talks: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Iran’s Roads and Urban Development minister in Ashgabat, while co-chairs of the Turkmen-Iran intergovernmental commission discussed trade and transport cooperation; Ashgabat also reiterated neutrality and condemned a reported attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian. Rail Infrastructure Upgrade: Turkmenistan approved plans to build modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary to improve rail operations and working conditions. UN Agenda for Trade Logistics: Turkmenistan outlined plans for the 81st UN General Assembly session, including proposing an international center for sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation under UN auspices. Regional Risk to Caspian Shipping: Ukraine’s reported strikes on Iranian-linked vessels in the Caspian Sea are raising concerns for regional trade routes and maritime security. Market Snapshot: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET exchange recorded $2.746m in foreign-currency transactions in the latest auction round, led by cotton yarn and raw silk.

Middle Corridor Digital Trade: eTIR is now operating across the Caspian Sea between Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, with fully digital TIR procedures easing a key bottleneck and boosting speed and security for multimodal shipments via Turkmenbashi and Farap. Bilateral Economic Diplomacy: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and Iran’s intergovernmental economic commission co-chairs met to review trade cooperation and prospects, reaffirming good-neighbour principles and UN-linked initiatives. Rail & Logistics Upgrade: Turkmenistan approved plans to build modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary, aiming to improve rail efficiency and working conditions as part of corridor-focused infrastructure modernization. Caspian Security Signal: Turkmenistan condemned a reported attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, calling any military action there “unacceptable” and urging peace among littoral states. Trade Finance Snapshot: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions recorded 9 transactions totaling over $2.746m, with cotton yarn, raw silk and cottonseed oil soapstock sold in foreign currency. UN Agenda Push: Ashgabat outlined priority positions for the 81st UN General Assembly, including a proposal for an international sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation center under UN auspices and a transregional transport corridor linking South/Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian.

Caspian Security: Turkmenistan condemned a reported attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, calling any military action in the waterway “unacceptable” and urging peace and cooperation among the five littoral states. Regional Trade & Industry: Ashgabat hosted a Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry opened talks between roughly 20 companies per side, with a focus on construction and industrial cooperation and joint ventures. UN Diplomacy for Business: Turkmenistan outlined priority positions for the 81st UN General Assembly, including a proposal for an International centre for sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation and a transregional transport corridor linking South/Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian. Transport Upgrades: The government approved plans for modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary, aiming to improve rail efficiency and connectivity. Commodities Market: At Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions, 9 transactions totaled over $2.746m, with cotton yarn, raw silk and cottonseed oil soapstock sold for foreign currency. EU Migration Talks: Turkmenistan met EU officials on visa policy and migration cooperation, including direct working contacts between migration authorities.

UN Trade Logistics Push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s Cabinet flagged Turkmenistan’s plan to propose an International centre for sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation at the UN, plus a transregional transport corridor linking South/Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian. Rail Modernization: Turkmenistan approved construction of modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary to boost rail efficiency and working conditions. EU Migration Talks: Turkmenistan’s ambassador met the EU on visa policy and migration cooperation, seeking direct working contacts between Turkmenistan’s migration service and the EU’s DG HOME to speed consular and documentation issues. Caspian Security Spillover: Iran accused Ukraine of striking an Iranian merchant vessel in the Caspian, underscoring how the Russia-Ukraine war is widening into new maritime trade routes. Regional Trade Snapshot: Central Asia intraregional trade rose 26.8% in Jan–May 2026 to $5.4bn, with Turkmenistan exports up 31.8% and Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan dominating flows. Education Data for Policy: UNICEF and Turkmenistan trained officials to use MICS-EAGLE analysis for evidence-based education planning, using the latest MICS results.

Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan Diplomacy & UN Agenda: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke by phone with Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aligning positions ahead of Turkmenistan’s priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly and coordinating October summits at Awaza. UN-backed Trade Logistics Push: Berdimuhamedov’s cabinet approved proposals to seek an International centre for sustainable trade logistics and a UN-backed transregional transport corridor linking South/Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian. Investment Drive: Turkmenistan will hold an Investment Forum in Ashgabat in October, with focus on fuel/energy, industry, transport, digital and green transformation, agribusiness, and public-private partnerships. Rail Modernization: Plans were approved to build modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary to improve efficiency and working conditions. Regional Connectivity Rankings: An EDB report placed Turkmenistan’s transport projects among Central Asia’s top initiatives by investment volume, citing major highway and rail upgrades. Energy Deal Complication: The US reportedly rejected Iraq’s plan to import Turkmen gas via Iran, tying it to broader negotiations with Tehran—adding pressure to Iraq’s power supply. Caspian Security Spillover: Reports say Ukraine struck an Iranian merchant ship in the Caspian, raising wider geopolitical questions around energy and maritime risk. Water Cooperation Funding: The World Bank approved a $20m grant to strengthen transboundary water cooperation in Central Asia, including Turkmenistan’s participation through IFAS. Education Planning with MICS Data: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education ministry trained officials to use MICS-EAGLE for evidence-based education policy and monitoring.

UN Diplomacy & Trade Logistics: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s Cabinet says Turkmenistan will push at the 81st UN General Assembly for an International centre for sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation in Ashgabat, plus a UN-backed transregional transport corridor linking South/Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian. Rail Modernisation: Turkmenistan has approved plans for modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary to boost rail efficiency and working conditions. Transport Corridors Investment: An EDB report ranks Turkmenistan’s transport projects among Central Asia’s top initiatives by investment, highlighting major highway and rail spending and corridor work through 2035. EU Migration Talks: Turkmenistan and the EU discussed visa policy and migration cooperation, including direct contacts between Turkmenistan’s migration service and EU authorities. Gas Infrastructure Contract: NEW JCM won a major order to maintain eight DG-90L2 gas turbines for Turkmengaz across two compressor stations. Water Cooperation Funding: The World Bank approved a $20m grant to strengthen transboundary water cooperation in Central Asia, with Turkmenistan among participating states. Education Data for Policy: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education ministry trained officials to use MICS-EAGLE analysis for evidence-based education planning. Regional Trade Snapshot: Central Asian mutual trade rose 26.8% in Jan–May 2026 to $5.4bn, with Turkmenistan showing 31.8% growth in shipments. UN Security Council Bid: Turkmenistan announced its candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2031–2032.

Rail & Logistics: Turkmenistan approved plans to build modern railway station buildings in Akhal, Balkan and Mary, aiming to boost rail efficiency and improve working conditions as the country pushes corridor connectivity. Transport Investment: An EDB report ranks Turkmenistan’s ongoing transport projects among Central Asia’s top 10 by investment volume, highlighting expressways and rail upgrades tied to the Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi and Serakhs–Mary–Serhetabat routes. Gas Infrastructure & Industry: Chinese NEW JCM won a major contract to service eight DG-90L2 gas turbines for Turkmengaz across two compressor stations, supporting reliable gas pipeline operations. Water Security: The World Bank approved a $20m grant to strengthen transboundary water cooperation in Central Asia, with Turkmenistan among participating states under EC IFAS. EU Mobility Talks: Turkmenistan’s ambassador met the EU Commission on migration, visa policy and consular protection, including interest in direct working contacts with EU migration authorities. Finance & Credit: Fitch affirmed Turkmenistan’s ‘BB-’ long-term foreign-currency rating with a stable outlook, citing strong external buffers and steady gas sector prospects. Education Data Use: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education ministry trained officials to use MICS-EAGLE analysis for evidence-based education planning. Regional Trade: Mutual trade among Central Asian states rose 26.8% in Jan–May 2026 to $5.4bn, with Turkmenistan showing 31.8% growth in intraregional exports. International Positioning: Turkmenistan announced its candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2031–2032.

EU–Turkmenistan Migration Talks: Ashgabat met the EU’s migration and home affairs directorate to discuss visa policy, mobility and better consular protection for Turkmen citizens abroad. Sovereign Credit Watch: Fitch affirmed Turkmenistan’s BB- long-term foreign-currency rating with a stable outlook, citing strong external buffers and gas-sector stability. Gas Infrastructure Contract: Chinese NEW JCM won a major tender to service eight Turkmengaz DG-90L2 gas turbines across Dashoguz compressor stations, aiming to restore performance and cut downtime risk. Transport Investment: An EDB report put Turkmenistan’s Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi and Serakhs–Mary–Serhetabat road projects among Central Asia’s top transport initiatives by investment volume. Water Cooperation Funding: The World Bank approved a $20m grant to boost transboundary water management in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, with Turkmenistan among participating states. Education Data for Policy: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education ministry trained officials to use MICS-EAGLE analysis for evidence-based planning and monitoring. Regional Trade Snapshot: January–May 2026 intraregional trade among Central Asian states rose 26.8% to $5.4bn, with Turkmenistan’s exports up and Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan dominating flows. UN Security Council Bid: Turkmenistan announced its candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2031–2032.

Turkmenistan Transport Watch: The Eurasian Development Bank says Turkmenistan’s Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi and Serakhs–Mary–Serhetabat highways are among Central Asia’s top transport corridor projects by investment, with $6.05bn planned through 2035 and highways taking the biggest share. Water & Climate Cooperation: The World Bank approved a $20m grant to boost cross-border water cooperation in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins via EC IFAS, focusing on water accounting, data sharing and regional institutions. Digital Education Planning: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education authorities ran a workshop to strengthen use of MICS data for evidence-based education policy, including equity and out-of-school analysis. One Health Coordination: A national committee meeting in Ashgabat reviewed progress on the One Health approach and set priorities for the second half of 2026. Energy & Industry: China’s NEW JCM won a major Turkmengaz tender to service eight DG-90L2 gas turbines across two compressor stations, aiming to restore performance and reduce downtime. Sovereign Credit: Fitch affirmed Turkmenistan’s BB- rating with a stable outlook, citing strong external buffers and steady gas-sector support. Research Pipeline: Turkmen scientists report work across 586 R&D topics, from nanotech and biotech to smart technologies and chemistry.

Sovereign Credit Watch: Fitch affirmed Turkmenistan’s BB-‘ rating with a stable outlook, citing strong external buffers, high FX reserve coverage, and steady gas-sector support. Gas Infrastructure & Procurement: Chinese NEW JCM won a major contract to service eight DG-90L2 turbines for Turkmengaz across compressor stations, signaling continued investment in pipeline reliability. Trade Facilitation: Turkmenistan discussed pilot freight shipments using the digital e-TIR system for road transit with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, aiming to boost corridor attractiveness and speed. Water Security: The World Bank approved a $20m grant to strengthen transboundary water cooperation in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins via improved water accounting and data sharing. Education Data for Policy: UNICEF and Turkmenistan’s education ministry trained officials to use MICS-EAGLE analysis for evidence-based education planning and equity monitoring. Regional Connectivity: Turkmenistan and Georgia pushed rail integration and multimodal corridor plans tied to Black Sea logistics, with CASCA+ as a key framework. Digital Culture: Turkmenistan expanded its library digitalization push under a 2025–2029 program, growing free access to electronic collections. Health Coordination: A One Health intersectoral committee meeting reviewed progress and set priorities for the second half of 2026 on pandemic prevention and preparedness. International Diplomacy: Turkmenistan announced its candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2031–2032.

World Bank & Water Security: The World Bank approved a $20m grant for a Central Asia water-efficiency push covering the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, with Turkmenistan among participating states and work focused on institutions, water accounting, and data sharing (construction not funded). Sovereign Credit Watch: Fitch affirmed Turkmenistan’s ‘BB-’ long-term foreign-currency rating with a stable outlook, citing strong external buffers, gas-sector stability, and financing for Galkynysh Phase 4. Gas Infrastructure Services: China’s NEW JCM won a major Turkmengaz tender to maintain eight DG-90L2 gas turbines across compressor stations in Dashoguz, aiming to restore performance and reduce downtime. Digital Trade Facilitation: Turkmenistan joined a pilot for e-TIR freight on the Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan route, with pilot shipments planned at Turkmenbashi Seaport and training supported by UNECE and IRU. Logistics & Renewable Fuel Routes: Allied Biofuels outlined planned SAF/e-SAF export corridors from Uzbekistan to Europe and the UAE via rail and sea, using a multimodal logistics agreement with Latvia-based Pro Logistic Services. Regional Connectivity: Turkmenistan and Georgia advanced transport cooperation after a state visit, with talks centered on rail-to-maritime throughput and the CASCA+ corridor. Science & Industry Inputs: Turkmen scientists reported 586 state-backed research topics, including pharmaceutical production from wormwood balm and feasibility work on iodine extraction from associated gas-field water.

Logistics & Trade Corridors: Turkmenistan is pushing smoother transit with a pilot freight shipment under the digital e-TIR system on the Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan route, with customs and international partners running trials at Turkmenbashi Seaport. Transport & Regional Integration: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Georgia wrapped with talks focused on rail-to-maritime throughput, tariff competitiveness, and expanding the CASCA+ multimodal corridor, including a proposed Turkmen cargo terminal on the Black Sea. Aviation Fuel Exports: Allied Biofuels signed a logistics deal with Pro Logistic Services to build export pathways for SAF and e-SAF from Uzbekistan to Europe and the UAE via rail and sea links through Kazakhstan and the Caspian/Black Sea routes. Diplomacy for Business: OSCE supported Turkmenistan’s work on updating its UNSC 1540 non-proliferation action plan, while the UN Resident Coordinator presented four development priorities including climate tech and better data systems. Energy & Environment: A researcher says Caspian Sea shrinkage is driven more by climate change than dams, with knock-on effects for shipping, fisheries and coastal tourism. Tech & Connectivity: ZHARYQ Kazakhstan and Rivada Space Networks plan secure satellite connectivity across Central Asia using a LEO “Outernet” mesh approach.

SAF Export Deal: Allied Biofuels signed a logistics cooperation agreement with Latvia-based Pro Logistic Services to build multimodal export routes for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and e-SAF from Uzbekistan to Europe and the UAE, using dedicated rail tank cars, port handling, freight forwarding and marine delivery—an end-to-end commercialization step for a US$6.08bn project slated to start supplies around 2030. Digital Transit Pilot: Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed a pilot freight shipment under the international e-TIR digital road transit system, with practical runs planned at Turkmenbashi International Seaport (22–24 July) supported by UNECE and IRU. Transport Corridor Momentum: Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wrapped up a state visit to Georgia focused on rail-to-maritime throughput, CASCA+ corridor expansion and Black Sea port links, including a proposed Turkmen cargo terminal. Climate & Water Cooperation: CAREC’s Turkmenistan office and Kazakhstan’s CAIER agreed to deepen work on sustainable water resources management and climate adaptation, while a researcher said Caspian Sea shrinkage is driven more by climate change than dams. UN Priorities in Ashgabat: The UN Resident Coordinator presented four priority areas for UN-Turkmenistan cooperation, including tech for sustainable development and SDG monitoring. Trade & Markets: SCRMET auctions recorded $369k+ in transactions, including foreign-currency purchases of liquefied gas by Afghan buyers.

UN Priorities in Turkmenistan: The UN Country Team under newly appointed Resident Coordinator Xiaojun Grace Wang will focus on people-centered development, innovation and climate tech (including the Regional Climate Technology Centre in Ashgabat), stronger data systems for SDG monitoring, and aligning UN expertise with national priorities. Energy Costs: Rising fuel and LPG prices are squeezing household budgets, adding pressure to everyday spending. Turkmenistan–Georgia Trade & Transport: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Georgia put transport corridors and energy cooperation front and center, with talks highlighting the Lapis Lazuli route and plans to deepen trade and investment links. Logistics & Trade Deals: Georgian Post signed a cooperation agreement with Cainiao (Alibaba’s logistics platform) to build a regional transit and distribution network serving cross-border e-commerce across Turkmenistan and the wider region. Regional Climate Cooperation: Turkmenistan is moving to set up interagency coordination and an “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue” to accelerate regional climate technology and desertification centers. Insurance Modernization: The government is updating the state insurance framework, including a draft regulation to optimize compulsory state insurance rules. Commodities Market: SCRMET auctions recorded over $369,000 in transactions, including foreign-currency purchases of LPG and cotton-related goods.

Turkmenistan–Georgia Connectivity Push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Tbilisi focused on transport and energy links, including the “Lapis Lazuli” corridor and plans for Turkmen terminals and expanded trade; officials also highlighted last year’s trade turnover growth and a business forum with major companies. Regional Logistics & Trade Deals: Georgian Post signed a cooperation agreement with Cainiao (Alibaba) to build a cross-border e-commerce transit and distribution network spanning Turkmenistan and other Central Asian markets, reinforcing Georgia’s role as a logistics hub. Turkmenistan Logistics Transformation (Markets): SCRMET auctions recorded 13 transactions totaling over $369,000, with foreign-currency purchases of liquefied gas and textiles, while domestic sales included polypropylene and cotton-related products. Climate Cooperation Framework: Turkmenistan is moving to set up regional climate and desertification centers, including an interagency commission and an “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue,” to institutionalize cooperation. State Insurance Modernization: A Cabinet meeting advanced a draft regulation to optimize compulsory state insurance under updated legislation. UN Engagement: A new UN Resident Coordinator presented credentials to President Berdimuhamedov, reaffirming UN cooperation on SDGs and sustainable development. Energy Outlook Context: A wider regional analysis argues Turkmenistan still leads Central Asia in electricity self-sufficiency, but network maintenance and future supply risks are rising.

Turkmenistan–Georgia Trade & Transport: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Tbilisi wrapped with a package of agreements and a push to deepen economic ties, with transport and energy at the center. Leaders highlighted the Middle Corridor and the “Lapis Lazuli” route, while Turkmenistan floated plans for a Turkmen cargo terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast to link Caspian and Black Sea logistics. Regional Climate Cooperation: At a Cabinet meeting, Turkmenistan proposed setting up an interagency commission and an “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue” to advance a Regional Center for Climate Technologies and a Regional Center for Combatting Desertification. Energy & Business Calendar: Preparations for OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (21–23 October) gained momentum as journalist John Defterios was named Anchor and Lead International Moderator, with international interest and SOCAR joining as premier partner. Market Signals: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions recorded 13 transactions totaling over $369,000, with Afghan buyers purchasing liquefied gas and foreign-currency sales also including textiles and cotton products. Diplomatic Momentum: Turkmenistan and the U.S. marked independence anniversaries with Washington events focused on expanding political, economic, educational, and humanitarian cooperation.