In a world where digitalization is reshaping economies and governance, Turkmenistan is making bold strides toward a smarter, more connected future. At the heart of this transformation is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has been working tirelessly to enhance digital capacities across key sectors such as statistics, trade, banking, finance, and public administration. […]
The Year of Peace and Trust 2025: Advancing Sustainable Development through Partnerships and Connectivity
Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative The year 2025, declared the Year of Peace and Trust by Turkmenistan and supported by a UN General Assembly resolution, represents a unique opportunity to strengthen joint efforts toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. In line with the UN Secretary-General’s “New Agenda for Peace”, which underscores the importance of […]
Turkmenistan enhances international cooperation in cybersecurity field and improve communications Infrastructure for global connectivity
Turkmenistan is set to expand its international cooperation in cybersecurity, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov at a recent Cabinet of ministers meeting. Recognizing information and cybersecurity as a national priority, Turkmenistan aims to strengthen partnerships with technologically advanced nations and international organizations. With this purpose, drafts of […]
Takyk Ulgam is the driving force behind Turkmenistan’s digital transformation
In the context of the rapid growth of the Turkmen market of high-tech products, Takyk Ulgam Business Company has established itself as one of the leading developers of innovative digital solutions in the country. The company specializes in creating comprehensive technological solutions, from websites to integrated systems and mobile applications. Takyk Ulgam is the first […]
Comprehensive Report on E-Commerce Trends and Developments with Focus on Central Asia
E-commerce in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the way we buy and sell online. Here’s a look at some of the key developments in the e-commerce world: 1. The Rise of AI-Powered Shopping Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the e-commerce experience. […]
Turkmenistan Accelerates Digital Transformation with Electronic Document Management
The digital transformation of the economy is becoming a key priority for Turkmenistan’s development. The private sector is actively implementing innovative technologies to optimize business processes and strengthen its position in both domestic and foreign markets. A recent seminar in Ashgabat, titled “Electronic Commercial Document Management (EDM): Effects for Business and Regulators of Turkmenistan,” highlighted […]
The new Control and Analytical Center will enhance the efficiency of the State Customs Service in Turkmenistan
The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan inaugurated a cutting-edge Control and Analytical Center in Ashgabat on Monday, January 20th, as reported by the newspaper “Neutral Turkmenistan.” This state-of-the-art facility, which has no analogues in Central Asia, leverages advanced digital technologies to comprehensively collect and analyze data on all goods crossing the country’s borders. “Real-time information […]
Digitization in Kazakhstan: PLUS Forum in Almaty
FinTech, Big Data and Blockchain are terms that are increasingly being used in the context of entrepreneurship. Digitization trends have become an integral part of all areas of life, but there is hardly any other area in which they have had such a significant impact as in the economy. How far has Kazakhstan come and […]
Digital Transformation in Turkmenistan: From Strategy to Action
Authors: Gulalek Volmamedova, Aditi Soni, Lazar Pop Ivanov Why is digital transformation a focus for us, and why did we believe that the Portfolio Sketch process could be a good starting point to systemically explore this space? Digital transformation is a key focus for UNDP Turkmenistan as we recognize its potential to sectors like governance, […]
Turkmenistan: Digital transformation gains momentum
The 17th edition of the Turkmentel International Exhibition and Scientific Conference opened its doors today in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. This two-day event focuses on advancements in telecommunications, information technology, and broadcasting. Over 200 companies from 30 countries are attending Turkmentel 2024, fostering international collaboration in the tech sector. Leading names like Thales, Nokia, Huawei, Amazon Project […]
Digital for Development: UNDP Turkmenistan Hands on Experience with the Digital Fitness Programme
Lazar Pop Ivanov, Farhad Artykov, Jahan Saparmammedova How do we create better digital solutions for development? How do we create effective digital solutions for development? Answering this “million-dollar question” was at the heart of a five-day training called the Digital Fitness Programme [DFP] which brought together UNDP Turkmenistan’s country office team as participants and was […]
Huawei offers Turkmenistan innovative solutions for digitalization of education
The delegation of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, headed by Deputy Minister Azat Atayev, took part in the international forum “Huawei Connect 2024:Amplify Intelligence”, which was held in Shanghai from 19 to 21 September. On the sidelines of the forum, the delegation met with Huawei executives, including Vice President Mr. Liu Giy, Dr. J. […]
Digital transformation of Turkmenistan: New horizons of international cooperation
During a government meeting on Friday, 13 September 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov announced plans to foster international cooperation of Turkmenistan in the digital sphere. In particular, it is proposed to develop an Action Plan to align the country’s legislative framework with contemporary international legal standards. To achieve this, […]
Tatarstan is ready to offer its digital solutions to Turkmenistan
The strategic partnership between Russia and Turkmenistan has reached a new level, especially thanks to active cooperation with the Republic of Tatarstan. Regina Shafikova, Director of the Trading House “Garant” of the Republic of Tatarstan, said this in an interview with Turkmenportal on the sidelines of the TIF-2024 Investment Forum. Regina Shafikova emphasized that Tatarstan […]
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 […]
E-Commerce Development Programme of Tajikistan – 2025-2029
Tajikistan maintains sharp focus on the development of its e-commerce sector. This is a sound strategy. In an event anchored by the ministry of economic development and trade, the e-commerce programme in Tajikistan for the period 2025-2029 was presented on 27 August in Dushanbe. The programme was adopted by the government on 16 May 2024. […]
Central Asia-Japan Joint business forum held in Astana – Turkmenistan and Japan inked a package of deals
On 9 August 2024, a business forum of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue was held in Astana. The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Japanese Association for Trade with Russia and NIS (ROTOBO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakh Invest, the […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Look to the Future: Digital Cooperation Takes Center Stage
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev during an official visit to Astana. During the meeting, prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging experience in strategically important areas were discussed. Madiyev stressed that this […]
UNDP strengthens national trade capacity of Turkmenistan through digitalization in trade
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan organized a two-day training titled “Developing Trade in a Competitive Environment and the Role of Digitalization as a Tool for Simplifying Trade Formalities”. The training was held as part of the ongoing joint project on “Strengthening the Trade […]
Turkmenistan Seeks Expertise in Urban Digitalization from Tatarstan
During the working visit to Kazan, Tatarstan, the delegation of Turkmenistan met with the head of the Executive Committee of Kazan. The delegation included Chairman of the State Committee for Construction of Arkadag city Deryageldi Orazov, Chairman of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the country Rahimberdi Djepbarov, Rector of the University of […]
E-Commerce in Turkmenistan turning the corner
The ecosystem of e-commerce in Turkmenistan is turning the corner. Consumer confidence, the central element for success in the digital marketplace, is rising fast. Statista estimates that the volume of ecommerce in Turkmenistan will reach about USD 370 million this year. The projected annual growth is 8.06%, which will bring the trade volume of ecommerce […]
Turkmenistan and Turkmen Communications launch electronic data exchange system in Turkmenistan
On 2 May 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Agency “Turkmenaragatnashyk” [Turkmen communications] of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan organized an online kick-off of the implementation of the electronic data exchange system in Turkmenistan within the framework of the joint project “Assistance in the […]
Turkmenistan’s Public Services Portal provided about 300,000 services
Launched in November 2019, Turkmenistan’s Public Services Portal (e.gov.tm) has become a valuable resource for citizens. Now it has nearly 50,000 registered users and over 300,000 services delivered during the operation of the portal. The portal offers a centralized platform for accessing services from various government agencies, including: • Over 40 online payment options • […]
TEIF 2024: Turkmenistan Showcases Telecom Advancements and Investment Opportunities
Turkmenistan highlighted its progress in digital infrastructure and telecom development at the International Energy Investment Forum (TEIF 2024) held in Paris. Hajymyrat Hudaygulyyev, Chairman of “Turkmenaragatnashyk” [Turkmen communication] Agency announced the successful completion of a $273 million project with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to bring high-speed internet to Turkmenistan. Hudaygulyyev emphasized the country’s commitment […]
TEIF 2024: key discussion points of the first day of the International Investment Forum of Turkmenistan’s Energy Sector in Paris
More than 300 delegates from 31 countries gathered in Paris for the International Investment Forum on Attracting Investments in the Energy Sector of Turkmenistan (TEIF 2024). Among the participants are representatives of international organizations, including the UNECE, OPEC, the Global Gas Center (GGC), the International Energy Agency (IEA), delegates from major oil and gas companies, […]
The International Forum on Attracting Foreign Investments in the Energy Sector of Turkmenistan starts today in Paris
Today, on 24 April, the International Forum to Attract Foreign Investments in Turkmenistan’s Energy Sector (TEIF 2024) kicks off in Paris. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in a message to forum participants, expressed confidence that the event will be a catalyst for progress. He highlighted its potential to address tasks in Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector, attract […]
В Туркменистане Программа содействия управлению границами продолжает улучшать фитосанитарные и ветеринарные услуги посредством цифровизации процессов
12 апреля Программа содействия управлению границами в Центральной Азии (БОМКА 10), финансируемая Европейским Союзом, официально передала IT-оборудование Государственной ветеринарной службе и Государственной службе по карантину растений Министерства сельского хозяйства Туркменистана на общую сумму 57 068,82 евро. Агентства-бенефициары получили 60 компьютеров и ЖК-мониторов, 7 проекторов с портативными экранами, 6 Wi-Fi роутеров и 20 беспроводных USB-адаптеров. Данный […]
In Turkmenistan the EU-funded Border Management Programme continues enhancing of phyto-sanitary and veterinary services through the digitalisation of processes
On April 12 the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) officially handed over IT equipment to the State Veterinary Service and the State Service on Plant Quarantine of the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan, accounting for a total value of 57 068.82 EUR. Beneficiary agencies received 60 computers and LCD monitors, 7 […]
Kazakhstan Hosts Digitalization Training for Central Asian Civil Servants
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is partnering with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer the Dostyk Digitalization program. This initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, KazAID reports. From 1 to 5 April 2024, in Astana, 20 civil servants will participate in […]
Turkmenistan and UNCTAD partner for continued customs digitalization
On 30 March 2024, the Deputy Chairman of Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service met with Dmitry Godunov, a regional coordinator for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The meeting focused on further digitalizing Turkmenistan’s customs sector. As noted, within the framework of the first and second stages of the Concept for the Development […]
UNDP organized a study visit of a delegation from Turkmenistan to the Kyrgyz Republic to learn from experience in the digitalization of public services
On 26 February – 1 March 2024, within the framework of a joint project between UNDP and the Agency “Turkmenaragatnashyk” of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan “Assistance in the implementation of a pilot electronic data interchange system in Turkmenistan”, a study visit to the Kyrgyz Republic was […]
CAREC Think Tanks Explore Role of Digital Adoption in Driving Sustainable Economic Development in Central Asia
The Seventh CAREC Think Tank Development Forum was held in Urumqi, China on 16-17 August 2023. The two-day forum under the theme of “Embracing Digital Technology for Sustainable Economic Development” was organized by the CAREC Institute in partnership with China-Eurasia Expo Secretariat and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Finance Department, and with financial support from the […]
FAO to provide Turkmenistan technical support for the creation of a digital land cadastre
The FAO Subregional Office for Central Asia has launched a two-year technical cooperation project in Turkmenistan to support the creation and improvement of a digital land cadastre system and geospatial data infrastructure – the basis of GPS navigation and electronic multilayer mapping, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper writes. The project will be implemented jointly with the […]
Agreement on digitalization of rail freight management between China and EAEU will speed up movement of cargo in Eurasian landmass
China and the member countries of EAEU have signed a roadmap for speeding up the digitalization of the rail freight management between them, reports the website railfreight.com This will greatly help in the unhindered and faster movement of railway cargo across the Eurasian landmass. EAEU and China want to digitalise their rail freight movements https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2023/02/20/eaeu-and-china-want-to-digitalise-their-rail-freight-movements/ […]
Shaping our digital future
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana Asia and the Pacific is the most digitally divided region of the world, and South-East Asia is the most divided subregion. The Covid-19 pandemic detonated a “digital big bang” that spurred people, governments and businesses to become “digital by default;” a sea change that generated vast digital dividends. These benefits that have […]