In April 2025, the Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), which operates container transportation on the country’s railways, organized the first test multimodal container transportation on the Russia – Afghanistan route with transit through Turkmenistan. This step has become an important stage in the development of the international North-South transport and transit corridor, in […]
Turkmenistan and Moldova Seek to Strengthen Economic Partnership
On 2 April 2025, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Ukraine Mr. Toyly Atayev, accredited concurrently in the Republic of Moldova, met with the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova Mr. Sergiu Harea and the Vice-President of the Chamber Mr. Mihai Bylba in the building of the CCI of […]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visits construction site of the new international airport in the western province
On 1 April 2025, during a working trip to the Balkan province, National Leader of the Turkmen People, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, traveled by helicopter from Turkmenbashi to Balkanabat. He visited the construction site of the new international airport in Jebel, where he reviewed the progress of the ongoing large-scale construction. To demonstrate the runway’s readiness, an […]
Turkmenistan’s Aviation Hub: Near 6,000 Transit Landings in a Decade
Turkmenistan’s strategic development of its transport infrastructure has yielded significant growth in international air transportation and transit cargo flows, with approximately 6,000 transit landings recorded at the country’s airports over the past ten years. A key milestone was the April 2015 intergovernmental agreement on air services between Turkmenistan and Luxembourg. This agreement facilitated the commencement […]
Sustainable freight transport in Central Asia: A unified regional path
Central Asia’s freight transport faces key challenges, but a coordinated regional approach could unlock sustainable connectivity and resilience. Experts recently gathered at an International Transport Forum (ITF) event to assess strategies. The recent Policy Dialogue on Sustainable and Resilient Freight Connectivity in Central Asia – which brought together government representatives, international organisations, financial institutions, the […]
Iran, Turkmenistan eye launching trial passenger rail, boost freight capacity
Iran and Turkmenistan have reached an agreement to initiate a trial passenger rail service between their nations, while also doubling freight capacity, signaling a major boost to regional connectivity. Farzaneh Sadegh, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, announced the development following her return from a visit to Turkmenistan, where she attended the Conference of […]
The joint Turkmen-Iranian Economic Commission will meet in Tehran in May
A meeting of the joint Turkmen-Iranian economic commission will be held in the Iranian capital, Tehran, at the end of May this year. This issue was discussed during the meeting of, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeghi Malvajerd with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov. The meeting […]
Turkmenistan as a Key Logistics Hub of Eurasia
Turkmenistan, located at the intersection of the most important North-South and East–West transport and transit routes, plays a key role in the development of logistics in the Eurasian region. The country is actively developing its transport infrastructure, attracting the attention of investors and international partners. Akmukhammet Yusubov, Deputy Chairman of the Turkmen Logistika Association, writes […]
Prospects of Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation presented at IFT 2025 in Ashgabat
The development of bilateral economic relations between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan was discussed in detail at the International Forum on Attracting Investments in the Private Sector of Turkmenistan (IFT 2025). Aydar Kazybayev, a member of the public council of the National Welfare Fund of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Samruk-Kazyna” and co-chairman of the Turkmen-Kazakh Business Council, […]
Kazakhstan and the EU strengthen investment cooperation with new agreements
On 13 March in Astana, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, held talks with European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, who is on a diplomatic tour of Central Asian countries. The discussions focused on the implementation of projects in key areas of bilateral and regional cooperation, including transport and […]
The President of Turkmenistan received the European Commissioner for International Partnerships
On Wednesday, 12 March, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. As noted during the meeting, in recent years, Turkmenistan’s political and diplomatic relations with the European Union have become more active, with cooperation developing not only on a bilateral basis, but also within the Central Asia–European Union format. Turkmenistan […]
Visit of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships to Ashgabat – transport, energy and trade among the key topics of the upcoming talks
On the eve of the first Central Asia–European Union Summit, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela begins his week-long tour of five Central Asian countries on 12 March. Turkmenistan will be the first country to be visited by the Commissioner. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, Síkela revealed the purpose […]
EU Commissioner Síkela to Embark on Ambitious Central Asia Tour this week
Jozef Síkela, the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, is set to embark on a seven-day diplomatic mission across all five Central Asian countries from 12 to 18 March 2025. The tour reflects the EU’s growing strategic interest in a region representing a €340 billion economy with an average annual growth rate of 5%. In […]
President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Georgia hold talks in Ashgabat – agenda and outcomes
On 7 March 2025, talks were held in Ashgabat between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze. Welcoming the head of the Georgian Government, President Berdimuhamedov noted that Georgia is a friend and reliable partner of Turkmenistan. As it was emphasized, the Turkmen-Georgian relations, which are traditionally friendly and constructive, […]
Turkmenistan’s TULM Facilitates Belarusian Potash Transit via North-South Corridor
JSC Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), as the operator of container transportation on the railways of Turkmenistan, continues to implement large-scale container transportation within the framework of the international transport corridor “North – South”. Since February 2025, TULM has started transporting potash fertilizers produced by Belaruskali, one of the largest enterprises in Belarus. […]
The first container train launched from India to Kazakhstan
As part of the expansion of international transport corridors, the first container train connecting India and Kazakhstan was launched, Uzbek Railways reports. The project is implemented with the support of three major transport and logistics operators in the region: Uztemiryulcontainer JSC (the official forwarder for railways of Uzbekistan), TULM JSC (the Transport and Logistics Center […]
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Railway Cooperation: Important MoUs Signed
A technical delegation from Afghanistan, headed by Deputy Minister of Public Works for Railway Transport Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, visited Turkmenistan to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of railway transport. The visit was marked by the signing of several important memoranda of understanding with the Turkmenistan Railway Agency. Within the framework of the signed memoranda, […]
Eighth meeting of the intergovernmental commission of Türkiye and Turkmenistan in Ankara: new horizons of cooperation
On 25 February 2025, the eighth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Türkiye and Turkmenistan was held in Ankara, at the Presidential Complex, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic partnership. The meeting was chaired by Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yilmaz and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of […]
Across China: Direct road transport service launched between China, Turkmenistan
A truck bearing TIR signs on Thursday departed from an international road transport assembly center in Zhengzhou, the capital of central China’s Henan Province, bound for Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, embarking on the first journey of a new direct road transport service between the two countries, Xinhua reports. TIR, an abbreviation for Transports Internationaux […]
Turkmenistan delegation participated in Third Caspian Economic Forum in Tehran, discussing key regional cooperation initiatives
On 17-18 February 2025, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, participated in the Third Caspian Economic Forum held in Tehran. The forum featured six thematic sessions, where representatives from the Caspian littoral states engaged in discussions on a wide range of issues aimed at advancing five-sided […]
IRU shapes critical transport discussions at the United Nations
The world road transport organisation, IRU, intervened on key policy debates of the highest UNECE Inland Transport Committee meetings and side events. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Inland Transport Committee (ITC) 2025 focused on the successes and challenges for inland transport on the road to 2030. Discussions centred on enhancing sustainable regional […]
New International Airport at Jebel, Turkmenistan, almost ready for opening
Preparations are in full swing for the launch of a new international airport complex in the village of Jebel, located in the Balkan velayat. During an extended Cabinet of Ministers meeting on February 7, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted several facilities set to open during the International Year of Peace and Trust, with the Jebel International […]
China’s TIR boom: New hubs, new operations, new horizons
China’s TIR transport market experienced remarkable growth in 2024, marking a turning point in its development. With record-breaking numbers, the rise of new operations, and the establishment of logistics hubs, 2025 promises even greater expansion and innovation.China’s TIR operations surged in 2024, with an expanded scope covering cross-border e-commerce, cold chain products, and bulk freight. […]
Caspian-Black Sea Transport Corridor Agreement expected this year
On 10 February 2025, a quadrilateral working meeting was via videoconference to discuss the draft intergovernmental agreement on the establishment and implementation of the Caspian Sea-Black Sea international transit and transport corridor, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, as […]
Phone Talks between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the President of Iran Highlights Cooperation on Gas Swap, Energy, Transport, and International Year of Peace and Trust
Turkmenistan and Iran continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation covering various fields, from energy to transport. This became obvious from a telephone conversation between the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, which took place on Monday, 10 February. During the phone call, the sides discussed key aspects […]
New railway route reduces travel time from China to Afghanistan by 3-5 days.
On Monday, 10 February 2025, a freight train departed from the Chinese city of Chongqing to Hairaton in Afghanistan, marking the launch of the first direct railway route connecting metropolis in southwestern China with Afghanistan, Xinhua reports. The train carrying 55 containers with communication equipment manufactured by the Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE will cross the […]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the prospects of increasing the capacity of the Farap-Alat checkpoints
On 4 February 2025, representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a videoconference meeting. The agenda included increasing the capacity of the Farap–Alat road checkpoints and discussing proposals from the parties on this issue. As noted, after […]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan enjoy a strategic partnership in transport and connectivity
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan pay special attention to the active deepening of transit and transport links. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu at the final press conference following the talks in Astana with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov (Kazinform ). “About […]
Kazakhstan Seeks Alternative Europe Routes via Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan is developing alternative transport routes to Europe via Turkmenistan, Iran and Türkiye. This follows from the commentary of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kazinform agency. According to the Ministry, work is currently underway to develop an alternative route bypassing Russia and Belarus. The new route will pass through […]
EU-Turkmenistan Partnership: Summing up the achievements, we look to the future
On 24 January, the European Union Delegation to Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a joint press conference to reflect on the their partnership in 2024 and to outline strategic priorities for the year ahead. The event brought together local and international media, representatives from Turkmen ministries and agencies, and coordinators […]
The Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–EU transport corridor is fully operational, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Transport says
To date, the Kyrgyzstan– Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan –Azerbaijan–EU transport corridor is fully operational, the Kyrgyz agency Tazabek reports with reference to the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic Beknazar Bazaraliev. According to the official, Kyrgyz cargo carriers are already using this route to supply goods to Europe. “Our cargo carriers deliver […]
Trans-Caspian TIR pilot boosts global lithium-ion battery supply chains
The first Trans-Caspian corridor shipment of lithium-ion batteries from China to Türkiye under the TIR system has demonstrated the potential for faster trade by significantly reducing transport times. A pilot TIR operation via the Trans-Caspian route saw ten trucks operated by Chinese hauliers carry lithium-ion batteries from China’s Alashankou border crossing to Kazakhstan’s Port of […]
Half a thousand ports around the world: a mega-corridor connects western China with global markets
The new Land-Sea International Trade corridor, a key logistics network connecting China’s western regions with global markets, currently covers 555 ports in 127 countries and regions. This is reported by the Xinhua news Agency. The trade corridor, whose operations center is located in the city of Chongqing in southwestern China, connects the world’s ports via […]
Iranian President’s visit to Tajikistan: Economy, security and regional issues in focus
From 15 to 17 January, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was on a state visit to Tajikistan. On January 16, Pezeshkian had summit talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, which resulted in the signing of 23 documents. The signed memoranda and programs cover a wide range of areas, including cooperation between the Ministries of […]
Turkmenistan and Iran extend Artyk-Lotfabad Border Checkpoint operating hours
The third meeting of border agencies from Turkmenistan and Iran was held at the Artyk customs post on the Turkmen-Iranian border on 13 January 2025, according to the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, customs, border and migration services, and agencies of automobile and railway […]
Uzbekistan Seeks Alternative Trade Corridors – Some will pass through Turkmenistan
The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan is actively working to diversify international routes and create alternative transport corridors for cargo transportation. This move aims to reduce reliance on transit countries facing challenges and ensure the stability of foreign trade operations. Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov emphasized this need, stating in an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV […]
Kyrgyzstan opens TIR windows for faster borders
TIR truck drivers now enjoy a smoother journey: dedicated TIR windows are operational at two key Kyrgyz border crossings. As part of ongoing efforts to streamline transport and trade through the landlocked Central Asian nation, TIR windows are now operational at the Turugart and Irkeshtam border crossings with China. TIR operators using TIR-EPD – TIR’s […]
Newly appointed EU Commissioner for International Partnerships may visit Turkmenistan
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium Sapar Palvanov met with the Head of Cabinet of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Ms. Lucie Šestáková in Brussels. According to the Embassy, they discussed the continuation of active cooperation between Turkmenistan, the EU, and Central Asia, with a particular focus on transport connectivity. Transport remains a key […]
China Completes World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel
On 30 December 2024, China achieved a significant engineering feat by completing the construction of the world’s longest high-speed tunnel through the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This milestone marks a crucial step forward in enhancing connectivity within the country. The 22.13-kilometer Tian Shan Shengli Tunnel (Shengli translated as “victory”) […]
Construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway starts in Kyrgyzstan
On 27 December 2024, construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway started in Kyrgyzstan, which in the future will play a strategic role in accelerating cargo traffic between China and Europe. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, led by President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, took place in the village of Tosh-Kutchu in the […]
China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran Corridor Sees 31% Traffic Growth
On 19-20 December 2024, an expert meeting was held in Beijing to discuss the development of the China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran (CKTI) transport corridor. The meeting reviewed the corridor’s performance in 2024 and explored avenues for future growth, according to Kazakh transport and logistics company KTZ Express. In January-November 2024 According to the results of 11 months of […]
Russia and Pakistan to launch freight rail link through Central Asia
Russia and Pakistan will launch the first direct freight train between the two countries next year to boost mutual trade, the Pakistani television channel PTV reports, citing Pakistan’s Energy Minister Awais Leghari. In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, Leghari said that Moscow and Islamabad are going to launch “the first freight train […]
Iran’s exports of goods through the Serakhs railway station on the border with Turkmenistan increased by 6%
In the first 9 months of the current Iranian calendar year (started on 21 March 2024), exports of goods from Iran through the Serakhs railway station on the border with Turkmenistan increased by 6% compared to the same period last year, IRNA news agency reported, citing Mustafa Nasiri, Director General of the Khorasan Provincial Railway. […]
Kazakhstan to Establish Single Operator for Aviation Fuel and Upgrade Transport Infrastructure
Kazakhstan plans to designate KazMunayGas-Aero as the single operator for aviation fuel to address shortages and reduce dependency on imports, Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev said at a Dec. 23 meeting in the Mazhilis, a lower house of Parliament, reported Mazhilis’s press service. According to Karabayev, enabling large purchases will eliminate intermediaries, stabilize fuel supplies, […]
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador visits western region of Turkmenistan
On 17-18 December 2024, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogayev, paid a working visit to the Balkan province, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Turkmenistan reported on its social networks. During the visit, the Ambassador held meetings with governor of the Balkan province Khojamyrad Ashyrmyradov and mayor of Turkmenbashi Amangeldy Isaev. The main topics […]
Terhi Hakala on EU-Turkmenistan cooperation: transport, green economy and regional prospects
The European Union’s Special Representative for Central Asia, Ms. Terhi Hakala, in an exclusive interview with the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper, stressed the positive dynamics of EU-Turkmenistan relations and outlined key areas of cooperation. The interview took place during a visit to Ashgabat as part of Hakala’s farewell tour of the region. Hakala noted the strengthening […]
What cross-border hubs is Kazakhstan developing?
Kazakhstan is actively developing cross-border hubs to enhance its position as a regional transport and logistics center in Central Asia and the Caspian region. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to establish fully-fledged transport and logistics hubs along Kazakhstan’s borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, as well as on the Caspian coast. These […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Discuss Resumption of Air Services
Recently, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogaev, met with Dovran Saburov, Chairman of the Turkmenhowayollary Agency (Turkmen Airlines). The meeting was focused on the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, reported on the Embassy’s social media accounts. Air travel between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan was previously disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and […]
A new complex of customs post buildings opened on the Turkmen-Uzbek border
In anticipation of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality Day, a new, state-of-the-art complex at the Farap highway customs post was officially opened, according to the electronic newspaper “Turkmenistan: The Golden Age.” The modernized complex, now spanning 10 hectares (double its previous size), is equipped with advanced technologies to streamline and secure customs procedures. Automated systems, including digital monitoring […]
Turkmenistan attracted nearly $1 Billion of investments for transportation projects
At present, investments totaling USD 953.2 million have been attracted for ongoing projects of the transport complex of Turkmenistan, of which 77.5% of the total volume of investment projects have been mastered. This was announced by Dovran Saburov, the chairman of the Turkmen Airlines Agency, speaking at the International Conference “International Transport and Transit Corridors: […]