President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a state visit to Hungary, the purpose of which was to give a new impetus to the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. The visit, which marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership, confirmed the desire of the two […]
Tokayev visited Belgrade – Kazakhstan and Serbia set sights on joint projects in industry, transport, energy, and defense industry
On 19 November, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to Serbia, where he held talks with the country’s top leadership, including President Alexander Vucic and Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. The visit was marked by the strengthening of bilateral relations and the signing of a number of important agreements. During the talks, special […]
CIS Road Builders Meeting: a new stage of co-operation in infrastructure development
On November 15, 2024, the 48th meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States Intergovernmental Council of Road Builders was held at the Archabil Hotel. This landmark event brought together leading experts, engineers and representatives of government agencies to discuss issues related to the development of motorways, the use of modern technologies, materials and equipment. During […]
Innovations in the road sector of Turkmenistan discussed in Ashgabat
On November 15, the 48th meeting of the Intergovernmental Council of Road Builders of the CIS countries convened in Ashgabat. Held in a hybrid format, the meeting brought together representatives from road, transport, and research organizations of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Associate members of the Intergovernmental Council and representatives from […]
Turkmenistan Invites ECO to Transport Conference
Head of International Economic Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ambassador Atageldi Haljanov visited ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan at the ECO Secretariat in Tehran. According to ECO’s press release, expressing Turkmenistan’s desire to maintain a closer engagement with ECO, Haljanov invited the Secretary General to […]
Freight costs along the eastern branch of the North–South Corridor halved
The cost of transporting goods by rail along the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor has been reduced by over 50% since 2022, now reaching $32 per ton. This was announced by Alexander Sharov, CEO of Rusiranexpo (a Russian group of companies operating in the Iranian market), Logirus reports. Fully operational since 2023, […]
Russia to define the operator for the shipping line between the Astrakhan port of Olya and the port of Turkmenbashi
The Astrakhan region in Russia is working to establish a regular shipping line between the port of Olya and the Turkmen port of Turkmenbashi in the Caspian Sea. Local shipping companies have expressed interest in operating the route, TASS reports with reference to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy of the Astrakhan region. In […]
INTERVIEW: Central Asia to grow by diversifying, says EDB chairman
Central Asia’s economic story is one of impressive growth, but to sustain this trajectory and achieve sustainable, long-term development, the region must diversify beyond its raw material sectors. According to Nikolai Podguzov, chairman of the board of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), which has invested in a broad range of sectors in the region, while […]
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan Target $3 Billion in Trade
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have signed a partnership roadmap aimed at boosting bilateral trade to a value of $3 billion. The agreement was inked by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Minister of Trade and Industry Nooriddin Azizi during bilateral business forum in Almaty on 22 October. The roadmap outlines a broad range of cooperation areas, […]
Turkmenistan and Türkiye discuss transport cooperation on Middle Corridor
Mammetkhan Chakiyev, the head of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, visited Türkiye to attend the International Road Federation (IRF) World Congress. On the sidelines of the forum Chakiyev met again with a delegation from the International Transporters Association (UND) of Türkiye. The meeting brought together Murat Baştor, […]
Turkmenistan Suggests SCO Focus on Joint Infrastructure Projects, Including TAPI
On 16 October 2024, as part of a visit to Pakistan, a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Addressing the meeting, the Turkmen side noted that today there are […]
The President of Mongolia made first-ever state visit to Turkmenistan – Agreements on transport, agriculture and tourism inked – Joint Statement on Interstate relations and Cooperation adopted
On 10-13 October 2024, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa paid a state visit to Turkmenistan. This is the first state visit of the head of Mongolia to Turkmenistan since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on 23 April 1992, On October 12, high-level talks were held in Ashgabat between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will develop cooperation in the field of air navigation services
A meeting was held between representatives of the State Unitary Enterprise Uzaeronavigation and the Air Navigation Service of Turkmenistan, aimed at developing long-term and fruitful cooperation. At the meeting, the delegations of both sides discussed issues related to air navigation safety, optimization of air traffic and the introduction of modern technologies in air traffic control. […]
The President of Turkmenistan took part in the CIS summit
On 8 October 2024, a regular meeting of the Council of CIS Heads of State was held in Moscow under the chairmanship of President Vladimir Putin of Russia. The meeting was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President […]
Turkmenistan prepares to accede to FAL Convention
Turkmenistan is stepping up progress towards accession to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), with IMO’s support. The FAL Convention is a global treaty aimed at achieving the most efficient international maritime transport as possible, with smooth transit in ports of ships, cargo and passengers. The treaty contains standards, rules and recommended practices to […]
Pakistan joins the multimodal corridor “Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – ports of the Indian Ocean”
Pakistan has officially joined the Memorandum of Understanding on the creation and development of the Belarus–Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan –Afghanistan–Pakistan – Indian Ocean Ports International Transport Corridor, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan reports. The Minister of Communications of Pakistan signed this Memorandum, emphasizing the importance and significance of this project for the development of trade and economic […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan: Cornerstones of Central Asian Stability
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan stand as pivotal strategic partners in Central Asia. Their relationship, characterized by constructive neighborly dialogue, peaceful borders, growing economic cooperation, similarity of positions on topical issues of regional and international issues, and mutual understanding between their fraternal peoples, exemplifies the hallmarks of modern bilateral relations. While their formal diplomatic ties were established […]
President of Turkmenistan receives head of Islamic Development Bank
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the head of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Mohammed Al Jasser on 19 September 2024. The guest confirmed the IsDB’s readiness to strengthen long-term cooperation with Turkmenistan, which is pursuing a constructive policy based on the principles of positive neutrality and implementing progressive socio-economic transformations and large-scale infrastructure projects. As President […]
A round table dedicated to the transit and transport opportunities of Turkmenistan was held in Romania
On September 18, 2024, a round table entitled “Transport Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and Romania – Connecting Asia and Europe” was held in the building of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania. State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania – Adrian George Foghis, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Romania took part in […]
Kazakhstan hosted second Central Asia–Germany Summit
The second Central Asia–Germany Summit was held in Astana on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. The meeting was attended by: • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz • President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov • President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon • President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov • President of Uzbekistan Shavkat […]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with German businessmen – The promising areas of the Turkmen-German partnership outlined
On 17 September 2024, in Astana, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with representatives of German business circles. During the meeting, the head of state announced several projects in which Turkmenistan is seeking proposals from German partners. Transport In the transportation and communications sectors, Turkmenistan is open to exploring the use of its Caspian Sea […]
Kazakh-German summit talks in Astana – Kazakhstan and Germany are implementing investment projects worth $55 billion
On 16 September 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz had summit talks in Astana. Tokayev called Scholz’s visit historic, as it is the first visit of the head of the German Government to Kazakhstan in the last 14 years. As Tokayev noted, Germany is one of Kazakhstan’s main […]
Turkmenistan to access Gwadar port under CPEC
Turkmenistan is poised to become the first Central Asian nation to access Gwadar port as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). An agreement between Pakistan and Turkmenistan is expected to be signed soon. The Pakistani government has established a committee to review the draft agreement between Gwadar Port and Turkmenbashi Port. This development is […]
TIF 2024: Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan to hold online meetings of relevant departments to strengthen business ties – Two countries’ postal services inked an agreement
Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic Nazarbek Malaev took part in Turkmenistan Investment Forum TIF 2024, which was held on 10-11 September 2024 in Ashgabat. On the sidelines of this Forum, Malaev met with Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammedkhan […]
Speech by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the opening and groundbreaking ceremonies of energy, transport, communication and logistics infrastructure facilities at Turkmenistan-Afghanistan border
Dear compatriots! Dear friends! Dear guests! Today is marked by a truly historic event for Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. We are witnessing the successful implementation of a number of major projects with the blessing of Arkadagly Hero Serdar. There are seven of them in total. First of all, we are talking about the laying of the […]
IRU and Turkmenistan hold high-level talks on road transport priorities
Turkmenistan can continue to grow its road transport sector by coupling “hard” and “soft” infrastructure developments. A roadmap discussed by IRU and Turkmenistan could further streamline efforts. In meetings with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Rashid Meredov, and Director General of the Agency for Transport and […]
TIF 2024: 18 agreements and MoUs inked on the sidelines of the Turkmen Investment Forum in Ashgabat
Eighteen agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Turkmen state-run, public-private enterprises and foreign companies during the dedicated signing ceremony on the second day of TIF 2024 in Ashgabat. The deals cover a wide range of sectors, including energy, textile production, chemical industry development, shipbuilding, railway equipment, environment, logistics. The agreement and MoUs […]
(UPDATED – Pictures and Text) Turkmenistan and Afghanistan launch the construction of a number of energy and transport infrastructure facilities
On 11 September 2024, a ceremony was held at the border of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan with the participation of delegations of the two countries to launch the construction of energy and transport infrastructure facilities. The ceremony was led by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov via videoconference. The groundbreaking ceremony at the Islim-Cheshme border checkpoint in […]
Ashgabat Automobile Plant Shares Its Innovative and Logistics Solutions at TIF 2024 Investment Forum
Khalil Nobatov Today, the Investment Forum of Turkmenistan TIF 2024, which opens up new opportunities for the development of the country’s economy, started at the capital’s Yildiz Hotel. One of its participants was the Ashgabat Automobile Enterprise of the Turkmenavtoulaglari Agency, which is part of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers […]
TIF 2024: Uzbekistan proposes to create a unified transport system in Central Asia
Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, outlined his country’s efforts to enhance regional and interregional transport connectivity at the TIF 2024 Investment Forum in Ashgabat. Makhkamov highlighted several key transport initiatives involving Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. In order to create the shortest route to the World Ocean for the countries of Central Asia, as […]
Kyrgyzstan Joins the Ashgabat Agreement
Kyrgyzstan has officially joined the Ashgabat Agreement, aimed at creating a transport corridor between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution on 22 August 2024, formalizing the country’s accession to the agreement, Tazabek reported. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will oversee the implementation of the agreement within Kyrgyzstan. […]
Border Meeting: Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discuss joint projects inauguration
Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, foreign minister Rashid Meredov met with the foreign minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Mottaqi at the shared border’s zero point, the official government website of Afghanistan reported on 5 September 2024. The meeting brought together delegations from various organizations of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. During this gathering, the parties deliberated on arrangements […]
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 […]
Anadolu Agency interviews Turkish ambassador in Ashgabat
The Anadolu Agency, the state-run news service of Türkiye, has interviewed Ambassador Ahmet Demirok, the envoy of Türkiye in Ashgabat. Commenting on the state of relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, the ambassador said that Türkiye was the first to recognize the independence of Turkmenistan and the first to open embassy in Türkiye. Demirok said that […]
Iran’s rail trade with Turkmenistan up 30% at Sarakhs border crossing
1,050,000 tons of goods were transported through Iran’s Sarakhs border crossing with Turkmenistan in the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year (started in March 2024), showing a 30% growth compared with the same period last year, IRNA reports. Nearly 600,000 metric tons of the total foreign trade at the Sarakhs railway border […]
Armenia’s business mission to Almaty: Strengthening economic ties and new transport routes via Turkmenistan and Iran
Almaty recently hosted an important event for business cooperation between Kazakhstan and Armenia — 50 Armenian entrepreneurs visited Kazakhstan with a business mission. The event, organized by the Diplomatic Club “Astana” in collaboration with the embassies of both countries, was aimed at strengthening constructive dialogue between the countries, creating additional opportunities for building business ties, […]
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan sign four documents related to TAPI, TAP, Railways
The Afghan delegation led by the Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum Products of Afghanistan Hidayatullah Badri, had a meeting on 30 August 2024 in Ashgabat. The Turkmen side was represented by several deputy prime ministers, ministers, and other senior officials. The expanded talks led to the signing of four documents: – Memorandum of Understanding […]
Afghan minister visits Turkmenistan – TAPI board of directors meeting – Cooperation talks
The Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum Products of Afghanistan Hussein Badri and his delegation are visiting Turkmenistan. A meeting of the board of directors of TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project) was held in Ashgabat on 29 August 2024. The key aspects of the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and prospects for […]
Arkadag visits Iran – Meets Spiritual Leader and President – Four documents signed
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and the Head of Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov traveled to Iran on 28 August 2024. This is the first high-level visit of a foreign dignitary to Iran since the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, known by his title Arkadag, had a meeting with the Iranian president. Four documents […]
Kazakhstan to Increase Middle Corridor’s Capacity to Ten Million Tons Annually
Saniya Sakenova The Kazakh government is working to implement the Roadmap to eliminate bottlenecks and develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) until 2027 between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye and between Kazakhstan and Georgia. This will increase the route’s capacity to ten million tons per year, the Prime Minister’s press service reported on Aug. 27. To […]
China sets 2050 target for world-class aviation hubs
China plans to establish a group of world-class aviation enterprises and hubs by 2050, according to a new guideline released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the National Development and Reform Commission. The guideline outlines a three-phase strategy for developing international aviation hubs with milestones set for 2025, 2035 and 2050. By 2025, […]
Warehouse space deficit in Central Asia estimated at 20 million m²
There is an acute shortage of warehouse space in Central Asia, which leads to a situation of zero vacancy in the market. According to Stanislav Akhmedzyanov, Managing Partner of IBC Global, the deficit of modern warehouse facilities in the region is measured in tens of millions of square meters. “If you need a high-quality modern […]
Talks held with the head of the National Logistics Corporation of Pakistan
On 23 August 2024, a meeting was held in the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and Farrukh Shahzad Rao, Director General of the National Logistics Corporation of Pakistan. During the meeting, the parties noted that the time-tested Turkmen-Pakistani relations have great potential for […]
Turkmenistan and Iran are preparing to establish joint trade zone
Turkmenistan and Iran are preparing to establish a joint trade zone. It will be located Incheh Borun n the Golistan province of Iran. It is a small town with population of about 2000. Nevertheless, it is strategically important as the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway line enters Iran at this point. An area of 12577 hectares (about 125 […]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to abolish requirement of permit for road cargo movement between the two countries
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are ready to abolish the requirement of permit for the movement of road cargo between the two countries. According to Kazinform, the document on the Open NPA website states that cargo transportation by motor vehicles between states or transit through their territories will be carried out without permission. It should be noted […]
Astrakhan University Ready to Expand Training of Personnel for Water Transport of Turkmenistan
The meeting between the leadership of the Caspian Institute of Sea and River Transport named after General Admiral F. M. Apraksin and representatives of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan was devoted to the presentation of the capabilities of the Astrakhan Region for training personnel in the field […]
Uzbekistan will privatize railway stations and trains
Uzbekistan is preparing to privatize the railway stations and trains in the public-private format. This will be helpful for the construction, modernization and management of the objects and the trains. The bill is under debate at the lower house of the Uzbek parliament. Podrobno.uz reports that the new bill defines the rights and obligations of […]
9 of the world’s 10 busiest ports are in Asia
Arailym Temirgaliyeva From January to July 2024, the volume of cargo and baggage delivered by maritime and coastal routes in Kazakhstan increased by 2.1 times against the same period in 2023 and reached 1.6 million tons. The figure is reported to be the highest within the past five years, Kazinform News Agency learned from Energyprom.kz. […]
Reviving the Silk Road with a new digital link
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan’s $50 million fiber-optic cable sets the stage for a digital Silk Road transformation A significant fiber-optic cable connection will be laid along the Caspian Sea floor thanks to an investment of over $50 million from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, Jaslan Madiyev, the minister of digital development, innovations and aerospace industry of Kazakhstan, announced […]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part Four
Turkmenistan Fleet Expansion and Modernization Turkmenistan Airlines has made significant strides in modernizing and expanding its cargo fleet. In March 2023, the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200P2F cargo aircraft, marking Central Asia’s first Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted widebody. This aircraft, registered as EZ-F429, arrived in Ashgabat in May 2023. This acquisition is part of Turkmenistan’s […]