AGP Executive Report

Turkmen-Japan Economic Push: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenji Yamada, focusing on expanding trade and business ties and bringing Japanese tech into energy, industry, transport and chemicals, with added emphasis on digitalization and a circular economy. CIS Chairmanship Momentum: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s FM met CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev as CIS members prepared October high-level meetings in Avaza and discussed practical cooperation priorities under Turkmenistan’s 2026 CIS chairmanship. Regional Security & Trade: CIS Economic Council talks in Ashgabat backed funding for a joint air defense system starting in 2027 and approved a 2026–2030 transport security action plan, alongside steps to reduce trade barriers. Korea-Central Asia Summit: South Korea will host the first Korea-Central Asia Summit in Seoul on Sept. 16, with Turkmenistan among the five leaders, aiming to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, energy and supply chains under a “Seoul Declaration.” Turkmen Expo Abroad: “Turkmen Expo” will organize Turkmenistan’s national pavilion at Poland’s FAST TEXTILE 2026 (Nov. 17–19), linking local manufacturers with foreign buyers and partners. Securities Market Skills: UNDP and Turkmenistan’s finance and economy ministry ran a professional course with Ashgabat Stock Exchange staff on securities market regulation, investor protection and market integrity. IMF Snapshot: Uzbekistan reported $101.2m in outstanding IMF loans (73.64m SDRs); Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan were not listed as having outstanding IMF obligations.

CIS Chairmanship Prep: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev in Ashgabat to align agendas for October 7 (Foreign Ministers) and October 9 (Heads of State) in Avaza, focusing on practical cooperation mechanisms and Turkmenistan’s 2026 CIS priorities. EU & France Diplomatic Push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received new EU Ambassador Luc Pierre Devigne and France’s Aléna Grand, signaling plans to deepen trade, investment, energy and Caspian transport links. Securities Market Capacity: UNDP and Turkmenistan’s finance bodies ran a professional course with the Ashgabat Stock Exchange on securities regulation and investor protection, aiming to strengthen the domestic market framework. Afghanistan Trade Corridor Talks: Afghanistan’s ACCI chair met Turkmenistan’s ambassador to discuss private-sector cooperation, transit corridors and investment, with an invitation to Turkmenistan’s October investment forum. Middle Corridor Logistics: Azerbaijan and partners discussed how ports, rail and digital systems can remove bottlenecks and boost Middle Corridor freight flows, with Caspian routes and the Lapis Lazuli corridor in focus. UN Role for Landlocked States: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, prioritizing energy and transport connectivity.

Caspian Connectivity Push: Azerbaijan hosted the Black Sea-Caspian Freight Forum and a ports conference, stressing faster Middle Corridor transit, digital logistics and fewer bottlenecks as freight volumes rise. C5+1 & Critical Minerals: Ashgabat convened a C5+1 Secretariat meeting with the U.S., focusing on trade, transport and critical minerals, plus next steps for the framework. CIS Coordination: Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev in preparation for CIS foreign ministers and heads-of-state meetings in Awaza on Oct. 7 and 9. Securities Market Training: UNDP and Turkmenistan’s finance and economy bodies ran a professional course on legal regulation for the securities market, covering bonds, brokerage, depository work and investor protection. EU & France Diplomatic Outreach: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received new EU and French ambassadors, highlighting trade, energy and Caspian transport links to Europe. Landlocked Developing Countries Role: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity as priorities. Caspian Sea Economic Impact: Reports warn falling Caspian levels are cutting ferry cargo capacity and forcing costly dredging and port adjustments, threatening Middle Corridor efficiency. Human Capital Planning: UNDP launched a pilot phase for a national human capital strategic planning system linking education, skills and labor-market needs.

C5+1 Trade Talks: Ashgabat hosted a U.S.-Central Asia C5+1 Secretariat meeting focused on expanding cooperation on trade, transport and critical minerals, with plans for upcoming events and closer links between agencies and experts. Transport & Trade Tech: A cross-Caspian customs pilot used eTIR for an Azerbaijan–Turkmenbashi–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan shipment, aiming to cut paperwork and speed Middle Corridor flows. Caspian Water Pressure: The Caspian Sea’s continued retreat is already reducing cargo capacity on Middle Corridor routes, forcing dredging and raising the risk of costly port upgrades. Landlocked Leadership: Turkmenistan says it has been elected the next chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, prioritizing energy and transport connectivity under the Awaza Programme of Action. Human Capital Planning: UNDP launched a pilot phase of a “National Human Capital Strategic Planning System” in Turkmenistan to link education, skills and labor-market needs with data-driven forecasting. Energy/Industry Context: Gazprom reported nearly 70% higher gas supplies in 2026 to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, underscoring shifting regional energy dependencies. Diplomacy & Business Links: Turkmenistan received France’s new ambassador, highlighting cooperation in trade, energy, transport/logistics and science, alongside private-sector engagement.

Caspian Sea Shrinkage Hits Trade: The Caspian has been dropping for nearly 25 years, with climate and weaker river inflows driving faster declines. The fallout is already economic: ships carry less cargo and ports face costly dredging and berth upgrades, raising pressure on the Middle Corridor. UN Landlocked Agenda: Turkmenistan says it has been elected the next chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, starting Jan. 1, 2027, with a focus on energy and transport connectivity and implementing the Awaza Programme of Action. Diplomatic Push with Uzbekistan: Turkmen MFA deputy minister Myahri Byashimova met Uzbekistan’s ambassador to discuss political, trade-economic and cultural ties, plus coordination on UN and regional platforms. Russia-Turkmen Business Talks: A St. Petersburg vice-governor visited Ashgabat for memorial events and working talks aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation. Foreign Policy with France: Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov met France’s newly appointed ambassador, agreeing to intensify political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural cooperation. Caspian Digital Corridor Steps: TRACECA and UNECE in Baku discussed a draft methodology for a Trans-Caspian Digital Corridor and pilot projects to digitalize rail, maritime, road and air transport. AI for Water and Logistics: Turkmenistan’s science park is adapting AI tools for crop forecasting, smart irrigation and freight optimization to move research into production. Agro-Industry Spotlight: A Balkanabat private producer “Altyn nur zamany” is expanding greenhouse and fruit-vegetable processing, supplying domestic and foreign retail with jam and juices.

Sanctions & Transit Risk: A new analysis warns that secondary U.S. sanctions tied to Iran could raise costs and disrupt Central Asia’s Iran-linked logistics (ports, rail, insurance and banking), with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan already showing exposure while Turkmenistan’s neutrality makes “choosing sides” especially tricky. Caspian Corridor Pressure: The shrinking Caspian Sea is cutting Middle Corridor cargo capacity—one ferry can now carry only 80% load—pushing ports toward costly dredging and berth changes. Energy Flows: Gazprom says gas supplies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are up nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan’s imports rising as production declines. Turkmen Agro-Industry: A Balkanabat private producer, “Altyn nur zamany,” is expanding greenhouse-based fruit and vegetable processing for domestic and foreign markets. Trade Desk: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions totaled over $38.56m in foreign-currency deals, including cement and heating oil, plus cotton and dried liquorice exports. Biodiversity Update: UNDP and partners support Turkmenistan in updating its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, moving the work into final reporting phases. Digital Economy Research: Turkmenistan is applying AI for smart irrigation, freight optimization and renewable energy research through its science park. Transport Diplomacy: UN and regional partners discussed next steps for a multimodal digital Trans-Caspian Corridor in Baku, focusing on rail, maritime, road and air data exchange.

Agro-Industry & Private Production: A Balkanabat-based private firm, “Altyn nur zamany,” is ramping up high-quality fruit and vegetable processing—jam and juices among its main products—using modern equipment and supplying both domestic retail and foreign markets. Trade & Transport Costs: The shrinking Caspian Sea is already cutting cargo capacity on the Middle Corridor—one ferry can carry only about 80% of a full load—pushing ports toward costly dredging and possible berth extensions. Energy Flows: Gazprom said its gas supplies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are up nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan’s imports rising as local output declines. Caspian Sustainability: UN officials in Ashgabat stressed that Caspian Sea management must balance economic, social and environmental needs, linking trade and infrastructure to ecosystem protection. Digital Economy in Practice: Turkmenistan’s science park is pushing AI for smart irrigation, freight optimization and renewable energy, including sensor-based irrigation aimed at cutting water use. Bilateral Business Links: Turkmenistan and the Netherlands discussed Dutch involvement in shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative tech and methane emissions reduction. Commodities Market: SCRMET auctions totaled over $38.56m, with foreign-currency purchases including Portland cement and heating oil, plus cotton and dried liquorice.

AI for Water, Transport and Energy: Turkmenistan’s Academy of Sciences park is pushing practical AI projects, including crop-yield forecasting, smart irrigation and soil monitoring, aiming to cut water use by 20–30% while boosting yields. Biodiversity Reporting Push: UNDP and Turkmen officials are updating the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) and preparing Turkmenistan’s 7th CBD report, alongside biosafety and genetic-resources reporting milestones. Trade via SCRMET: Last week’s State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange auctions logged over $38.56m in foreign-currency deals, with Singapore and Türkiye buying cement and heating oil, and other goods sold to UAE, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Methane Leak Repairs: UN-linked monitoring reports Turkmenistan has repaired at least eight major methane leaks, with more fixes tied to broader fuel-and-energy infrastructure upgrades. Turkmenistan–Netherlands Business Talks: In The Hague, Turkmen and Dutch officials discussed shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies and methane-emissions reduction, with plans for Dutch business visits. Akhal-Teke Global Spotlight: The World Championship in the Netherlands showcased Turkmen equestrian culture with 100+ horses from 25 countries, reinforcing international cultural and economic ties.

Turkmen-Dutch Business Talks: In The Hague, Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met Dutch adviser Christoffer Jonker, focusing on shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane-emissions reduction, with plans to bring Dutch executives to Ashgabat for business meetings. Akhal-Teke Horse Diplomacy: During the World Championship of Equestrian Sports and Beauty Contest in the Netherlands, Turkmenistan’s leadership used the Akhal-Teke event as culture-and-trade diplomacy, while also holding meetings with Turkish Çalık Holding and German business representatives. Trade & Exchange Activity: At Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions, 22 deals totaled over $38.56m as foreign-currency buyers from Singapore and Türkiye purchased cement and heating oil, alongside sales of cotton fabric/yarn and dried liquorice. Energy & Environment Watch: UN-linked reporting says Ashgabat is repairing major methane leaks after satellite alerts, with upgrades tied to broader fuel-and-energy infrastructure modernization. Regional Policy Linkages: Armenia invited Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the COP17 Leaders’ Summit in Yerevan, with both sides stressing expanded trade and economic cooperation. Education for Industry: Ashgabat opened a new campus for the Turkmen state institute of architecture and construction for 5,000 students, aimed at feeding construction and industrial sectors with trained specialists.

Climate Risk for Central Asia: A new UNEP assessment says the 1.5°C goal is now “unavoidable to cross,” with warming likely peaking near 1.8°C even under optimistic cuts—raising pressure on water-dependent economies across the region. Food Industry Shift: Turkmenistan’s meat market is moving from fresh counters to processing—highlighted by Bereketli’s expansion into sausages, smoked products, semi-finished and canned goods. Dutch Business Push: In The Hague, Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry discussed deeper ties with the Netherlands, focusing on shipbuilding, port infrastructure, healthcare, innovative tech and methane emissions reduction, with plans for Dutch executives to visit. Methane Leak Repairs: UN-linked monitoring reports Turkmenistan has repaired multiple major methane leaks, as Ashgabat works to upgrade gas infrastructure. Transport Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reiterated Turkmenistan’s role in Silk Road-style logistics and international transport diplomacy, tied to UN resolutions and the 2026–2035 Sustainable Transport decade. Armenia–Turkmenistan Trade Agenda: Armenia’s PM invited Serdar Berdimuhamedov to COP17 in Yerevan; both sides stressed expanding trade and economic cooperation. SCO Fractures: Commentary on the SCO’s 25th summit in Bishkek frames it as a sign of strategic cracks even as members seek multipolar influence.

Transport diplomacy & Silk Road push: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov used a public lesson in Arkadag to stress Turkmenistan’s role in reviving Eurasian transport corridors and highlighted UN-backed sustainable transport plans for 2026–2035. Energy & environment: UN-linked monitoring via MARS has flagged Turkmenistan’s major methane leaks, while reporting repairs to at least eight significant sites and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Bilateral business talks (Netherlands): In The Hague, Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met Dutch officials and discussed deeper trade and direct business links, with priority areas including shipbuilding, port infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane emissions reduction. Regional diplomacy with economic angle (Armenia/CIS): Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan invited President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Armenia’s COP17 leaders’ summit; Turkmenistan accepted, with both sides also stressing expanding trade and economic ties. Fuel supply pressure in the region: Afghanistan’s oil and gas market remains exposed to regional disruptions, with Turkmenistan listed among key import sources. SCO backdrop for markets: Coverage of the SCO’s 25th anniversary in Bishkek framed it as a sign of strategic fractures, with China’s corridor-building and Russia’s sanctions push shaping regional economic expectations.

Turkmen-Dutch Business Push: In The Hague, Turkmenistan’s FM Rashid Meredov met Dutch adviser Christoffer Jonker and discussed expanding trade and direct business links, with priority areas including shipbuilding, port infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies and methane emissions reduction. CIS Summit Logistics: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan confirmed Armenia will take part in the CIS heads-of-state summit in Turkmenistan on Oct. 9, with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov inviting Pashinyan to attend. Methane Leak Repairs: UN-linked monitoring via the Methane Alert and Response System says Turkmenistan has repaired multiple major methane leaks, with upgrades tied to broader gas infrastructure modernization. Transport Diplomacy Branding: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in Silk Road revival and international transport diplomacy, noting UNGA resolutions on sustainable transport and the 2026–2035 decade. Energy Market Watch: Afghanistan’s oil and gas supply remains import-dependent, with Turkmenistan listed among key sources as regional disruptions continue to affect prices. Regional Deal-Making: The U.S. is pushing critical-minerals projects in Central Asia, while the SCO summit in Bishkek underscored widening strategic fractures across Eurasia.

Transport Diplomacy & Logistics: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan is strengthening its role in international transport diplomacy, leveraging its Eurasian location and the “Revival of the Great Silk Road,” with UNGA backing including a Decade of Sustainable Transport for 2026–2035. Bilateral Trade & Industry: In The Hague, Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov met Dutch adviser Christoffer Jonker to discuss expanding business ties, with priority areas including shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies, and methane emissions reduction. CIS Summit in Avaza: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan confirmed Armenia will attend the CIS heads-of-state summit in Turkmenistan on Oct. 9, with Turkmenistan’s chairmanship hosting the meeting at Avaza. Armenia–Turkmenistan Economic Agenda: Pashinyan also invited Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit in October; both sides stressed expanding trade and economic cooperation. Energy & Environment: UN-linked reporting says Turkmenistan is repairing major methane leaks after MARS flagged it among the world’s worst emitters, with upgrades tied to broader fuel infrastructure modernization. Regional Energy Security: Afghanistan’s oil and gas supply remains import-dependent, with Turkmenistan listed among key sources as regional disruptions continue to affect prices. Agribusiness: Balkan velayat melon growers plan a harvest of 52,400 tonnes across 2,600 hectares as the campaign ramps up.

Bilateral Trade & Diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan called Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to invite him to the COP17 Leaders’ Summit in Yerevan this October, with both sides stressing steps to expand Armenia–Turkmenistan trade and economic ties. Energy & Environment: UN-linked monitoring says Turkmenistan has been repairing major methane leaks, with the Methane Alert and Response System flagging the country among the world’s worst emitters and reporting that dozens of alerts were met with repair plans and fixes. Regional Business Networks: Turkmenistan will lead a new Chevening alumni mentorship hub across Central Asia and the wider Silk Road, launching in September with webinars and a regional impact conference. Governance & Youth Policy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov urged youth to plug into the “Smart Society” concept, pushing innovation and digitalization as part of building an industrial economy. International Cooperation: Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met the Netherlands’ top diplomat in The Hague, discussing ways to deepen business ties in transport and logistics, port infrastructure, agriculture, energy, high tech and industry, and highlighting direct contacts between business communities. Migration & Labor Markets: A broader regional piece notes Central Asia’s labor migration is diversifying beyond Russia, with Türkiye emerging as a key destination for Turkmen and Uzbek workers. Risk Watch for Energy Security: A separate analysis flags how Central Asia’s fuel dependence on Russian refining leaves countries exposed to disruptions, with knock-on effects for prices and supply.

Critical Minerals Diplomacy: The U.S. is pushing Central Asia into “deal-making” for critical minerals, with American talks in Bishkek involving Sergio Gor and Sen. Steve Daines and a focus on investment and access to deposits—while China remains deeply embedded in mining and supply routes. Armenia–Turkmenistan Trade & Environment: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan invited Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the COP17 Leaders’ Summit in Yerevan this October; both sides stressed expanding trade and economic ties. Turkmenistan–Netherlands Business Links: In The Hague, Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov met Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen, agreeing to expand cooperation in transport and logistics, port infrastructure, agriculture, energy, high tech and industrial projects, with closer business-to-business contacts. Smart Society & Youth Skills: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov urged youth to help build a “Smart Society” through innovation and digitalization, tying the push to education and advanced technologies. Agribusiness Update: Turkmenistan began mass winter wheat sowing across regions, with state support for seeds and machinery.

Clean-Energy Minerals: An OSCE report flags Central Asia’s uranium, copper, lithium and rare-earth potential as a key supply source for EU and US clean-tech demand, while warning that infrastructure and environmental risks still need work. Dairy Market Shift in Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan’s dairy sector is moving from basic state supply toward branded, standardized products, with private processors expanding variety and capacity. Fuel-Security Stress from Ukraine-Russia Strikes: Damage to Russian refining is pushing fuel rationing and price hikes across Central Asia, exposing how dependent some countries remain on Russian petroleum flows. Early-Warning Tech for Natural Hazards: OSCE experts in Ashgabat trained Turkmen hydrometeorology staff on using measurement, satellite data and forecast tools to strengthen drought monitoring and early warning systems. Korea-Central Asia Summit Prep: South Korea’s Presidential Security Service launched a situation room to manage leader safety and logistics for the mid-September summit with Turkmenistan and other Central Asian states. Agriculture Update: Winter wheat sowing began across Turkmenistan on Sept. 2, with coordinated start dates and preparations for next-year harvests. Education & Skills: Turkmenistan opened new architecture/construction institute facilities and an international Pearson Certiport center to expand access to globally recognized digital certifications. Regional Trade Corridors: Afghanistan’s trade is shifting away from Pakistan toward routes through Central Asia and Iran, reshaping regional logistics patterns. U.S.-Iran Escalation Risks: Renewed attacks raise uncertainty for oil prices and transport corridors affecting Central Asia’s trade costs and energy outlook.