AGP Executive Report

SCO Summit in Bishkek: China, Russia, India, Iran and other SCO leaders met under the “SCO at 25” theme, with security, trade, energy and connectivity on the agenda as the bloc marks its 25th anniversary and discusses regional stability and Afghanistan. Afghanistan Governance: SCO leaders backed an inclusive Afghan government with broad ethnic and political participation, while reiterating support for a neutral, terrorism-free Afghanistan. Turkmenistan Methane Watch: UN satellite monitoring flagged Turkmenistan as a major methane hotspot, issuing 192 alerts over the past year; some major leaks were reported stopped after repairs, with new EU gas rules tying market access to methane footprints. Turkmenistan–Japan Push: Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi visited Ashgabat, signaling continued interest in expanding ties; Japan also discussed potential circular economy and waste-recycling cooperation. ECO Trade Zones: Turkmenistan’s initiative for joint trade zones in the ECO region advanced, with a proposed site designated in Iran’s Incheh Borun Free Trade and Industrial Zone. Turkmenistan Trade Flows: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions recorded $7.274m in foreign-currency sales (cottonseed oil, wheat flour, textiles and raw silk), while domestic buyers purchased cotton yarn worth 8.212m manats. Turkiye–OTS Trade: Türkiye reported OTS trade hitting $10.1bn in Jan–Jul 2026 (+6.6% y/y), with Turkmenistan listed among observer-country partners.

UN Diplomacy Watch: UNGA 2026 kicks off in New York as the US-Iran war and shipping disruptions keep energy and markets under pressure, with Trump’s speech expected to mix peacemaking messaging with criticism of the UN. Japan–Turkmenistan Green Agenda: Japan’s FM Motegi visited Ashgabat, signaling interest in circular economy and AI/data-center cooperation beyond energy, while Turkmenistan’s neutrality and UN coordination were highlighted. ECO Trade Zones: Turkmenistan’s push for joint trade zones moved forward after an ECO visit to Iran’s Golestan Province, with a site designated near the Incheh Borun Free Trade and Industrial Zone to boost cross-border transit and investment. Turkmenistan Market Activity: SCRMET auctions totaled $7.274m, selling cottonseed oil, wheat flour, textiles and raw silk to buyers including the UAE and Türkiye. SCO Summit Economics: Leaders gather in Bishkek for the SCO’s 25th anniversary, with connectivity, trade, energy and a possible SCO development bank on the agenda amid Iran-related energy risks. CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat: Preparations are underway for a September CIS Economic Council meeting, including transport security and standards work. Turkmen Fashion to Paris: Designers will take part in Who’s Next in Paris under an EU-backed initiative, aiming to bring Turkmen textiles and ready-to-wear to wider markets. Regional Connectivity Note: Russian Railways reported 13.8% growth in cargo exports to Kazakhstan via its network in Jan–Jul, with some shipments in transit to Turkmenistan.

Commodity Markets: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auction logged 8 deals totaling over $7.274m, with cottonseed oil, wheat flour, bed linen sets, cotton fabric, cotton fibre and raw silk sold in foreign currency to buyers including the UAE, Türkiye and Afghanistan; domestic businessmen also bought cotton yarn worth 8.212m manats for the local market. Regional Trade Diplomacy: Turkmenistan is pushing an ECO plan for joint trade zones to boost cross-border commerce, transit and investment, with late-August talks involving ECO’s secretary-general and Turkmen officials focused on turning the idea into a working model for border regions. Japan–Turkmenistan Business Agenda: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi, with both sides flagging expanded cooperation beyond energy—trade, transport, gas chemicals, electric power—and new areas like AI and circular economy. CIS Economic Council Prep: Turkmenistan is preparing for the CIS Economic Council meeting in Ashgabat in September, with transport security (2026–2030) and standards/metrology/certification topics on the agenda. Turkmen Fashion to Paris: Four Turkmen designers will take part in Who’s Next in Paris (Sept 5–7) under an EU-funded initiative, aiming to plug local brands into international fashion markets. Tourism Policy: Turkmenistan’s tourism is being positioned as a state priority, with support for private operators and more than 70 companies offering services, routes and language-capable staff.

SCO Summit Watch: India’s PM Modi is set to meet Putin and Xi in Bishkek ahead of the SCO leaders’ summit, as members push trade and connectivity across Eurasia. Japan–Turkmenistan Tech Push: Foreign ministers in Ashgabat discussed expanding cooperation in gas chemicals, power, transport and “Central Asia + Japan,” with AI and data centers flagged. E-Commerce Rules: Turkmenistan is drafting a Law on Electronic Commerce to formalize digital transactions, link them to banking, and support broader legal alignment for a more stable online market. Tourism Growth: Turkmenistan says tourism is now a state policy priority, backing private operators and routes, with Avaza highlighted as a key destination. Textiles to Paris: Four Turkmen designers will take part in Who’s Next in Paris under an EU-funded initiative, aiming to translate textile know-how into export-ready fashion. Garment SMEs Training: The ITC ran a practical workshop on garment costing for small enterprises, helping firms price orders, manage variances, and improve profitability. TAPI Inches Forward: Turkmenistan is moving toward first TAPI gas sales via Afghanistan’s Herat, with commissioning expected within two months, while Pakistan/India timelines remain unclear. Border Trade Boost: The ADB approved a $400m facility to modernize border crossing points across CAREC, targeting faster, cheaper logistics for regional business.

SCO Summit Watch: India’s PM Narendra Modi is set to meet Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping at the SCO leaders’ summit in Bishkek, with the gathering marking the bloc’s 25th anniversary and spotlighting security, connectivity and regional economic cooperation. Japan–Turkmenistan Tech Push: Turkmenistan and Japan are widening ties beyond energy, with talks on AI, data centers, circular economy and trade in gas chemicals, power and transport ahead of a Japanese FM visit to Ashgabat. E-Commerce Regulation: Turkmenistan is drafting a Law on Electronic Commerce, aiming to formalize digital transactions, define responsibilities and connect e-commerce to the banking system as part of broader digital economy steps. Tourism Promotion: Turkmenistan is backing private tourism firms and routes, highlighting Avaza and cultural assets like carpets and Akhal-Teke horses as tourism becomes a state policy priority. Fashion to Paris: Turkmen designers will showcase ready-to-wear at Who’s Next in Paris under an EU-backed initiative, signaling continued push to align textiles and garment production with international standards. Trade Facilitation: An ITC workshop in Ashgabat trained small garment businesses on costing and profitability to improve order planning and competitiveness. Regional Connectivity: The ADB approved a $400m facility to modernize border crossing points across CAREC, targeting faster, cheaper logistics for people and goods.

Diplomacy & Trade: Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit Ashgabat on 29–30 August, aiming to deepen economic and technical cooperation in energy, infrastructure, science and technology. Energy Corridors: The TAPI pipeline is edging toward real gas sales, with Herat’s local section expected to be commissioned within two months and Turkmenistan preparing supplies for Afghanistan’s first market. Business Skills: A practical workshop in Ashgabat helped small garment enterprises improve costing and profitability calculations, targeting better order planning and cost control. Construction & Investment: Zaha Hadid Architects will join CIET 2026 in Ashgabat (3–5 November) to bring international expertise on sustainable design and delivery of major infrastructure and urban projects. Regional Connectivity Funding: The ADB approved a $400m facility to modernize border crossing points across CAREC, aiming to cut logistics bottlenecks and speed up trade. Bilateral Economic Links: Turkmenistan and Ukraine’s chambers held a videoconference to connect SMEs for import-export deals, with textile, chemicals, and transport/logistics highlighted. Media & Economy: News Central Asia ranked among the top Turkmen media outlets for content uniqueness in 1H2026, reflecting continued focus on energy, transport and digital trade coverage.

Diplomacy & Trade Links: Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit Ashgabat on 29–30 August, aiming to deepen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, science and technology, as Turkmenistan and Japan position their ties for a new phase of connectivity and diplomacy. Energy & Regional Connectivity: TAPI is moving closer to first gas sales, with Turkmenistan preparing to supply Afghanistan’s Herat province; the Herat section is expected to be commissioned within two months, while commercial timelines for Pakistan and India remain uncertain. Business Skills for Industry: An ITC workshop in Ashgabat trained small garment enterprises on garment costing and using cost data to improve profitability, reduce variances and plan production more accurately. EU Partnership Update: Turkmenistan’s MFA met the EU ambassador as she concludes her mission, highlighting cooperation in transport, energy, digitalisation and private-sector projects. Media Market Watch: News Central Asia ranked third in Turkmenistan’s media market for content uniqueness in 1H2026, publishing 1,190 unique articles. Construction & Architecture: Zaha Hadid Architects will join CIET 2026 in Ashgabat (3–5 November) to bring international expertise on sustainable design and delivery of complex infrastructure projects. Regional Infrastructure Finance: The ADB approved a $400m facility to modernize border crossing points across CAREC, targeting faster trade flows and lower logistics costs.

TAPI Progress: Turkmenistan is moving TAPI closer to real gas sales, with Herat saying the Afghanistan section could be commissioned within two months and Turkmengaz signing a memorandum with Afghan Gas for purchases—Afghanistan may be the first customer. Rail Connectivity Push: Afghanistan is conducting survey and design for 1,537 km of new railway lines across five routes, aiming to cut transport costs and boost trade, with financing talks involving banks, countries and investors. SCO Summit Watch: Russia, China, Iran, Turkey and India are set to attend the SCO summit in Bishkek next week, with Putin and Xi also scheduled to discuss the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline. EU Business Ties: The EU ambassador in Ashgabat wrapped up her mission after meetings highlighting cooperation with Turkmenistan across transport, energy, digitalisation and the private sector. SME Link-Up: Turkmenistan and Ukraine chambers held a videoconference to connect SMEs, with focus on textiles, chemicals, and transport/logistics. Garment Skills: An Ashgabat workshop trained small garment enterprises on costing to improve profitability and order planning. Cyber Risk Note: A report says a China-nexus cyberespionage group is using AI to strengthen stealthy malware tools targeting Central Asian governments, including Turkmenistan.

Halk Maslahaty & Legal Year Push: Turkmenistan’s MFA says the Turkmen diaspora in Uzbekistan met at the Turkmenistan Embassy to discuss the Sept. 23 Halk Maslahaty meeting and UNGA plans for an “International Year of Law” in 2028, with speakers stressing the forum’s role in setting long-term socio-economic priorities. Iran Sanctions Shock to Regional Trade: Multiple reports warn that the US “Operation Economic Outcast” and UAE moves to suspend trade with Iran could further destabilize Iran’s economy and squeeze partners’ access to finance—raising risks for energy and payments across the region. TAPI Gas Nears First Sales: Afghanistan’s Herat governor says the TAPI pipeline’s Herat section could be commissioned within two months, bringing the project closer to first customer gas, while commercial timelines for Pakistan and India remain unclear. Turkmenistan–Ukraine Business Links: Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and Ukraine held a videoconference to connect SMEs, boost B2B contacts, and explore cooperation in textiles, chemicals, and transport/logistics. Korean Interest in Turkmen Refining: South Korea’s ambassador visited Turkmenbashi Oil Processing Complex, highlighting plans to expand Korean involvement in modernization and maintenance, including an FCC unit revamp contract. ADB Border Modernization: The ADB approved a $400m facility to modernize border crossing points across CAREC, aiming to cut logistics costs and improve movement of goods and people. Turkmen-German Diplomatic & Trade Talks: Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov met Germany’s new ambassador, discussing trade/economic cooperation and the role of German business groups. Energy Forum Spotlight: SOCAR will serve as Premier Partner of Turkmenistan’s OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (Oct. 21–23), underscoring growing Caspian energy cooperation.

ADB Border Upgrade Deal: The Asian Development Bank approved a $400m regional financing facility to modernize border crossing points across the CAREC corridor network, aiming to cut logistics costs and speed up movement of people and goods. Turkmen-German Diplomacy: Ashgabat’s foreign minister met Germany’s new ambassador, highlighting trade and economic cooperation and the role of German business groups in expanding ties. TAPI Progress: Afghanistan’s Herat governor says the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline work in Herat is set to finish and enter operation within two months, with the project designed for 33 bcm/year capacity. Japan Cooperation Pipeline: Turkmenistan and Japan advanced preparations for the next round of economic cooperation committee meetings, with talks covering gas-chemicals, transport, and the circular economy. Energy Market Diversification: Commentary and reporting focus on Turkmenistan’s push to move beyond China-only gas exports, with renewed attention on Uzbekistan and potential demand in Tajikistan. Digital Trade Route: Singapore and Kazakhstan signed an MoU to strengthen digital trade and logistics along the Middle Corridor, a route that includes Turkmenistan. Education for Industry: Turkmenistan began rolling out its 2026–2030 phase of higher professional education reforms, including employer-skill surveys and new accreditation tools.

Turkmen-Japan Economic Talks: Ashgabat held a videoconference between FM Rashid Meredov and Hiroyuki Tsubai, chairman of the Japanese-Turkmen Committee for Economic Cooperation, agreeing on the agenda for the next joint meeting and preparing documents for signing on gas-chemicals, transport and the circular economy. Energy Diplomacy at OGT 2026: SOCAR will return as premier partner of Turkmenistan’s flagship “Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026” (21–23 Oct), underscoring growing Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan energy cooperation. Gas Export Diversification Watch: A renewed focus on selling Turkmen gas beyond China is back in the spotlight after Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin’s visit, with Uzbekistan already buying and Tajikistan seen as a potential market. EU/ Germany Business Links: FM Meredov met Germany’s new ambassador, Petra Dachtler, highlighting trade ties and the role of Germany’s Eastern Committee of the German Economy, alongside cooperation in culture, healthcare and education. EBRD Partnership Upgrade: Turkmenistan is deepening integration with the EBRD after Ashgabat talks, including a new framework for the Central Bank’s priorities for 2027–2032 aimed at macro stability and green investment. Digital Finance Under Constraints: A review of Turkmenistan’s fintech outlook says the country is modernizing selectively—digital-economy plans and crypto-related rules exist, but the model remains more closed than open digital markets. Regional Trade Pressure from Iran Sanctions: Iran’s ambassador in Ashgabat called US sanctions “economic terrorism,” while broader reporting shows Washington’s “Operation Economic Outcast” is pushing partners to cut financial ties—raising transit and trade risk for the region. Middle Corridor Digital Trade: Singapore and Kazakhstan signed an MoU to boost digital trade and logistics along the Middle Corridor, a route that runs through Central Asia including Turkmenistan.

Sanctions Pressure on Trade Routes: Iran’s ambassador in Ashgabat, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, called new US sanctions “economic terrorism,” saying Tehran is focusing on transport and transit links and working with regional blocs like the SCO and BRICS. Turkmen-Japanese Economic Talks: Turkmenistan’s foreign minister met Japan’s economic cooperation committee chair via videoconference to set the agenda for the next Turkmen-Japanese committee meeting, with projects discussed in gas-chemicals, transport, and the circular economy. Higher Education for the Labor Market: Turkmenistan began rolling out its 2026–2030 phase of the 2026–2052 higher professional education strategy, including employer skills surveys, a digital demand platform, and updated accreditation through rating.bilim.tm. Gas Export Diversification Watch: Renewed attention returned to Turkmenistan’s push beyond China as Tajikistan’s foreign minister visited Ashgabat to discuss trade and transport, though no new gas supply deals were mentioned. Border-Crossing Modernization Funding: The ADB is preparing a regional financing mechanism up to $400m to modernize border crossing points across CAREC countries, aiming to cut freight delays and costs through upgrades and streamlined procedures. Middle Corridor Connectivity Risk: Commentary highlights how the Iran war is disrupting Eurasian trade connectivity, including routes linked to Turkmenistan via rail links through northern Iran.

Energy Markets: Turkmenistan is again looking beyond China for gas buyers in Central Asia, with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin’s Aug. 20–21 visit to Ashgabat highlighting trade, transport and energy talks—though no new supply volumes were publicly confirmed. Regional Connectivity: ADB is preparing a CAREC-wide financing mechanism of up to $400 million to modernize border crossing points across the Middle Corridor, including Turkmenistan, with upgrades aimed at cutting freight delays and costs. Diplomacy & Trade Links: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Germany’s newly appointed ambassador Petra Dachtler, stressing EU ties and Central Asia–Germany cooperation, including trade and transport connectivity. Education for Industry: Turkmenistan launched a new master’s programme in Oil and Gas Industry Economics and Management under Erasmus+ to train specialists in ESG strategies and sustainable development for the sector. Security & Trade Routes: Iran’s war is disrupting Eurasian connectivity, with reports pointing to damage to a key northern rail bridge near Turkmenistan-linked routes, raising new logistics risks for the region.

Turkmenistan–China Cooperation: A Xinjiang delegation visited Ashgabat and toured the International Science and Technology Park, praising its equipment and discussing practical collaboration in science, education, agriculture and water conservation. Diplomatic Push with Europe: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Germany’s newly appointed ambassador Petra Dachtler, reaffirming Germany as a leading EU partner and highlighting cooperation on trade, sustainable development and climate goals. Regional Energy & Trade Links: Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions saw foreign-currency purchases of urea and desulphurised diesel fraction, plus textiles and yarn, while domestic buyers secured polypropylene and flour. Education for Industry: A new Erasmus+-backed master’s programme in Oil and Gas Industry Economics and Management was launched at the International University of Oil and Gas, focusing on ESG strategies and sustainable development. Cross-border Consultations: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held political consultations, reviewing growing trade and planning further cooperation in energy, transport, communications, agriculture and investment. Business-Adjacent Sports: Turkmen wrestler Alp Arslan Begenjov won bronze at the U20 World Championships in Slovakia.

Turkmenistan-EU ties: Germany’s new ambassador to Ashgabat, Petra Dachtler, presented credentials and said Berlin is one of Turkmenistan’s leading EU partners, with cooperation spanning trade, peace, sustainable development and climate goals. Education for energy jobs: Turkmenistan launched a new master’s programme in Oil and Gas Industry Economics and Management at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University, built on Erasmus+ projects and focused on ESG strategies and sustainable development for the sector. China-Xinjiang meets Turkmenistan: A Xinjiang delegation visited Ashgabat to turn cooperation into practical work in agriculture, water conservation, science, education and advanced technology, including lab tours at the national science park. Trade and procurement signals: At Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions, foreign buyers from the UAE and Türkiye purchased urea and diesel fractions, while domestic firms bought polypropylene and other goods—total transactions topped $46.4m. Energy infrastructure push: The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan power transmission project is entering active implementation, with completed Turkmen lines and plans for 220 kV links to Afghanistan and 500 kV to Pakistan, anchored by the Mary power plant. Regional connectivity via Caspian shipping: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed a joint Caspian fleet and shipping venture ideas, aiming to ease Middle Corridor bottlenecks and cut transit friction. Diplomatic continuity with Tajikistan: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held political consultations, highlighting growing trade and prospects in energy, transport, communications, agriculture and investment.

Turkmenistan Trade & Commodities: The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange (SCRMET) recorded 19 foreign-currency transactions totaling $46.412m, with UAE, Türkiye and Afghanistan buying urea and desulphurised diesel fractions, while Türkiye and Azerbaijan also purchased textiles and yarn. Domestic Market Demand: In parallel, local buyers spent over 80.634m manats on polypropylene, wheat flour and cotton yarn. Regional Energy Connectivity: Turkmenistan’s Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (TAP) power transmission project is moving through active implementation, with 220 kV lines toward Afghanistan and 500 kV toward Pakistan, using electricity from the Mary power plant. Diplomacy & Trade Talks: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Tajikistan’s foreign minister as Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held political consultations focused on expanding trade and cooperation in energy, transport, communications, agriculture, trade and investment. Business-Adjacent Events: Turkmenistan’s delegation joined an international media forum in Uzbekistan, while Ashgabat hosted the “Kids Expo,” featuring Arkadag Medical Cluster baby food and other child-focused products. Policy & Governance: A round table in the Kyrgyz Republic discussed the upcoming Halk Maslahaty meeting and Turkmenistan’s UN-backed “Year of International Law, 2028” initiative.