AGP Executive Report

Turkmen-Japanese Economic Push: Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Japan’s Kenji Yamada to expand trade and joint projects, with talks focused on energy, industry, transport, chemicals, and bringing in Japanese tech for digitalization and a circular economy. Textile Trade Boost: “Turkmen Expo” is partnering with FAST TEXTILE 2026 in Poland, organizing Turkmenistan’s national pavilion so manufacturers can meet foreign buyers and partners in November. CIS Security & Agri Digitalization: In Ashgabat, CIS Economic Council members agreed funding for a joint air defense system in 2027 and approved a 2026–2030 transport security action plan, while also backing digital transformation projects for agricultural industries. Korea-Central Asia Summit (Seoul): South Korea will host the first Korea-Central Asia Summit on Sept. 16, with Turkmenistan among the leaders, aiming to link energy and critical minerals with Korean processing know-how and supply-chain cooperation. Water-Efficient Farming Training: UNDP trained Turkmen irrigation specialists on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve crop water planning, using a Turkmen-adapted digital approach under a GEF-funded Aral Sea basin project. Cotton Harvest Starts: Turkmenistan kicked off the “white harvest” cotton campaign on Sept. 9, urging timely picking and delivery to processing facilities.

Diplomatic Push: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met the EU’s Luc Pierre Devigne and France’s Aléna Grand, with both sides flagging trade, energy, industry, digital tech and Caspian transport links as priorities. Caspian Logistics: Ports and corridor talks in the Caspian–Black Sea network highlighted faster, more predictable cargo flows; Baku–Turkmenistan turnover rose 34.6% in early 2026. Trade & Connectivity: Ashgabat hosted a C5+1 Secretariat meeting focused on trade, transport and critical minerals, while Afghanistan’s ACCI chair met Turkmenistan’s ambassador to advance transit corridors and investment, including an Ashgabat forum in October. Energy & Environment: UNDP trained Turkmen engineers on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 for water-efficient agriculture, as Turkmenistan also moves to tackle major methane leaks; regional coverage also points to worsening Caspian Sea pollution and shrinking levels. Public Health & Industry: IOM supported Turkmenistan border health preparedness, and Turkmen health officials advanced antimicrobial resistance surveillance guidelines. Agro-Industry: Cotton “white harvest” begins nationwide on 9 September, with emphasis on timely picking and delivery to processing floors.

Water-Efficient Farming: UNDP trained Turkmen irrigation engineers and agronomists on FAO CROPWAT 8.0 to improve crop water planning under a GEF-backed Aral Sea Basin project, using locally adapted data and pilot hydro-module zoning in Dashoguz. Health Under Climate Stress: In Ashgabat, UNFPA and Turkmen health and labor bodies mapped how to protect maternal and reproductive health during extreme heat, feeding climate resilience into national strategies and regulatory updates. Caspian Pollution Debate: A new look at Caspian Sea contamination points to major river sources (especially the Volga) and coastal cities’ domestic and industrial discharges, keeping pressure on regional environmental controls. Transport & Logistics for Industry: Port leaders from Aktau, Kuryk, Turkmenbashi, Poti and Batumi met to coordinate faster, more predictable cargo flows for the Middle Corridor; early 2026 figures cited strong growth in Baku–Turkmenistan port turnover. Digital Trade Facilitation: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan trialed cross-Caspian eTIR, moving a consignment with one electronic transit process instead of repeated paper stamps. Public Health at Borders: IOM ran a two-day training in Ashgabat on early detection of health risks at border crossing points and smoother inter-agency response during emergencies. AMR Surveillance Drafting: Turkmenistan advanced a national guideline for antimicrobial resistance epidemiological surveillance, bringing multiple health institutions into the drafting and review process. Diplomacy for Economic Links: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met new EU and French ambassadors, with trade, energy and transport/logistics highlighted as priority areas. Agro-Industry Production: A Balkanabat enterprise “Altyn nur zamany” expanded greenhouse and fruit-vegetable processing output, supplying jam and juices to domestic and foreign markets.

C5+1 Trade & Transport: Ashgabat hosted a U.S.-Central Asia C5+1 Secretariat meeting focused on expanding cooperation in critical minerals, trade and transport, with plans for upcoming events and tighter links between agencies and experts. Public Health & Industry Readiness: A Turkmenistan working group met in Ashgabat to draft national guidance for antimicrobial resistance epidemiological surveillance, aiming to strengthen roles across health institutions. Border Health Systems: IOM ran a two-day training in Ashgabat on early detection of health risks at border crossing points, improving inter-agency information exchange and continuity of essential services for migrants and local communities. Transport & Logistics Pressure: The shrinking Caspian Sea is already cutting Middle Corridor shipping capacity, forcing lower cargo loads and raising dredging and port upgrade costs. Digital Corridor Pilot: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan completed a cross-Caspian eTIR customs pilot, moving a shipment using one electronic transit process instead of repeated paper stamps. Transport Diplomacy Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected next chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, prioritizing energy and transport connectivity under the Awaza Programme of Action. Energy & Gas Flows: Gazprom said gas supplies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are up nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan increasingly relying on Russian and Turkmen volumes. Offshore Engineering: ABS issued Basic Design Review certification to Hanwha Ocean for a standardized FPSO design for deepwater markets in South America and West Africa. Agribusiness Output: A Balkanabat private producer “Altyn nur zamany” is scaling fruit and vegetable processing, including jams and juices, using modern greenhouse and equipment. Diplomatic Links: New EU and France ambassadors presented credentials in Ashgabat, with both sides pointing to cooperation in trade, energy, transport and logistics.

Landlocked trade leadership: Turkmenistan has been elected the next chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, starting Jan. 1, 2027, with Azerbaijan as vice-chair, and will focus on energy and transport connectivity plus implementing the Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034). Caspian shipping pressure: The Caspian Sea retreat is increasingly hitting the Middle Corridor—shallower waters are forcing lower cargo loads and raising costs for ports and dredging, with one ferry now carrying only about 80% of a full load. Border health readiness: IOM, WHO, and Turkmen health authorities trained officials in Ashgabat on public health risk detection at border crossing points, including better inter-agency information exchange and uninterrupted care for migrants and host communities during emergencies. Digital logistics trial: A customs pilot using eTIR carried a cross-Caspian shipment from Azerbaijan to Turkmenbashi and onward through Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, aiming to cut paperwork friction on the Trans-Caspian route. AI for production: Turkmenistan’s science park is pushing AI-enabled smart irrigation and digital logistics tools to improve water use in agriculture and efficiency in freight and infrastructure. Industry partnership: South Korea and Turkmenistan are expanding cooperation beyond big projects, including shipbuilding at the Balkan Shipyard with technology transfer and local workforce involvement.

Trans-Caspian Trade Pressure: The falling Caspian Sea level is already cutting Middle Corridor cargo capacity, with one ferry reportedly carrying only 80% of a full load and ports in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan facing higher dredging and berth-rebuild costs. Central Asia Sanctions Risk: A new wave of U.S. secondary sanctions targeting Iran-linked shipping, rail, ports, insurance and banks could push regional firms to over-comply and drop ordinary trade routes—hurting transit-dependent supply chains. Turkmenistan Agro-Industry Spotlight: Balkanabat private producer «Altyn nur zamany» is expanding greenhouse-based fruit and vegetable processing, including jams and juices, using modern equipment and supplying domestic retail and export markets. UN Sustainability in Turkmenistan: The UN Resident Coordinator in Ashgabat outlined economic, social and environmental principles for Caspian Sea sustainable development, linking ports and trade to biodiversity protection. Digital Economy for Industry: Turkmenistan is pushing AI for practical production needs—smart irrigation, soil monitoring and digital logistics—to improve water use and freight efficiency. Energy Market Watch: Gazprom says gas supplies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are up nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan still relying on Russian and Turkmen volumes. Landlocked Connectivity: Turkmenistan was elected chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, prioritizing energy and transport connectivity and Avaza Action Plan implementation. Equestrian Brand Power: Turkmen athletes won 11 medals at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, reinforcing ethnosports and cultural-industry visibility. Construction/Procurement: SCRMET auctions totaled over $38.56m, with foreign-currency purchases including Portland cement and heating oil, plus cotton fabric and dried liquorice.

Agro-Industry & Consumer Goods: In Balkanabat, private producer “Altyn nur zamany” is ramping up fruit and vegetable processing (including jam and juices) using modern equipment, feeding both domestic retail and export demand. Food Processing Upgrade: Turkmenistan’s meat sector keeps shifting from fresh counters to branded processed lines—sausages, smoked products, semi-finished and ready-to-cook items—showing how processing capacity is changing everyday consumption. Digital Logistics & Transport: UN/UNECE and TRACECA wrapped a Baku seminar on the “multimodal digital Trans-Caspian Corridor,” focusing on data exchange and pilot digitalization across rail, sea, road and air. Caspian Trade Costs: Falling Caspian Sea levels are already cutting cargo capacity on the Middle Corridor—one ferry can carry only 80% load—pushing ports toward costly dredging and possible berth extensions. Energy Supply Signals: Gazprom said gas deliveries to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are up nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan increasingly relying on Russian and Turkmen imports. Construction & Industry Inputs: SCRMET auctions logged 22 deals worth $38.56m, including foreign-currency purchases of Portland cement and heating oil, plus cotton and dried liquorice. Sustainability & Water: UN training in Ashgabat stressed the Caspian’s economic and social role alongside biodiversity risks, while regional discussions keep circling around water efficiency and governance. Policy & International Transport Diplomacy: Hero-Arkadag reiterated Turkmenistan’s push for Silk Road-style transit corridors and UN-backed sustainable transport priorities.

AI for Industry & Agriculture: Turkmenistan’s Academy of Sciences park is pushing practical AI for crop forecasting, smart irrigation and automated soil monitoring, aiming to cut water use by 20–30% while boosting yields. Transport & Energy Diplomacy: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with priorities including energy and transport connectivity and advancing the Avaza Action Plan. Biodiversity Planning: A UNDP-GEF workshop in Ashgabat moved Turkmenistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy update into its final phase, covering the 2026–2035 plan and upcoming CBD reporting milestones. Methane & Energy Infrastructure: UN methane monitoring reports Turkmenistan is repairing major gas leaks after alerts, as Ashgabat works to upgrade fuel infrastructure and reduce emissions. Trade & Commodities: SCRMET auctions logged $38.56m in foreign-currency deals, including Portland cement and heating oil, plus cotton fabric/yarn and dried liquorice roots. Construction Skills: UNDP-GEF seminars at TSACI focused on near-zero energy building design and energy-efficient construction standards.

Turkmenistan’s trade and industry pulse: The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange (SCRMET) logged 22 foreign-currency deals worth over $38.56m, with Singapore and Türkiye buying Portland cement and heating oil, and cotton fabric/yarn plus dried liquorice roots sold to the UAE, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan; for the domestic market, local buyers took construction bitumen, raw silk, cotton products and gauze worth 140.3m manats. Energy and infrastructure focus: UN-linked reporting says Ashgabat is repairing major methane leaks after satellite alerts, with officials addressing dozens of cases and at least eight significant leaks reportedly fixed—an industrial compliance push that matters for gas production and climate risk. Regional connectivity and governance: Turkmenistan was unanimously elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, prioritizing energy and transport connectivity and the Avaza Action Plan. Construction and skills: UNDP/GEF seminars at the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute promoted near-zero energy building design and energy-efficient standards, aiming to upgrade the construction sector’s technical base. Culture with an industry angle: Turkmen leaders continued promoting Akhal-Teke horse breeding abroad during the Netherlands championship, pairing cultural diplomacy with international cooperation in equestrian science and events.

Methane & Energy Infrastructure: UN-linked monitoring says Turkmenistan has started repairing major methane leaks, with at least eight significant fixes reported after satellite alerts, signaling a push to upgrade fuel infrastructure. Construction & Efficiency: UNDP/GEF seminars at the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute focus on near-zero energy building design and energy-efficient standards for new residential and public projects. Food Industry Modernization: Turkmenistan’s meat and dairy markets keep shifting from basic supply to branded processing—examples include Bereketli’s expanded processed meat range and local firms scaling packaged dairy products. Transport Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov used a public lesson to stress Turkmenistan’s role in Silk Road-style transit corridors and UN-backed sustainable transport plans. International Cooperation: Meetings in the Netherlands highlight deeper Turkmen-Dutch ties in transport, ports, agriculture, energy and industrial cooperation, while German business interest centers on healthcare and agriculture partnerships. Landlocked Countries Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity set as priorities. Equine & Cultural Industry: Turkmen participation in the World Akhal-Teke championship in the Netherlands underscores ongoing scientific and organizational work in horse breeding and international events.

Transport Diplomacy & Connectivity: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov used a public lesson in Arkadag to stress Turkmenistan’s role in reviving the Great Silk Road and building modern transport and transit corridors, noting UNGA-backed steps including the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035). Energy & Methane Control: UN-linked reporting says Ashgabat is repairing major methane leaks after satellite alerts, with dozens of cases addressed and at least eight significant leaks fixed—part of broader infrastructure upgrades. Gas & Regional Supply: Berdimuhamedov also highlighted TAPI’s long-term impact for a ~2 billion-people region and job creation, alongside plans to expand electricity supplies via regional projects. International Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity set as priorities. Caspian Gas Investment: Petronas secured new offshore blocks in the Turkmen Caspian sector (Blocks 19 and 20), with further surveys planned for additional blocks. Bilateral Trade Talks: Turkmenistan and the Netherlands discussed expanding cooperation in transport/logistics, port infrastructure, agriculture, energy, high tech and industrial ties in The Hague. Industry & Consumers: A look at Turkmenistan’s dairy market shows a shift toward branded, standardized production by local processors.

Transport Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov used a public lesson in Arkadag to stress Turkmenistan’s role at the crossroads of Eurasian routes, linking the “Revival of the Great Silk Road” to modern transit corridors and UN-backed sustainable transport plans. Energy & Jobs: He also reiterated the strategic case for the TAPI gas pipeline, saying it can supply a region of about 2 billion people and create thousands of jobs in Afghanistan. Methane Crackdown: UN-linked reporting says Turkmenistan is repairing major methane leaks after satellite alerts, with upgrades aimed at strengthening fuel infrastructure. International Logistics Push: Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry says talks in The Hague with the Netherlands focused on expanding cooperation in transport and logistics, port infrastructure, energy, agriculture tech, and industrial partnerships. Regional Leadership: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity set as priorities. Caspian Gas Expansion: Petronas secured new offshore blocks in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian, while Turkmenistan plans further geological surveys to grow gas output and new markets.

Transport Diplomacy: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan is strengthening its role as a hub for international transport diplomacy, pointing to UN-backed initiatives including the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035). Energy & Methane Control: UN-linked reporting says Ashgabat is repairing major methane leaks after MARS alerts, with upgrades aimed at fixing large-scale gas infrastructure problems. Oil Market Exposure: Afghanistan’s oil and gas chief says fuel imports from regional suppliers—including Turkmenistan—continue, but regional disruptions and Hormuz-related shocks can quickly affect prices and availability. Caspian Gas Expansion: Petronas secured new offshore blocks in Turkmenistan’s Caspian sector (Blocks 19 and 20), while further surveys are planned for additional blocks—supporting continued offshore development. Landlocked Connectivity: Turkmenistan was elected Chair of the UN Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for 2027–2028, with energy and transport connectivity set as priorities. Agriculture Output: Balkan velayat melon growers plan a harvest of 52,400 tonnes from 2,600 hectares as harvesting campaigns ramp up. Construction Efficiency: UNDP and GEF seminars in Ashgabat focused on near-zero energy buildings and energy-efficient construction standards for Turkmenistan’s building sector.

Methane & Gas Infrastructure: UN-linked monitoring says Turkmenistan has started repairing major methane leaks after satellite alerts, with officials addressing dozens of cases and at least eight significant leaks reportedly fixed—part of a broader push to upgrade gas infrastructure. Energy-Efficient Construction: UNDP and GEF ran seminars in Ashgabat on near-zero energy building design and green standards, training faculty and students at the Turkmen State Architecture and Construction Institute. Caspian Gas Expansion: Petronas secured two new offshore blocks in Turkmenistan’s Caspian sector (Blocks 19 and 20) and more surveys are planned, extending foreign investment in offshore gas development. Regional Energy Strategy (TAPI): Turkmenistan’s top leader reiterated that the TAPI pipeline can supply a region of about 2 billion people and create jobs, while also stressing Turkmenistan’s capacity to expand electricity supplies. Agriculture & Food Industry: Winter wheat sowing began across Turkmenistan, while coverage also highlights the continued modernization of the dairy market and local processing capacity. Trade & Logistics Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and the Netherlands discussed expanding business ties in transport and logistics, port infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and industrial cooperation.

U.S. Critical Minerals Push: A new round of talks in Bishkek between U.S. Special Envoy Sergio Gor and Senator Steve Daines focused on turning political dialogue into mining and processing deals for Central Asia, with Washington weighing investment in mineral sectors across the region. TAPI Energy Vision: Turkmenistan’s National Leader said the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline could supply energy to a market of about 2 billion people and create jobs, while also pointing to Turkmenistan’s capacity to expand electricity supplies. Methane Accountability: Canada plugged a major methane leak at an Alberta oil and gas site after a UN Environment Programme satellite alert, underscoring how satellite monitoring is tightening pressure on emissions. Turkmen–Netherlands Business Agenda: In The Hague, Turkmenistan and the Netherlands agreed to deepen cooperation in transport and logistics, port infrastructure, agriculture, energy, high technologies, and industrial projects, with more direct business contacts on the table. Turkmen Education & Skills: New university complexes in Ashgabat and the Architecture and Construction Institute opening were highlighted alongside the launch of an international Pearson Certiport center to expand access to globally recognized certifications. Caspian Gas Expansion: Turkmenistan’s offshore Caspian development moves forward as Petronas secured new blocks in the Turkmen sector, alongside planned surveys for additional areas. Agriculture Update: Winter wheat sowing began across Turkmenistan after the start date was set for all regions simultaneously, with farmers preparing land, seeds, and machinery for the campaign.

Caspian Gas Deal: Turkmenistan’s offshore gas push in the Caspian Sea is advancing as Petronas secures new blocks 19 and 20 in the Turkmen sector, while additional surveys are planned for blocks 11–14—another step toward expanding production and finding fresh export markets. Clean Energy Minerals: A new OSCE report flags Central Asia’s uranium, copper, lithium and rare earth potential as key to clean-energy supply chains, while warning that workforce, infrastructure readiness and environmental risks still need work. Fuel Security Shock: Ukraine’s drone campaign is reported to have hit nearly 43% of Russia’s refining capacity, triggering fuel rationing and export limits—raising concerns for Central Asia’s dependence on Russian petroleum products, including shortages and price pressure. Energy Transition Meets Water: Central Asia’s shift to solar, wind, hydropower and grid upgrades is increasingly tied to water security, with climate-driven hydrology swings creating both a risk and an incentive for a more integrated power system. Education for Industry: Turkmenistan opened new university complexes for architecture, construction and teacher training in Ashgabat, with modern labs and international certification support—aimed at feeding engineers and construction specialists into the economy. Agriculture on the Ground: Winter wheat sowing has started nationwide after the President adjusted the campaign dates, with farmers preparing land, seeds and machinery for the next harvest. Dairy Market Upgrade: Turkmenistan’s dairy sector continues to modernize, with more branded, standardized products and expanding private processing capacity—from milk to yoghurt, kefir and cheese.