On March 26, 2026 Ashgabat hosted the “Turkmenistan-European Union” Business Forum, themed “New Horizons for Connectivity, Investment and Sustainable Growth”. The event brought together high-ranking representatives of the Government of Turkmenistan, the EU diplomatic corps, international financial institutions , and executives from leading companies to discuss strategic partnership within the framework of the “Global Gateway” initiative. The forum program was organized into thematic blocks covering key aspects of economic cooperation:
- Improving the Business Climate: Participants in the first session discussed Turkmenistan’s progress in the WTO accession process, the modernization of the institutional framework, and new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Transport Connectivity: The second session focused on Turkmenistan’s role in developing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the digitalization of customs procedures, and strengthening logistical links between Europe and Asia.
- Green Transition and Decarbonization: This pivotal session was organized by the project “European Union (EU) for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2029.” The discussion brought together policymakers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to identify practical solutions in the field of renewable energy sources (RES) and methane emissions reduction.
During the forum, Mr. Joachim Fritz, GIZ Country Coordinator in Turkmenistan, noted: “Our partnership with Turkmenistan is reaching a qualitatively new level, where the environmental agenda and economic development are inextricably linked. This forum has served as a unique platform for transforming diplomatic dialogue into concrete investment projects that will lay the foundation for a sustainable future for the region.” A significant outcome of the forum was the official signing ceremony of two Protocols, the Protocol on Amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the State Concern “Turkmengas,” and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the document provides for an allocation of additional funding amounting to 2 million EUR and a one-year extension of the “EU for a Green Turkmenistan” project activities. And second, the Protocol on Amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and GIZ, where provided allocation of additional funding for the project EU for Sustainable Central Asia: Renewable Energy in Central Asia. The event concluded with a press conference and a series of B2B and B2G business meetings, where participants discussed specific steps for implementing joint initiatives.
