Turkmen Energy & Industry Diplomacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Kawasaki Heavy Industries VP Kenji Sanada and also discussed industrial, energy and construction cooperation with Japanese and Turkish firms, underlining Ashgabat’s push to modernize gas and chemical projects. Digital Oil & Gas: Turkmenistan is rolling out AI and digital tools across the hydrocarbon chain, with refinery upgrades including automated monitoring and smarter dispatch. Transport & Logistics: A new China–Turkmenistan rail service (5,420 km) has launched, and Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan rail freight rose sharply in early 2026, strengthening the North–South corridor. Air Cargo Expansion: Air Belgium plans to start cargo flights via Ashgabat in early August, aiming to diversify Asia–Europe logistics routes. Regional Finance: The EBRD is preparing a next-month visit to Turkmenistan to expand cooperation across fuel/energy, transport, environment and banking. Agro-Industry: A new e-journal, “Agroinnovation in Turkmenistan,” is set to launch to share research and advanced practices for the agro-industrial sector. Infrastructure Watch: Construction of a second berth at Georgia’s New Sea Port of Poti began with a U.S. $25m loan, tied to Middle Corridor trade ambitions.