AGP Executive Report

TAPI Gas Push: Turkmenistan says the Serhetabat–Herat section of the TAPI pipeline is expected to be finished by end-2026, setting up natural gas deliveries to Afghanistan in 2027, with the 1,800-km project designed for up to 33 bcm/year and aimed at diversifying Ashgabat’s gas exports. Energy & Environment Watch: Iran warns Caspian Sea levels have been dropping by over 20 cm annually, threatening coastal ecosystems across about 90% of habitats, as COP7 of the Tehran Convention opens with Turkmenistan among key littoral participants. Agriculture on the Ground: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reviewed seasonal work in the agricultural complex, including winter wheat sowing, cotton harvesting, and crop care across velayats. Industrial Expansion: Lebap Cement Plant ramps up output after commissioning a second phase, lifting capacity to 2 million tons/year and enabling production of higher-grade S-600 cement for construction and infrastructure. Regional Connectivity: Turkmenistan highlights transport and energy corridor cooperation with Pakistan, while Uzbekistan reviews major logistics projects tied to Caspian and Black Sea ports and studies rail links via Nakhchivan to Türkiye. Ozone & Green Tech: A Turkmen Agricultural Institute seminar marked the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, focusing on “green” initiatives and digital tools for sustainable agriculture.

TAPI Gas Push: Turkmenistan says the Serhetabat–Herat section of the TAPI pipeline is expected to be finished this year, setting up natural gas supplies to Afghanistan in 2027 and supporting Pakistan’s industrial growth. Cement Capacity Boost: Lebap Cement Plant expanded its second phase to raise output to 2 million tons a year and add higher-grade S-600 cement, with imported equipment aimed at international standards. Housing for Energy Workers: The Cabinet discussed new regional housing for oil and gas sector employees, including multi-building projects in Mary, Balkanabat and Turkmenbashi. Healthcare Infrastructure: New medical facilities are planned for the Day of healthcare workers, including an oncology center, pediatrics center and dental center in Ashgabat. EU Dialogue: Turkmenistan and the EU held talks in Ashgabat on bilateral cooperation priorities ahead of the UN General Assembly. Regional Connectivity Talk: Turkmenistan highlighted transport and energy corridor cooperation involving Central Asia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with TAP power transmission progress noted. Food Processing Updates: At the Exhibition of Economic Achievements, domestic enterprises showcased new canned meat and fruit/vegetable products, plus modernized meat-processing lines. Mobility & Consumer Life: A new installment on Turkmenistan’s “ways to move” points to expanded sports facilities and everyday transport options shaping daily life.

TAPI Gas Push: Turkmenistan says the Serhetabat–Herat section of the TAPI pipeline is expected to be completed this year, setting up natural gas supplies to Afghanistan in 2027—an important step for diversifying Turkmen gas exports and supporting regional industry. Cement Capacity Boost: Lebap Cement Plant is expanding output after commissioning its second phase, lifting capacity to 2 million tons annually and enabling production of higher-grade S-600 cement for construction and infrastructure. Housing for Energy Workers: The Cabinet discussed new regional housing for oil and gas sector employees, including multi-building complexes planned in Mary, Balkanabat and Turkmenbashi. Healthcare Infrastructure: Preparations are underway for major medical openings ahead of the Day of healthcare workers, including new oncology, pediatrics and dental centers in Ashgabat. Energy Strategy Outlook: A new energy-development phase is highlighted around Galkynysh field expansion, Caspian exploration and regional infrastructure—linking gas resources to market-ready projects. Trade & Connectivity: Turkmenistan-Russia preparations continue for the 14th economic cooperation meeting, with agenda items spanning fuel and energy, industry, agriculture, customs, digital tech and transport. Industrial Consumer Products: Turkmen food and consumer enterprises showcased new items at the Exhibition of Economic Achievements, from fruit-and-vegetable preserves to modernized meat-processing lines. Intellectual Property Drive: Turkmenistan is stepping up cooperation with WIPO and the Eurasian Patent Organisation, including plans for an Ashgabat seminar on protecting inventions and streamlining patent processes. Regional Logistics Context: Uzbekistan is studying participation in a railway linking Nakhchivan to Türkiye, with logistics plans involving Turkmenbashi and other Caspian/Black Sea ports to diversify export routes.

Mobility & Consumer Industry: Turkmenistan’s transport experience is shifting from Soviet-era patterns to everyday car, taxi, and modern bus use, with Hyundai service and upgraded Ashgabat bus fleets reflecting growing consumer choice. Trade & Logistics Pressure: Central Asia’s intra-regional trade rose 25.4% in Jan–Jul 2026 to $8.1bn, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan driving most of the growth; meanwhile, Iran’s overland rerouting under the U.S. blockade is snarling borders with weeks-long waits that raise costs and disrupt imports. Energy & Power Reliability: Farah residents report severe electricity shortages, while local officials say electricity from Turkmenistan via Herat is planned to ease the problem. Food Processing & Retail Products: Turkmenistan’s food enterprises showcased new items at Ashgabat’s Exhibition of Economic Achievements, including melon and watermelon jams plus modernized canned meat and “meat breakfast” products. Industrial Equipment for Shops: ES “Gyrawly suw” presented LORS refrigerators meeting international standards, targeting wholesale and export growth. Environment & Ozone Awareness: World Ozone Day events in Ashgabat used schoolchildren competitions and “eco-logistics” games to teach safer everyday choices. Diplomacy for Industry & Energy: Turkmenistan briefed diplomats on UNGA priorities spanning transport connectivity, energy dialogue, climate action, and multilateral trust-building. Korea-Central Asia Industrial Push: The Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul produced a “Seoul Declaration” and a new AI/science partnership track, while Daewoo E&C moved toward project work in Turkmenistan via Karakum Canal modernization talks. Agriculture Operations: Winter wheat sowing is underway in Dashoguz velayat, with large areas allocated and frost- and drought-tolerant varieties planned for timely completion.

World Ozone Day Education: Turkmenistan ran hands-on ozone awareness events for schoolchildren in Ashgabat, using quizzes and an “Eco-Logistics” game to teach why the ozone layer matters and how everyday choices affect the environment. Textiles & Fashion Exports: Turkmen designers showcased collections at Paris’s Who’s Next exhibition, while a study tour to Texworld and Première Vision helped local brands learn European retail standards and buyer expectations. Refrigeration Manufacturing: ES “Gyrawly suw” presented LORS refrigerators at the Exhibition of Economic Achievements, highlighting seven types meeting international standards and plans to scale output for domestic and wholesale demand. Diplomacy for Industry & Trade: Turkmenistan’s MFA briefed diplomats on priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, stressing peace, transport connectivity, depoliticized energy dialogue, climate action, and international economic cooperation. Central Asia–Italy Business Platform: The B5+ITALY platform launched in Astana to turn political dialogue into investment and industrial partnerships, covering transport/logistics, critical minerals, green energy, and agribusiness—key themes for regional manufacturers and exporters. Agriculture & Grain Supply: Dashoguz velayat expanded winter wheat sowing with frost- and drought-tolerant varieties, reinforcing its role as a major grain granary with storage and processing capacity.

UN Diplomacy & Economic Cooperation: Turkmenistan used MFA briefings ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly to push themes of restoring trust, preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, and a depoliticized energy dialogue, while also outlining closer work with international financial institutions. Nuclear & Healthcare Partnerships: A Turkmenistan delegation joined the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, highlighting nuclear non-proliferation and expanding cooperation on cancer diagnosis and treatment, including support for Ashgabat’s oncology center. Energy Security Positioning: Turkmenistan reiterated the Energy Charter Treaty’s relevance as a practical platform for energy security, framing current European reassessments as part of multilateral evolution rather than decline. Agriculture Update: Dashoguz velayat is advancing winter wheat sowing with frost- and drought-tolerant varieties, aiming to complete the campaign across major grain-producing areas. Water & Infrastructure Deal: Korean builder Daewoo E&C signed an MoU with Turkmenistan’s water authorities for Karakum Canal modernization, signaling deeper involvement in local infrastructure projects. Business Pipeline: Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 (Oct 1–2) will bring 200+ international firms; organizers say delegates can pre-schedule meetings via an app, including major Japanese and Korean companies. Cybersecurity Watch: New reporting links parts of the SilkParasite campaign to SpiceRAT infrastructure tied to Central Asian government and energy targets.

B5+Italy Business Platform: Italy and five Central Asian states, including Turkmenistan, launched the B5+ITALY platform in Astana on Sept. 18, aiming to turn political dialogue into trade, industrial cooperation, technology transfer, transport/logistics, critical minerals, green energy and deeper agribusiness processing. UN diplomacy & economic cooperation: Turkmenistan’s MFA briefed diplomats on priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly—peace, neutrality, preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, depoliticized energy dialogue, climate and humanitarian cooperation—while also outlining ongoing work with major international financial institutions. Nuclear cooperation for health: A Turkmenistan delegation joined the IAEA’s 70th General Conference in Vienna, stressing nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses, including cancer diagnosis and treatment support for Ashgabat’s oncology work. Energy security debate: Coverage from Gastech 2026 in Bangkok highlights a shift toward pragmatic energy planning—security, affordability and supply diversification—topics expected to carry into Ashgabat’s OGT 2026. Agriculture in Dashoguz: Winter wheat sowing is underway in Dashoguz velayat, with large areas allocated and frost- and drought-tolerant varieties planned as part of a full grain cycle from seed to storage and processing. Water infrastructure push: Korean builder Daewoo E&C signed an MoU with Turkmenistan’s water authorities for Karakum Canal modernization, positioning the project for broader water and environmental cooperation. Cyber risk watch: Reports link SilkParasite activity to a wider cluster of SpiceRAT command-and-control infrastructure targeting Central Asian governments and energy-related entities.

UN Diplomacy & Economic Partnerships: Turkmenistan used MFA briefings in Ashgabat to lay out priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly—peace and neutrality, transport connectivity, energy, climate, humanitarian cooperation, and a depoliticized energy dialogue—while also highlighting ongoing work with the IMF and World Bank to support industrialization, transport, energy, chemicals, agriculture, and the digital economy. Energy Security Pressure: A wider regional energy shock is building as conflicts disrupt supply routes around Europe and the Red Sea, with shipping control near Bab el-Mandeb raising the risk of higher costs and inflation. Nuclear for Industry & Health: Turkmenistan’s delegation took part in the IAEA General Conference and side events on “Atoms for Landlocked Developing Countries,” focusing on cancer care, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine, and expanding cooperation with the IAEA. Agriculture in Focus: Dashoguz velayat is pushing winter wheat sowing with frost- and drought-tolerant varieties, reinforcing its role as a major grain granary. Korea-Central Asia Deals Spill Into Projects: The first Korea–Central Asia summit in Seoul produced a “Seoul Declaration” and a new push on supply chains, AI, and critical minerals—while Korean firms like Daewoo E&C and LS Group moved toward concrete infrastructure and industrial MOUs, including Karakum Canal modernization and telecom cable plans. Cyber & Critical Sectors: New reporting links Central Asian government and energy targets to the SilkParasite campaign via connected command infrastructure tied to SpiceRAT activity.

UN Diplomacy & Economic Links: Turkmenistan’s MFA briefed diplomats and media on priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, centering permanent neutrality, sustainable transport, energy, climate/environment, and humanitarian cooperation, alongside plans to deepen international economic cooperation with major institutions. Energy Dialogue in Focus: As Gastech 2026 convenes in Bangkok, the global debate is shifting toward energy security, affordability for consumers, and supply diversification—with the same themes set to carry into OGT 2026 in Ashgabat. Nuclear Cooperation for Health & Development: Turkmenistan’s delegation joined the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, highlighting nuclear non-proliferation, peaceful uses, and healthcare work including cancer diagnosis and treatment, plus the “Atoms for Landlocked Developing Countries” initiative. Korea-Central Asia Industrial Push: Seoul’s first Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit produced a Seoul Declaration and a 30-year agenda tying critical minerals, energy, and AI/science to supply-chain and industrial upgrading; Turkmenistan is positioned for new business-to-business deals. Water & Infrastructure Deal: Daewoo E&C signed an MOU with Turkmenistan’s water authorities for Karakum Canal modernization, aiming to support water-resources and related environmental projects. Agriculture Update: Dashoguz velayat is ramping up winter wheat sowing with frost- and drought-tolerant varieties, reinforcing its role as a major grain granary. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers linked Central Asian-targeting malware infrastructure (SpiceRAT/related families) to the broader SilkParasite campaign, underscoring ongoing risks to government and energy sectors.

Turkmen Consumer Goods: Ashgabat’s personal-care shelves show how cosmetics and household hygiene have shifted from scarce imports to broader domestic chemical and consumer-goods production. Karakum Canal Modernization: Daewoo E&C is turning summit diplomacy into projects, signing an MoU with Turkmenistan’s State Committee for Water Management to modernize a key lower section of the Karakum Canal. TIF 2026 Deal-Making: Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 (Oct 1–2) is pushing faster matchmaking via its Attendee Hub and mobile app, with delegates able to schedule meetings in advance. Korea–Central Asia Industrial Push: Turkmenistan’s leaders and partners are using the new Korea–Central Asia summit framework to drive practical cooperation in energy, infrastructure, AI, and supply chains. Cyber & Energy Security: Research links SilkParasite-linked SpiceRAT infrastructure across Central Asia, underscoring ongoing risks for government and energy firms. Regional Trade Pressure: Reporting says Iran’s overland rerouting plan is bogged down by border congestion, bureaucracy, and rising costs—hitting routes that include Turkmenistan.

Korea–Central Asia Industrial Push: Turkmenistan’s Serdar Berdimuhamedov used the first “Central Asia–Republic of Korea” summit in Seoul to back practical business ties, including smart city and digital education cooperation, and to invite Korean firms into transport and logistics projects. Telecom & Minerals Deals: LS Group says it signed MOUs with Turkmenistan and other Central Asian partners—Turkmenistan for telecommunications cable infrastructure (optical fiber manufacturing and large-scale supply) and the wider region for critical minerals/rare metals and an industrial ecosystem. Awaza Nuclear Science: Turkmenistan hosted an IAEA side event on nuclear science for landlocked developing states, focusing on cancer care capacity, radiotherapy, and specialist training under the Awaza Programme of Action. Energy Infrastructure Progress: Work on TAPI in Herat continues, with pipe welding and laying advancing along the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India corridor, alongside parallel plans for power and rail links. Regional Security Context: OTS security council talks in Baku highlighted trade, transport, and humanitarian cooperation, while Turkic intelligence chiefs met in Kazakhstan to coordinate against cyber and AI threats.

Korea–Central Asia Summit Momentum: South Korea and five Central Asian states (including Turkmenistan) adopted the Seoul Declaration, setting biennial leaders’ summits and an industry-ministers platform to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, energy, supply chains, logistics, and digital transformation/AI—with a push to move from raw exports to joint processing and higher-value manufacturing. Turkmenistan–Korea Business Push: During Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s Seoul visit, Ashgabat highlighted interest in Korean technologies, industrial modernization know-how, and participation in transport and logistics projects, while noting 17 registered Korean investment projects worth over $12bn. KOTRA Export & Supply Deals: KOTRA hosted a Korea–Central Asia business partnership that brought 33 Central Asian buyers and suppliers to South Korea, generating about 200 consultations and 16 export contracts totaling $14m, plus a “supply chain lounge” focused on stabilizing key raw materials. TAPI Progress in Herat: On the energy front, Turkmenistan’s TAPI work in Afghanistan’s Herat advanced with 122.3 km of pipe welded and laid by mid-September, alongside plans for power and rail links to support a first Afghan market. Logistics Partnership: Lotte Global Logistics signed an MoU with Kazakhstan’s Shin-Line Group to expand logistics cooperation tied to the summit’s broader regional connectivity agenda.

Korea-Central Asia Summit: South Korea and five Central Asian states, including Turkmenistan, adopted the Seoul Declaration in Seoul, setting a 30-year agenda and agreeing to hold leaders’ summits every two years (next in Astana in 2028), with priorities spanning critical minerals, energy, supply chains, logistics, and digital transformation/AI. Business Deals: At a parallel Korea–Central Asia Business Summit, Seoul pushed a “new Silk Road” approach to move beyond raw-material trade into joint industrial value chains, while signing multiple MOUs covering trade and investment, industry and supply chains, and customs facilitation. Turkmen-Korea Project Pipeline: During President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s Seoul visit, Turkmenistan highlighted ongoing Korean-backed initiatives and support for new ventures; separately, Daewoo E&C signed an MoU to explore Karakum Canal modernization on a ~250 km section, aiming to upgrade water and environmental infrastructure. Regional Security: Turkic states’ intelligence chiefs met in Kazakhstan (including Turkmenistan’s national security ministry) and agreed on a shared strategy for border security and counterterrorism, with a focus on multi-domain threats including cyber and AI. Transport/Connectivity Context: Coverage also reiterated the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor” role as a crisis-resilient route, while noting rising freight volumes.

Korea–Central Asia Summit Momentum: South Korea’s Prime Minister Han Seong-sook urged expanded cooperation with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on critical minerals and AI, arguing that resources like lithium and rare metals can pair with Korean technology to build an industry ecosystem. Korea–Turkmenistan Investment Framework: Seoul and Ashgabat signed an investment protection agreement granting national treatment and most-favored-nation status, setting expropriation compensation rules and investor-state dispute procedures—aimed at boosting Korean participation in city construction, shipbuilding, and gas, chemical and fertilizer projects. Korea–Turkmenistan Deal Package: President Lee Jae-myung and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov agreed to broaden cooperation beyond energy and plants into railways, logistics, shipbuilding, new town development, water management, and forestry, with 13 agreements and MOUs exchanged. Karakum Canal Modernization: Daewoo E&C signed an MOU with Turkmenistan’s Water Resources Committee on Karakum Canal modernization, targeting upgrades to a key 250 km lower-canal segment to stabilize irrigation and water supply. Turkmen-Korean IT Localization: The “Ýerli Tor” joint venture will support domestic production of servers, data storage and networking equipment, with phased localization and training for Turkmen specialists. Energy Output Update: A new gas well entered operation at the Severny Kukurtli field in Lebap, supplying gas to local consumers and planned condensate production.

Korea–Turkmenistan Deal Push: South Korea and Turkmenistan signed 13 agreements and MOUs in Seoul, including an investment protection pact (national treatment, most-favored-nation, and investor-state dispute procedures) plus cooperation on energy, chemical plants, rail and logistics, shipbuilding, customs, border IP protection, and water management/anti-desertification. Summit Momentum: The signings came ahead of the inaugural South Korea–Central Asia summit, where Seoul is pitching critical minerals, AI, and supply-chain resilience as the next growth engine for the region. Energy & Industry Projects: Seoul also backed Turkmenistan’s logistics-hub plans linking Central Asia to the Caspian, and discussed Korean support for major plant and infrastructure projects. On-the-Ground Gas Output: A new gas well (No. 3) started at the Severny Kukurtli field in Lebap, supplying local demand and targeting higher condensate production. Regional Investment Context: South Korea’s broader Central Asia push includes a separate investment protection agreement with Turkmenistan and parallel deals with Kazakhstan on nuclear energy cooperation and critical minerals. Gas Corridor Finance Watch: UAE’s XRG completed its stake acquisition in Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor, reinforcing Caspian-to-Europe gas infrastructure ties that overlap with Turkmenistan’s regional energy ambitions.

Korea–Turkmenistan Deal Push: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung met Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Seoul and agreed to sharply expand cooperation across energy, industrial plants, transport and logistics, signing 13 agreements/MOUs including an investment protection accord to help Korean firms enter the Turkmen market. Diplomatic-to-economic Link: Lee also thanked Ashgabat for helping evacuate Koreans from Iran last year, framing the relationship as a base for faster commercial results. Summit Momentum: Seoul is hosting the first Korea–Central Asia Summit on Sept. 16, with Turkmenistan among the five states, and the agenda is heavy on critical minerals, supply-chain resilience, AI and future industries. Industrial Coordination: Ahead of the summit, a C5+1 industry ministers’ meeting backed plans for integrated industrial complexes, smarter infrastructure, and factory digitalization—areas where Turkmenistan’s construction materials and logistics priorities fit naturally. Regional Trade Routes: Separate reporting highlights Central Asia’s push to keep trade moving via land corridors amid Iran-linked disruptions, with Turkmenistan positioned as a key transit node.