The white-marble capital of Turkmenistan has become a center of attraction for the global expert and business community, hosting the 25th International Universal Exhibition and Conference "White City Ashgabat." Timed to the celebration of the country's capital's significant anniversary, this large-scale event was organized by the Ashgabat City Administration jointly with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan.

Today, Ashgabat is steadily strengthening its status as a key regional center for science, education, innovation, and high industry. The anniversary forum, which brought together delegates and business representatives from 55 countries, has become a strategic platform for showcasing the country's remarkable achievements in urban development, the development of modern infrastructure, and the diversification of the national economy.

The forum's opening ceremony was attended by members of the Government, leaders of the Mejlis, heads of ministries, agencies, and public organizations, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, and numerous foreign and domestic entrepreneurs. Those gathered listened with deep attention and inspiration to the welcoming address by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who emphasized Ashgabat's key role as a showcase for large-scale reforms aimed at the well-being of citizens and sustainable development.

More than 130 exhibitors, who set up their pavilions at the exhibition, presented long-term business proposals for the modernization of urban infrastructure, design, construction, electric power, and light industry.

Visitors and investors were particularly drawn to the stands representing Turkmenistan's construction and industrial sectors, featuring models of unique architectural structures and cutting-edge products made from local raw materials that fully meet international quality standards. The country is building high-tech enterprises focused on producing import-substituting and competitive export products.

Turkmenistan's long-standing and reliable foreign partners are traditionally involved in the implementation of these ambitious urban development plans, including companies such as Bouygues Turkmen, Gap Inşaat, Rönesans, Çalık Enerji, Daewoo, Altkom, and Interbudmontazh, which are successfully implementing complex infrastructure projects to transform the urban environment.

The rapidly growing capabilities of the Turkmen private sector were also clearly demonstrated at the exhibition. Domestic construction companies, including Ajaýyp Gurluşyk, Rysgally Zähmet, Röwşen, Ýedi-Ýer, Altyn Nesil, and Ojar Aziýa, presented completed and future projects for social and industrial facilities both in Ashgabat and in the regions.

A significant portion of Turkmen business capacity is now being used in the construction of the innovative city of Arkadag, which has become a unique laboratory for advanced practices. Local manufacturers, including Türkmen Enjam, Akhümmet, Arçaly Dünýä and Eşret mahabat, Ak bulut, Ak tam, Eziz doganlar, Derýaplastik, Şanly bedew, and Galkynyş plastic, showcased a wide range of their own finishing and construction materials and introduced guests to their capabilities in the field of engineering installation, outdoor advertising, and equipment supply.

Environmental well-being and strict adherence to international green standards became a recurring theme throughout the exhibition. This was vividly demonstrated by the capital's luxurious parklands and innovative landscape solutions, actively developed by private domestic companies such as Saýaly Jülge, Bossan, and Roza Gül.

Along with the environment, comprehensive digitalization was recognized as a key factor in the sustainable development of cities. The professional community was greatly interested in the latest IT developments by the Aýdyň gijeler business company and their Chinese partner, Unilumin Group, as well as the Ministry of Communications's stand, which showcased successes in creating a unified digital space for the country and integrating smart technologies into the transportation system.

The flagships of Turkmenistan's trade industry presented Ashgabat's socio-cultural and food map. Visitors actively explored the exhibits of the capital's largest retail chains and renowned restaurant brands.

In the furniture industry segment, the Aýbölek factory showcased its new interior design solutions. The private agricultural sector's enormous contribution to ensuring the country's food abundance was illustrated by the pavilions of numerous domestic companies. The exhibition was particularly vibrant, featuring displays by carpet weavers, textile workers, and artisans, highlighting the richness of the national cultural heritage.

The forum's intellectual agenda shifted to prestigious discussion platforms in the afternoon. The exhibition included a UN forum, "Practical Implementation through Global Dialogue: Sustainable, Inclusive, and Smart Cities," held in the format of a high-level roundtable. Experts agreed that modern urbanization directly determines the investment attractiveness of countries and their ability to respond to global climate challenges.

The discussion continued at the capital's Olympia Hotel during the plenary session of the "White City Ashgabat" conference, dedicated to the development of a smart and globally integrated capital. Delegates warmly congratulated the residents of Ashgabat on the city's anniversary, emphasizing that Ashgabat's inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Design category and the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, as well as its membership in the World Tourism Cities Federation, have cemented its status as a recognized pearl of Asia.

The main practical outcome of the first day of the anniversary forum was the signing of a package of major international documents laying the foundation for the country's technological and industrial breakthrough.

The Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan signed a cooperation agreement with the Japanese company Muroosystems Corporation. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, and the Singapore-based company Bitdeer Technologies Group.

A significant highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum between the State Concern Turkmenhimiya, Singapore's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific, Pte. Ltd., Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation Machinery Inc., and Turkey's Çalik Enerji. The Memorandum aims to establish a long-term technological partnership, repair, and maintenance of the Garabogazkarbamid plant, a flagship of the domestic chemical industry.

The documents signed included memoranda between the State Concern Turkmenhimiya and the Chinese company Hong Kong Richie Sweet Co. Ltd.; between the Ministry of Highways of Turkmenistan and Inros Lackner SE of Germany; and between the Ministry of Highways of Turkmenistan and the Chinese companies Shantui Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. and Sinotruk Hong Kong Capital Holding Limited.

The anniversary exhibition will continue tomorrow, focusing on thematic sessions on the energy of the future.