Turkmenistan opens its doors to Dutch investment in the agricultural sector. The recent visit of a Dutch business delegation to Ashgabat was an important step in the development of bilateral cooperation. The trip was organized by East West Trade & Consulting, which assists Dutch companies in developing trade and international business in the agricultural sector.
The mission, led by former Dutch Ambassador to Central Asia Peter van Leeuwen, was attended by representatives of Agrotech Didam, Dalsem, Geerlofs, HZPC and Kubo.
In November 2023, three of the mentioned companies were part of the Dutch pavilion at the Agro-Pak Turkmenistan trade fair in Ashgabat, and the current mission was intended, among other things, as a follow-up event to the exhibition.
An interesting and informative programme was prepared jointly with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels and the authorities of Turkmenistan. Outside Ashgabat, a number of greenhouses were visited where tomatoes, strawberries and even bananas are grown, as well as large refrigeration units and a potato farm.
Discussions with relevant ministries and organizations of Turkmenistan, such as the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, provided a good insight into Turkmenistan’s policy for the further development of agriculture, and through networking, views were exchanged with stakeholders.
Turkmenistan is a relatively unknown country in the field of international cooperation in agriculture. It is better known for its oil and gas production, which is quite significant. However, the country wants to open up more to bilateral trade relations and offers opportunities to do so. It is an emerging market that is not easy to enter, but if well prepared, it certainly offers opportunities.
The delegation included representatives of Tofel. Dutch companies, known for their advanced technologies in the field of agriculture, see great potential in Turkmenistan. With its unique climate conditions and government support, the Turkmen land can become one of the largest agricultural regions in Central Asia.
During the visit, the prospects for cooperation in such areas as the construction of modern greenhouses using Dutch technologies for year-round cultivation of high-quality vegetables and fruits, as well as the introduction of drip irrigation systems to optimize the use of water resources and increase crop yields were discussed.
Another promising area of cooperation could be the production of seeds and seedlings: Dutch seeds and seedlings are known for their high productivity and resistance to various diseases.
Cooperation with Dutch partners will allow Turkmenistan not only to ensure food security for the country, but also to become a major exporter of agricultural products. For Dutch companies, the Turkmen market opens up new opportunities for growth and development.
ORIENT
