The implementation of the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2019–2025, the State Program for the Development of the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2021–2025, and the Action Plan for its implementation are in the final stages. In this regard, a proposal was made at a government meeting on February 21 to prepare drafts of new documents with a view to the near future.
As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted, the country is implementing programmatic work to develop the digital economy and introduce digital technologies into all sectors. Having approved the proposal to develop the digital economy in 2026–2028, the head of state instructed head of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers Mammetkhan Chakiyev to take appropriate measures in this direction.
In the work on developing the digital economy in the coming years, both international experience and the latest scientific and technical achievements, as well as the already accumulated experience in the digital transformation of the country, will be taken into account. This process is gradual and comprehensive and has already led to significant achievements in various areas - from public administration to the development of numerous digital services in the service sector.
Systematic work has been carried out to form the most important foundations of the digital economy, primarily to ensure regulatory and legal regulation in this area. Institutions, enterprises, and organizations are taking measures to increase the level of use of information and communication technologies, significantly improve their material and technical support, introduce an electronic document management system and new working methods, and improve the qualifications of specialized experts.
The decrees signed by the head of state "On the establishment of the Interdepartmental Commission for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan" and "On the establishment and implementation of an electronic document management system and Internet websites in Turkmenistan" played a major role in shaping the conditions for the transition to a digital economy. The goal of the Commission was to facilitate the practical implementation and promotion of digital technologies at all levels of state and public life. In accordance with the second decree, electronic document management systems and websites have been created in ministries, industry departments, hyakimliks of velayats and the city of Ashgabat, institutions and enterprises, and their systematic updating is ensured.
The development of the digital economy is based on the modernization of national electronic communications systems, increasing the volume of Internet traffic in the country in order to meet the needs of citizens for digital services. Particular attention is paid to the creation of an electronic government, the legal basis for which is the Law of Turkmenistan "On Electronic Government" adopted in 2022. The Turkmenaragatnashyk Agency has developed a national project of the Unified Identification and Authentication System (USIA), which is designed to provide authorized access of participants in information interaction (citizen applicants and officials of executive authorities) to state electronic resources in order to provide electronic services.
Access is provided after completing the registration procedure on the Unified Portal of State Services of Turkmenistan - e.gov.tm. Another important step was the creation of the System of Interdepartmental Electronic Interaction (SIEI) - an information system that allows central, regional and local authorities of the country, credit institutions and other SIEI participants to exchange data necessary for the provision of public services to citizens and organizations in electronic form.
The digitalization carried out in the country in the banking sector is aimed at modernizing its structure, expanding the range of products and channels of interaction with clients using modern technologies. Digital transformation expands the range of banking services and the capabilities of the national payment system. Payment for goods and services purchased in shopping and service centers, for utilities (gas, water, electricity), and the relevant services of the Road Police Service are made through bank cards through terminals.
Turkmenistan has taken successful steps to implement a wide range of comprehensive measures aimed at developing online trade in general, as well as increasing the competitiveness and export potential of local producers. As in other sectors of the economy of Turkmenistan, a legal framework for the introduction of digital technologies in the management of wholesale and retail networks has been created and is being improved in the national trade system.
Based on the Laws "On the Protection of Consumer Rights", "On Trade Activities", "On Legal Regulation of the Development of the Internet and the Provision of Internet Services in Turkmenistan", the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations has developed and introduced the "Rules for the Sale of Goods by Remote Means", which are designed to regulate online trade processes. Online trade allows combining the growth in consumption observed in the country with the multi-channel nature of the path of goods to consumers.
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