The Avaza resort area has become the epicenter of business communication, hosting numerous delegates to the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025). This large-scale event, which promises to be one of the key events in the region, is intended not only to showcase the country's investment potential but also to highlight its strategic role in Central Asian integration processes. Meetings and negotiations that began in Ashgabat set a high business tone, and the forum in Avaza (September 18-19) aims to consolidate these successes by creating new avenues for international and regional cooperation.

Turkmenistan as a "gateway" to Central Asia

Turkmenistan's competitive geographic location—at the crossroads of Europe and Asia—makes it a strategic transit hub. Participation in TIF 2025 offers a double benefit for international companies and investors: not only does it provide access to the dynamic Turkmen market, but it also opens a window of opportunity to all of Central Asia. The region is currently attracting the close attention of global economic powers, and the forum in Avaza is becoming a key entry point for those seeking to establish themselves in this promising and rapidly developing region.

In this context, investing in Turkmenistan is investing in the stability and growth of all of Central Asia. The Avaza forum is not only a venue for making deals but also a platform for discussing global financial and market trends. The participation of representatives from the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank, and other financial institutions will provide expert insight into the current economic situation in the region.

Panel sessions will highlight and analyze emerging market trends of great interest to the entire region. These include strategies for attracting green investment, developing the digital economy, and creating integrated supply chains. These trends will serve as a benchmark for investors and analysts, shaping the future economic landscape of Central Asia.

Topic overview: From local projects to global trends

The TIF 2025 program demonstrates Turkmenistan's strategic approach to development. Session topics cover not only traditional industries but also key global trends, making the forum relevant to the international business community.

Focus on sustainable development and the green economy:

Sessions on climate-resilient agriculture and climate change directly address the global demand for sustainable development. Discussions on investments in these areas demonstrate that Turkmenistan recognizes the importance of a green transformation and is ready to implement cutting-edge solutions, which is crucial for attracting next-generation investment.

Focus on diversification and digitalization:

Sessions on economic diversification and digital transformation indicate the country's desire to move away from over-reliance on traditional industries. This is a strong signal for investors seeking opportunities in innovative sectors. Digital technologies and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are key tools for accelerating economic growth, and their discussion at the forum demonstrates systemic reforms in Turkmenistan.

Strategic importance for the region:

Discussing transport and communications infrastructure and access to new markets is of paramount importance not only for Turkmenistan but for the entire region. Developing logistics corridors and strengthening trade ties directly contributes to regional integration. These topics demonstrate that Turkmenistan sees its role as a connecting link, opening new routes for goods and capital in Central Asia.

Therefore, the forum's agenda extends far beyond a formal event. It represents a detailed development roadmap that reflects both domestic priorities and global trends, offering international partners not just projects, but a strategic vision for the development of the entire region.

Towards a Central Asian "gateway" – about the CA Connect idea

Turkmenistan is positioning itself as a key hub linking East and West. In this sense, TIF 2025 can be seen as a kind of regional embodiment of global initiatives such as the European Global Gateway program.

Central Asia needs its own large-scale program that will unite the efforts of all countries in the region to create sustainable ties with the global community. One could tentatively call it "Central Asia Connectivity" (CA Connect). This concept envisions not only the construction of roads and pipelines, but also the development of digital infrastructure, green energy, and human capital—in other words, the creation of a unique Central Asian "gateway," a single point of entry to the region's market and, simultaneously, its access to external markets.

The Avaza Investment Forum could become a starting point for shaping this concept. Discussing specific projects, signing agreements, and, most importantly, developing a shared vision for the future—all of this lays the foundation for the future program. Through the joint initiatives announced at the forum, Central Asia can create its own "global network" that will connect it with leading global economies, strengthen regional trade, and enhance its investment attractiveness.

Hosting such a major international event as TIF 2025 demonstrates Turkmenistan's economic openness and its commitment to strengthening its regional role. By organizing the forum, the country provides a platform for dialogue, sharing experiences, and developing joint solutions. This is an example of "soft power," where economic diplomacy becomes a tool for building trust and mutual respect.

Ultimately, the success of the forum in Avaza is a success not only for Turkmenistan but for the entire region, which is striving for closer economic integration and prosperity.

Bekdurdy AMANSARYEV,

Center for Strategic Studies, Institute of International Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan