Ashgabat, November 12 | ORIENT. Turkmenistan's Minister of Communications, Khadzhimyrat Khudaygulyev, delivered a report at the joint international platform "Turkmentel 2025" and a conference on transport integration. The minister presented a comprehensive overview of the country's strategic course, announcing the launch of the new "Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 2026–2028."

Minister Khudaygulyev emphasized that this first joint conference format reflects a new stage in which Turkmenistan is striving for synergy between digital, transport, and logistics technologies, which is the foundation for sustainable economic development, the development of "smart cities," and efficient production systems.

In his speech, the minister noted that the new Concept 2028 is aimed at implementing innovative technologies, developing e-government systems, digital education, and healthcare, as well as improving data transmission networks and attracting investment in AI.

Specific achievements and strategic plans included:

5G Implementation: The launch of the 5G network in Arkadag marked the beginning of the further expansion of this technology throughout the country, marking a significant milestone in the development of digital infrastructure. Arkadag itself has already actively implemented 4G+ and 5G technologies, as well as advanced "green" and information-communications solutions.

AI Development: Turkmenistan recognizes AI as a driver of economic growth. Pilot projects are already underway to implement AI in education (adaptive systems), healthcare (diagnostics), and agriculture (crop yield forecasting).

AI Competence Center: The establishment of an AI Competence Center at the Turkmentelecom State Energy Corporation is planned for the near future. Its goal is to strengthen research potential and foster innovation in key economic sectors.

In the area of international communications, the minister emphasized Turkmenistan's role as a transport-communications hub along the Great Silk Road.

Fiber Optic Lines: Eight fiber-optic communication lines using DWDM equipment are currently operational, connecting Turkmenistan with neighboring countries.

Trans-Caspian Cable and Southern Transit: Work is actively underway on the project to build a fiber-optic communication system between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan along the Caspian Sea. Construction is also underway on the Serhetabat-Herat line, which will become an important link in the development of digital transit between the countries of Central and South Asia.

X-Road: A pilot project to implement interdepartmental electronic interaction based on the Estonian X-Road platform, in collaboration with UNDP, has been successfully implemented. Work on further integrating government agencies into this system continues.

Amid rapid digitalization, according to the minister, special attention is being paid to ensuring cybersecurity. The State Cybersecurity Service, under the Ministry of Communications, is successfully operating, ensuring the protection of the national information space.

In conclusion, Khudaygulyev called on international partners to deepen cooperation in a number of key areas, including the creation of regional scientific and innovation hubs, the development of specialized financial instruments for scaling innovation, and the formation of cross-border digital corridors.