Turkmenistan Accelerates Cargo Movement Between Asia and Europe
Turkmenistan continues to strengthen its position as one of the key transport and logistics hubs in Central Asia. According to the press service of the State Customs Service of the country, the volume of cross-border cargo transportation through the republic significantly increased in the first half of the current year, thanks to the modernization of customs infrastructure and the active implementation of digital technologies.
From January to June, more than 10.5 million tons of cargo passed through checkpoints on Turkmenistan's state border, which is 10% higher than the figures for the same period last year. At the same time, the volume of foreign trade shipments, including export-import operations, grew by 6%.
The most notable growth was recorded in the transit transport segment. Over these six months, the volume of transit cargo exceeded 3.5 million tons—a 15% increase compared to last year. The geography of these shipments is also expanding: transit through the territory of Turkmenistan was carried out to destinations in 94 countries.
In recent years, Turkmenistan has been actively investing in the digitalization of customs processes, the development of road and rail routes, and the creation of modern logistics hubs.
Modern inspection and screening complexes, with which the country’s customs points are equipped, play a significant role in the growth of freight traffic. The use of digital control systems makes it possible to expedite cargo clearance, increase the throughput of border crossings, and significantly reduce vehicle processing time.
The strengthening of Turkmenistan’s transit potential is taking place against a backdrop of growing interest from regional states in alternative cargo delivery routes between Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Europe. Thanks to its geographical location, the republic is becoming an important link in international transport corridors, including the East–West and North–South directions.
The growth in transit shipments also strengthens Turkmenistan’s economic position in the region, increasing its importance as a strategic partner for Central Asian countries and international logistics operators.
