The Planet of Childhood "Kids Expo" Welcomes Guests – What's in Store for Visitors to the Large-Scale Fair
Ashgabat, August 19 | ORIENT. The Expo Center of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan has recently transformed into a festival of children's discoveries and family entertainment. The international exhibition and fair "Kids Expo: All for Kids," which opened on Wednesday, immediately attracted the attention of residents and visitors to the capital. The event is timely: with just days left until the start of the new school year, the expo has become the ideal venue for thousands of Ashgabat parents, where pre-school chores transform into a festive family stroll through the most relevant exhibits.
From the very first hours, the pavilions were bustling with activity. The interests of everyone involved in the field of childhood are united here – from government agencies and international foundations to private entrepreneurs and international brands. The variety of locations is impressive: while parents browse a wide selection of school uniforms, shoes, stationery, and modern electronics, young visitors are enthusiastically immersed in an interactive world of games, creativity, and virtual novelties.
The atmosphere of the first day set a high pace for the entire upcoming program. Among the most notable events were the screening of the Turkmen cartoon "Menekliler" and the presentation of the children's digital platform "Novcha," which demonstrated the potential of domestic content for the younger generation.
At the same time, the KIDS EXPO CHESS CUP 2026 chess tournament kicked off, bringing together dozens of young strategists, while the mental arithmetic areas instantly filled with spectators watching the schoolchildren's astonishing mental arithmetic skills.
Among the exhibitors were the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, as well as relevant ministries and agencies. International partners also presented their stands, including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and companies from the United States, Germany, Turkey, China, Japan, Iran, Malaysia, and Russia.
Domestic businesses—members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan—demonstrated that local brands can meet even the most demanding family needs. School supplies are being sought after at the Galam and Arsbook booths, while Aydin Gijeler showcases useful electronics, and manufacturers of baby food, juices, textiles, and personal care products offer top-quality products.
The exhibition also served as an open platform for showcasing interesting private initiatives. The organizers succeeded in creating a space where, alongside technological innovations, the culture of reading is promoted—both in traditional printed formats and in modern electronic formats. At the book booths, young visitors enthusiastically explore ink-scented illustrated publications and test out domestic e-book platforms.
And yet, the main thing that gives the exhibition its unique flavor and dynamism is its feast of interaction. Life-size characters scurry between the booths, professional magicians perform sleight-of-hand feats that make children believe in miracles, and entertainers engage children in boisterous games. Thematic quizzes and tests in a wide variety of subjects generate a real buzz. Children participate with genuine enthusiasm, as the event has created a developmental environment where it's virtually impossible to get a "fail" grade, and any answer is met with support and a smile.
In addition to the busy trade show portion, the business program is also gaining momentum: representatives of companies and educational centers are actively negotiating, laying the groundwork for new projects in the fields of child development and career guidance.
Guests of "Kids Expo" have three more action-packed days ahead. On Thursday, August 20, the focus will shift to innovation and practical skills. Guests can expect robotics project launches, career guidance sessions titled "Choose a Profession: 5 Steps to the Future," information sessions on healthy eating, and continued chess battles.
The third day, Friday, August 21, will offer opportunities for parental consultations on children's intellectual development and upbringing. Mental arithmetic competitions, presentations of new publications, and IT developments will also be held.
The final day, Saturday, August 22, will delight guests with a children's clothing show from local designers, new master classes, a summary of the sports tournaments, and a closing musical ceremony.
The "Kids Expo: All for Kids" trade fair has become the capital's main venue for healthy shopping and inspiring family fun, as well as a powerful impetus for international cooperation, opening the door to the dynamic Turkmen market for foreign companies and opening the door to international markets for domestic producers.
