Development Vectors for Turkmenistan Defined at Khalk Maslakhaty Meeting
On September 23, a meeting of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) of Turkmenistan—the country's supreme representative body—took place at the "Maslahat Köşgi" Palace in Ashgabat. Chaired by National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the nationwide forum brought together leaders from all branches of government, diplomats, respected elders, and representatives of public organizations, youth, and the regions. The proceedings focused on reviewing the path traveled thus far and strategically addressing economic, social, and foreign policy objectives.
Opening the meeting, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasized the profound historical significance of the upcoming independence anniversary. Years of sovereign development have demonstrated the maturity of the state’s institutions, resulting in a robust constitutional order, effective governance, and a respected foreign policy model rooted in the ideals of peace, good-neighborliness, and equal dialogue.
A multifaceted partnership with the United Nations serves as the strategic cornerstone of Ashgabat’s international initiatives, underpinned by its status of permanent neutrality—recognized on three separate occasions—and the successful operations of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy. Integrating the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into national programs has transformed Turkmenistan into an active participant in the global climate agenda, as well as in environmental and humanitarian initiatives.
The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty placed particular emphasis on the results of large-scale industrialization, which has transformed the country’s economic landscape. Turkmenistan has established a multi-sectoral structure comprising the electric power, chemical, construction, metallurgical, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. The commissioning of major production facilities—ranging from gas-chemical and urea complexes in Akhal, Mary, and Garabogaz to industrial giants in the cement and metallurgical sectors—has made it possible to achieve the strategic goal of import substitution and significantly boost export potential.
Systematic development of the unique Galkynysh gas field continues in the energy and oil and gas sectors; the fourth phase of development has been launched, involving the construction of facilities to process an additional 10 billion cubic meters of marketable gas annually. Concurrently, the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India transnational gas pipeline is under construction, designed to serve as a driver of stability and prosperity for the entire region.
The private sector acts as the engine of modern economic processes. Over the years, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs has brought together around 30,000 members, whose efforts have led to the creation of more than 1,500 industrial and agricultural enterprises. At the same time, the country is making a significant leap toward high-tech industries: a national electronics industry is emerging, and innovative approaches are being implemented in urban management and infrastructure.
A prime example of this concept is Arkadag—the country’s first "smart" city—where pilot projects in renewable energy are currently underway, and facilities for the second phase of construction, including medical and industrial clusters, are being built. The opening ceremony for the second phase of Arkadag city will be a landmark event in 2027, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty added.
Humanitarian development priorities are deeply rooted in a commitment to the well-being of the people and the younger generation. The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty highlighted the importance of adopting the State Program on Youth Policy through 2031, establishing a national institute for the development of the education system, and continuing the extensive work of the Charitable Foundation in providing assistance to children in need of care.
Akhal-Teke horse breeding remains a vital component of national identity and a source of international pride. This September, a world equestrian championship and a beauty contest were held with great success in the Netherlands, and the renovated Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan—featuring a capacity of 1,200—is set to open in the country ahead of Independence Day.
Continuing the proceedings of the national forum, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the participants, outlining key macroeconomic priorities and practical tasks for the executive branch. The Head of State noted the consistently high growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product, which is projected to reach 6.3% by the end of the year.
Economic trends are enabling an increase in investment activity: by the end of the year, the volume of utilized capital investments will exceed 41.2 billion manats, with the lion's share of budget funds allocated to the construction of industrial and social facilities. Labor market development and the commissioning of new enterprises will result in the creation of over 5,300 new jobs by year-end. Elaborating on the sectoral agenda, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced the launch of several major industrial and infrastructure projects. In the fuel and energy sector, key projects include infrastructure upgrades at the Turkmenbashi and Seydi oil refineries and the development of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field.
In the construction and chemical sectors, preparations are underway to commission a construction mix plant in Koytendag and a residential complex for chemical industry workers in Guvlymayak; additionally, production facilities for urea and mineral fertilizers are being established in the Balkan, Lebap, and Dashoguz regions, alongside new workshops at the Balkanabat and Guwlyduz plants. Energy capacity will be boosted by a hybrid wind-solar power plant in Gyzylarbat and a combined-cycle power facility in Turkmenbashi.
Ambitious objectives are also being addressed in the transport and logistics sector. The Mary–Turkmenabat section of the high-speed highway has been commissioned, construction continues on the route to the Kazakh border via Garabogaz, and plans are in place to reconstruct the Ashgabat–Dashoguz highway; meanwhile, the national merchant fleet has expanded with the addition of the new dry-cargo vessel Gadamly, which has entered service on international routes. The adoption of the National Industrial Development Strategy of Turkmenistan for 2030–2045 aims to systematize these initiatives.
Achievements and plans in the agro-industrial complex and the social sphere are equally impressive. This year, the country’s grain growers have delivered over 1.4 million tons of grain to state granaries; cotton growers are aiming for a target of 1.25 million tons of "white gold"; and over 2,100 tons of silkworm cocoons have been produced. A large-scale cottonseed processing complex is being established in Dashoguz, and a new laboratory center serving the scientific institutes of the agro-industrial complex is being commissioned.
Developments in healthcare are marked by the upcoming opening in Ashgabat of the International Pediatrics Center, the International Scientific-Clinical Oncology Center, the Dentistry Center, and a new building for the Archman Sanatorium, alongside the construction of a network of regional and inter-district hospitals and 50 rural health centers. The capital’s cultural infrastructure will be further enhanced by a multifunctional center with a seating capacity of 4,000.
The foreign policy agenda for the autumn includes hosting the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan and the Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. Initiatives regarding the establishment of a University of Peace and Neutrality and the adoption of the "International Law and Neutrality of Turkmenistan" concept have also been highlighted within the international agenda.
The Khalk Maslakhaty meeting concluded with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signing a package of documents, including the National Industrial Development Strategy for 2030–2045, the State Program on Youth Policy through 2031, the Concept of "International Law and Turkmenistan’s Neutrality," the Law "On State Protection of Akhal-Teke Horses," and a decree on the celebration of the 35th anniversary of independence, among others.
The forum ended with a solemn ceremony for the presentation of state awards: the President of Turkmenistan personally presented the insignia of the "Hormatly il ýaşulusy" (Honored Elder of the People) title to respected elders and the "Zenan kalby" (Soul of a Woman) order to mothers, in recognition of their many years of dedicated labor, commitment to national traditions, and immense contribution to the upbringing of the younger generation.
