TIF 2026: Investment as a Tool for Sustainable, People-Centered Development
The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) has opened at the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat, bringing together representatives from foreign business and financial circles, international organizations, heads of diplomatic missions, and experts from dozens of countries. The first day of this high-level economic forum began with a plenary session focused on investment activity as a fundamental driver of dynamic and sustainable economic development. The key morning session was moderated by Xiaojun Grace Wang, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan.
Speaking at the opening of the plenary session, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov emphasized that the forum's theme is highly relevant given the context of global economic transformations, where a steady influx of investment determines the success of national economic modernization, the creation of new jobs, and the growth of citizens' well-being.
It was noted that the country’s foreign policy rests on the solid foundation of its status of permanent positive neutrality—affirmed three times by UN General Assembly resolutions in 1995, 2015, and 2025—which serves as a reliable guarantee of predictability and stability for foreign trade partners and investors. The foreign policy agency detailed the consistent steps taken to improve the legal framework for protecting foreign investment, tax and customs regulations, and the development of public-private partnerships and free economic zones, including the "Avaza" National Tourist Zone.
Large-scale infrastructure projects—such as the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline and the development of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport—remain central to the country's investment strategy, alongside a commitment to deep diversification through green energy, digital technologies, and the agro-industrial complex.
"Attracting investment is not an end in itself for Turkmenistan, but rather a tool for sustainable development that benefits the people. Funds invested in infrastructure, industry, and the social sector directly contribute to improving citizens' quality of life, creating new jobs, fostering small and medium-sized enterprises, and building a modern, competitive economy," emphasized Akhmet Gurbanov.
The plenary session discussion continued with contributions from Jamshid Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of Najd Gate Holding; Ravshanbek Sabirov, Head of the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic; Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia; Mahmut Gürcan, Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkey; and Mahdi Heidari, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During the interdisciplinary dialogue, the position of the international community was presented by Luc Devigne, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan; Stephen Conlon, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and Simon Andrews, Regional Director for Central Asia at the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The second part of the morning session focused on ensuring stable and reliable energy security, as well as developing priority sectors within Turkmenistan’s oil, gas, and chemical industries. Moderated by Myrat Archayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Concern "Turkmengas," the session saw leading experts and heads of industry agencies examine specific investment proposals and technological projects. Presentations were delivered by Batyr Jumayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Concern "Turkmennebit"; Resul Myradov, Chairman of the State Concern "Turkmenhimiya"; Dmitry Kabrielyan, Senior Private Sector Development Specialist at the Asian Development Bank; and Robert Van der Ghist, Senior Gas Specialist at the World Bank.
Industry and technology expertise was presented by key foreign contractors and analysts, including Min Man-jun, General Director of Daewoo E&C’s Turkmenistan branch; Mikhailo Partikevich, Director of VEMA S.A.; Nicolas Ramseyer, Chairman of the Swiss Council for Foreign Business and President of the Geneva Centre for Neutrality; Rustem Rastumkhanov, Chairman of the Oil and Gas Industry Committee of the CIS Business Center for Economic Development; and Ismadi bin Ismail, General Director of PETRONAS Carigali (Turkmenistan). The morning session of TIF 2026 demonstrated the strong readiness of international financial institutions and major foreign corporations to move forward with the practical implementation of new joint initiatives in the Turkmen market.
