TIF 2026 International Delegates on the Future of Cooperation with Turkmenistan
The Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) served as a platform for dialogue among government representatives, the diplomatic corps, and development institutions to discuss specific areas of economic cooperation. A clear theme emerged from the remarks of international guests: the current phase of cooperation with Turkmenistan is defined not merely by financial investment, but by the transfer of advanced technologies, integration into global supply chains, and the creation of a multimodal logistics network at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.
United Kingdom: Financial Engineering and Expert Support
Stephen Conlon, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan, noted that the Turkmen economy requires partners capable of simultaneously providing technology, skilled personnel, international legal expertise, and access to global capital markets. The UK stands ready to meet all these needs.
As a practical tool, the British side is highlighting the capabilities of its export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF). According to the diplomat, UKEF can guarantee up to 85% of the value of large contracts, provide direct loans of up to £200 million, and finance pre-project surveys and feasibility studies at the earliest stages. British businesses are focusing on sectors such as transport, water management, renewable energy, mineral processing, and integrated engineering services in Turkmenistan.
Armenia: Access to European Markets and the "Crossroads of Peace" Project
Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, emphasized the importance of the quality of attracted investments, defined by productivity growth and human capital development. Armenia views Turkmenistan as a key energy and transit hub in the Caspian region and offers reciprocal economic potential, including access to the Eurasian Economic Union market, technological solutions, and trade and economic ties with the EU.
A significant part of the address was dedicated to the "TRIPP" multimodal transport route project, part of Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" initiative. Implementing this route opens up an additional, reliable westward corridor for Turkmenistan and Central Asian nations—stretching from Caspian ports across the South Caucasus to Turkey and Europe—while simultaneously providing a link to the North-South corridor via Iran.
Kyrgyzstan: Digitalization, Green Energy, and Regional Cooperation
Ravshanbek Sabirov, Director of the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized the inextricable link between the economic successes of Central Asian nations. Outlining key national initiatives—ranging from the construction of the "Asman City" eco-city and the "Tamchy" special zone (based on English law) to the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway—the agency head identified specific areas for collaboration with Turkmen partners.
"Green" energy, the supply of petroleum products and natural gas, telecommunications, the textile industry, logistics, and tourism were highlighted as the most promising sectors for joint investment with Turkmenistan. The Kyrgyz side expressed its readiness to provide comprehensive support to Turkmen investors through a "single-window" system.
Turkey: From the "Just-in-Time" Model to Strategic Autonomy and a $5 Billion Target
Mahmut Gürcan, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, analyzed the transformation of global trade, noting how geopolitical shifts are driving a transition from "just-in-time" logistics toward strategies focused on resilience and localization—such as "just-in-case," nearshoring, and friend-shoring. Against this backdrop, Turkey and Turkmenistan emerge as natural strategic partners.
Turkish businesses, traditionally active in sectors such as textiles, construction, energy, and processing, are now aiming for deeper technological collaboration. Highlighting the scale of the Galkynysh gas field development and the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, the Turkish official emphasized the need for the joint development of warehousing complexes and logistics centers, as well as the digitalization of customs procedures. These measures will create a necessary buffer against supply chain disruptions and enable the achievement of the goal—set by the heads of both states—of increasing bilateral trade turnover to $5 billion.
