From Infrastructure to IT Cooperation: The Evolving Process of Turkmenistan-China Energy Ties
At a forum held in Ashgabat as part of the traditional OGT-2026 exhibition and conference, participants focused significant attention on the further development of the China-Turkmenistan energy partnership. A highlight of the business program was a presentation by Du Yumin, Director General of the Turkmenistan branch of CNPC International Ltd.
At the very beginning of his remarks, the speaker thanked the leadership of Turkmenistan for their support of bilateral cooperation and emphasized the following:
"Over the past two decades, the engagement between our two countries in the gas sector has become one of the most significant examples of a long-term strategic partnership within the Eurasian region. It is built upon mutual trust, respect for each other’s interests, and a shared commitment to common development."
According to Du Yumin, the signing of a General Agreement in April 2006 and a Production Sharing Agreement for the Bagtyyarlyk contract area in July 2007 marked a significant milestone in the development of this cooperation. These documents paved the way for the exploration and development of gas fields on the right bank of the Amu Darya River, which subsequently became the resource base for the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline.
As of September 30 of this year, the cumulative volume of natural gas trade between Turkmenistan and China has reached 477 billion cubic meters. "This figure clearly demonstrates the scale and sustainability of our partnership," emphasized the head of the CNPC branch.
The visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to China this March provided fresh momentum to the cooperation. Just one month later, a tangible outcome of those agreements was the commencement of work on the fourth phase of the development of the Galkynysh gas field—a project launched by the leaders of the two nations. Du Yumin noted that this project holds special significance for CNPC, as it reflects a new stage in the partnership, characterized by a commitment to high technological standards, efficient management, environmental responsibility, and mutual benefit.
Looking ahead, the speaker noted that the company intends to develop its cooperation not only by increasing supply volumes but also through the introduction of modern technologies, the digitalization of production processes, and the implementation of environmentally responsible solutions.
"We intend to strengthen mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the gas sector, and contribute to the sustainable development of the energy industry," stated the CEO of CNPC. "Through joint efforts, we will continue to enhance the efficiency of energy projects, introduce innovations and digital technologies, and bolster long-term energy security."
The head of CNPC emphasized that the company places particular importance on its collaboration with the State Concern "Turkmengaz," "Turkmennebit," "Turkmengeologiýa," and other Turkmen partners. According to the speaker, their professionalism and constructive approach provide a solid foundation for the implementation of joint initiatives.
COMMENTARY FROM ORIENT: The address by the head of CNPC at the OGT-2026 conference is notable not only for the figures presented but also for the underlying emphasis—most importantly, that the partnership between Turkmenistan and one of the world’s largest energy companies is shifting from a focus on resource cooperation toward collaboration in technology and management. The figures cited by the CNPC CEO—477 billion cubic meters of gas supplied to China—are more than mere statistics; they serve as a testament to the resilience of the model established nearly two decades ago, based on the General Agreement and the Production Sharing Agreement for the Bagtyyarlyk contract area.
The development of the right bank of the Amu Darya River has provided a robust resource foundation for the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline, which today serves not only an economic purpose but also a geopolitical one, ensuring energy security and the stability of supply.
The recent launch of the fourth phase of development at the Galkynysh gas field marks a significant milestone—both for Turkmenistan-China cooperation and for energy security across Eurasia. For CNPC, this project in Turkmenistan serves as a compelling demonstration of jointly achieved technological maturity, effective management, and adherence to environmental standards.
This approach aligns perfectly with global energy trends, creating opportunities for new forms of cooperation—including in the realms of technology and data—which in turn supports regional integration initiatives.
A particularly noteworthy aspect is CNPC’s reliance on Turkmen companies that operate systematically across the oil, gas, and geological sectors. Such collaboration fosters a sustainable partnership ecosystem, where digital technologies, expertise, and scientific knowledge are developed collectively, rather than being imported as "off-the-shelf" solutions.
Enejan KEPBANOVA
