"A Cornerstone": A Swiss publication on the role of neutrality in Turkmenistan's economy
GENEVA, September 27. /ORIENT News Agency/. The Swiss publication "UZ" (Umwelt Zeitung) published an analytical article, "Turkmenistan: Unbekannt, Neutral und Reich" ("Turkmenistan: Independent, Neutral, and Rich"), emphasizing that the country's permanent neutrality is not just a political stance, but a cornerstone of its economic strategy.
The author, Iurie Moaru, Vice President of the Joint Chamber of Commerce Switzerland – Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus (JCC), notes that non-aligned status has become a key factor in economic growth, strengthening international trust, and attracting investment.
The article notes that avoiding military alliances and distancing itself from geopolitical conflicts has allowed Turkmenistan to focus on economic development. Neutrality has earned the country a reputation for peace and stability, which, according to the publication, has proven "very productive for economic development."
"Neutrality guarantees the absence of conflicts in the country, which 'guarantees the security of investments, assets, and deposits regardless of political views, religion, and nationality,'" the publication quotes Moaru.
This trust is reflected in the forecasts of international financial institutions: Fitch Ratings recently affirmed Turkmenistan's credit rating at BB- with a stable outlook; the IMF forecasts economic growth of 6.2% in 2024, more than double the Central Asian average.
Energy cooperation was identified as the most significant area where permanent neutrality has yielded economic benefits. Turkmenistan, with the fourth-largest natural gas reserves in the world, was able to use a neutral foreign policy to diversify its exports.
The publication notes that Turkmenistan "opened new pipelines to the east and became a major gas supplier to China." Today, the energy partnership with China significantly strengthens Turkmenistan's economy, emphasizing its non-aligned approach, allowing gas to be freely supplied to various destinations without political restrictions.
The policy of neutrality has enabled Turkmenistan to become a reliable transport and logistics hub. The country is actively developing the East-West and North-South international transit corridors, investing heavily in infrastructure modernization, including the construction of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport on the Caspian Sea.
Neutrality also provides the foundation for the development of mutually beneficial economic relations with all neighboring countries. Examples of successful cooperation include close relations with Uzbekistan in energy trade and water resource management, and a major railway project with Kazakhstan connecting Central Asia with the Persian Gulf.
It is also noted that, at Turkmenistan's suggestion, the UN declared 2023 World Sustainable Transport Day, emphasizing the country's leadership in developing international connectivity.
ORIENT
