Ashgabat Hosts Largest Digitalization and Logistics Forum: Focus on AI, Fintech, and Startups
Ashgabat, November 12 | ORIENT. Today, a three-day international event opened at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, bringing together two key areas for the country: The International Exhibition and Scientific Conference "Turkmentel - 2025" and the International Conference and Exhibition "International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development - 2025."
The opening ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including members of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) and the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as heads of international organizations and the diplomatic corps. Participants received a greeting from President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, reaffirming the strategic importance of the issues discussed.
The forum's program, which runs through November 14, clearly demonstrates Turkmenistan's commitment to accelerated digital transformation and the development of its transit potential.
The very fact that the Turkmentel exhibition is being combined with the theme "International Transport and Transit Corridors" underscores the country's intention to fully integrate advanced digital technologies into logistics. The main sessions on the first day will focus on building connectivity and developing international transport corridors. Meetings between heads of Turkmen government agencies and foreign companies will create a platform for discussing specific investment and partnership projects.
The key event of the second day, November 13, will be the Fintech Forum, organized jointly with the British company Dialogue Events Ltd. Its goal is to discuss the role of financial technologies in Turkmenistan's digital development.
Furthermore, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will host the "Turkmenistan International Startup Forum 2025." This session is an important signal for youth entrepreneurship and attracting innovation to the national economy.
The third day, November 14, will be devoted to strategic development. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will hold a seminar on "Digital Transformation of Public Administration: From Digital Registries to the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence." This topic underscores Turkmenistan's long-term goal of modernizing the government through AI and digital solutions.
The forum will conclude with an awards ceremony for the winners of the "Digital Solution - 2025" innovation project competition, which will stimulate the domestic IT development market.
The International Exhibition and Conference "Turkmentel" and "International Transport and Transit Corridors" is more than just an exhibition venue; it is a key tool for achieving Turkmenistan's strategic goals. The event serves a dual function: as an investment and technology magnet and as a platform for national modernization.
Attracting leading global companies and technologies is essential for creating a "Digital Silk Road" and modernizing national infrastructure. The focus on fintech, startups, and AI underscores the transition from a traditional commodity sector to a knowledge economy, where skilled labor and innovative solutions play a key role.
The forum is an important indicator of Turkmenistan's readiness for accelerated integration into the global digital economy and strengthening its role as the main transport and logistics hub of Central Asia.
