Energy Transition, AI, and Direct Flights: Details of the Turkmen-Japanese Cooperation Roadmap
TOKYO, December 20 | ORIENT. A joint press release from the Japanese and Turkmen Foreign Ministries, published following the meeting in Tokyo, shed light on specific projects that will drive bilateral relations until 2030. While official reports outline the political vector, the bilateral document, posted on the Japanese Foreign Ministry's website, reveals the "industrial roadmap" of the partnership.
Gas and Chemicals: New Life for Kiyanly and GTG-2
The Japanese side confirmed its readiness to invest in Turkmenistan's largest industrial facilities. According to the document, the key growth areas will be:
Kiyanly Polymer Plant: Japan will undertake major repairs and technological support to reliably ramp up the plant to full capacity (according to the contract of July 2025).
New Ammonia Plant in Kiyanly: The project is entering its active phase.
Gasoline-to-Gasoline (GTG): The parties officially welcomed plans to build a second GTG plant in Akhal.
Energy Transition
The parties confirmed their commitment to carbon neutrality. Japan will provide technologies for green ammonia production and industrial decarbonization.
An important step will be Turkmenistan's participation in the GREENxEXPO 2027 global exhibition in Yokohama, where achievements in eco-technologies will be showcased.
Space Monitoring
Turkmenistan and Japan are beginning cooperation in high-tech environmental monitoring. Data from Japan's GOSAT satellites, which allow for high-precision monitoring of atmospheric conditions and greenhouse gas emissions, will be used for reporting under the Paris Agreement.
Direct Flights and Customs
One of the most exciting news items for citizens was the decision to expedite the launch of direct flights between Japan and Turkmenistan. This is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism and business contacts. At the same time, Japan will help digitalize Turkmen customs operations to develop the Middle (Trans-Caspian) Corridor.
Artificial Intelligence and the IT Troops
The launch of the Japan-Central Asia Partnership on AI will serve as a foundation for digital transformation. Japan confirmed its readiness to train Turkmen specialists and assist in the creation of secure data exchange ecosystems.
Investment Climate: Taxes and Protection
The parties welcomed the entry into force of the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation. This decision removes financial barriers to mutual investment. Furthermore, the parties agreed to expedite negotiations on a comprehensive bilateral investment treaty that will ensure international protection for Japanese investments in Turkmenistan.
