Within the framework of the Investment Forum of Turkmenistan — TIF-2026, meetings dedicated to the transport and logistics sector addressed future development directions of the industry, new investment opportunities and priority areas of international cooperation. The results of the forum demonstrated the continuation of efforts aimed at strengthening Turkmenistan’s role in the Eurasian transport space, attracting new partners and making more effective use of the country’s transit potential.
Today, in the global economy, the sustainability of transport corridors, the efficiency of supply chains and the creation of new trade routes are becoming increasingly important. In this regard, Turkmenistan, located in the centre of Central Asia, serves as one of the important transport hubs connecting East and West, North and South.
As noted during the forum, Turkmenistan’s transport policy is aimed not only at national economic development but also at expanding regional and international trade and economic relations. One of the key objectives in this area is the creation of an integrated logistics system combining the capabilities of railway, road and maritime transport.
The meetings paid particular attention to expanding the potential of international railway routes, increasing freight volumes and introducing new logistics solutions. Transport routes passing through Turkmenistan create important opportunities for strengthening the connectivity of Central Asian countries with the Caspian region, Europe and Middle Eastern markets.
The forum also discussed the development of road transport infrastructure, modernisation of border crossings and facilitation of customs procedures. Participants emphasised the need for wider use of digital technologies to improve the speed and efficiency of transport services.
Digitalisation was identified as one of the key directions for the future development of the transport and logistics system. Electronic document management, cargo tracking systems, digital customs services and automated logistics solutions make international transport operations more convenient and efficient.
The forum also highlighted that public-private partnerships create significant opportunities for implementing new projects in the transport sector. With the participation of international companies and financial institutions, proposals were discussed for developing logistics centres, expanding transport services and introducing modern technologies.
Several documents signed within TIF-2026 demonstrated the importance attached by Turkmenistan to expanding international cooperation in the transport sector. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan and China’s CSCEC International Construction Co., Ltd. opens new opportunities for railway infrastructure development, as well as experience exchange in construction and engineering.
The Memorandum on long-term strategic cooperation signed between the Open Joint Stock Company “Shipbuilding and Repairing Yard “Balkan” and foreign companies is aimed at developing new areas in maritime transport. This cooperation, covering the period of 2026–2036, includes the development of shipbuilding, expansion of repair capabilities and introduction of new maritime technologies.
Forum participants highly assessed Turkmenistan’s potential in the transport and logistics sector and noted that the development of regional cooperation is an important condition for economic growth. Representatives of Türkiye, Iran and Kyrgyzstan particularly highlighted the importance of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and other infrastructure projects.
The forum also emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish an international centre for sustainable trade logistics and customs cooperation. This initiative is aimed at facilitating trade procedures among regional countries, improving the efficiency of transport corridors and developing international cooperation.
According to experts, investments in transport infrastructure contribute not only to the construction of new facilities but also to increased economic activity, the creation of new jobs and stronger ties between regions.
The results of TIF-2026 demonstrated that Turkmenistan is developing its transport and logistics system as one of the important sectors of the economy. The agreements reached and discussions held during the forum will serve as an important foundation for implementing new investment projects, expanding cooperation with international companies and making more effective use of the country’s transit potential.
The development of Turkmenistan’s transport system not only increases the country’s economic opportunities but also contributes to strengthening transport connectivity throughout Central Asia. The forum held in Ashgabat became an effective platform for new ideas, investment initiatives and long-term international cooperation in this field.
