An Economic Forum has opened in the Turkmen capital as part of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Week. The event highlights the strategic role of the region as a key global transport and energy hub.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Forum, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Babaniyaz Yalakov emphasized that the development of mutually beneficial ties is the foundation of cooperation within SPECA. Owing to their unique geographical location and abundant natural resources, the participating countries are actively investing in large-scale infrastructure projects, thereby creating conditions for the long-term stability of the region.

“Our region is one of the key energy and transport–transit hubs of global significance. It is extremely important to consistently build up its economic potential in the interests of sustainable development,” noted the Deputy Minister.

According to B. Yalakov, the past year was a landmark one for the Programme under Turkmenistan’s chairmanship. The main focus was placed on institutional development and the expansion of trade cooperation. Statistical data confirm the effectiveness of the chosen course. Thus, the volume of Turkmenistan’s trade with SPECA countries in 2025 exceeded USD 2.2 billion, which is 15 percent higher than in 2024, while the share of SPECA states in the country’s foreign trade turnover increased from 9.6 percent to more than 11 percent.

It was particularly noted that Turkmenistan continues to play a leading role in shaping Eurasian logistics. Special attention was given to the development of the “East–West” and “North–South” routes, with key projects including the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Oman corridor, in the context of the Ashgabat Agreement, and the Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkiye route within the framework of the Lapis Lazuli Agreement.

It was emphasized that an important place in this system is occupied by the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, whose infrastructure capacity is regarded as a significant component for linking the Caspian basin and the Black Sea with access to Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

On the sidelines of the Forum, a consensus was reaffirmed that coordinated efforts, the attraction of investment, and the stimulation of innovation will help strengthen the resilience of regional markets. In this context, Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to continue actively contributing to integration processes, supporting the main areas of economic partnership within the framework of SPECA.