Interregional Economic Cooperation Discussed at International Conference in Ashgabat

On March 19, 2025, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan hosted the International Conference “International Year of Peace and Trust: the Role of Interregional Economic Cooperation in Ensuring Sustainable Development”, which attracted dozens of guests from around the world to Ashgabat.

The conference was attended by members of the Government, heads and representatives of ministries and industry departments of Turkmenistan, heads of the diplomatic corps in Turkmenistan, representatives of international organizations and financial institutions, the public and private sectors of the countries of Central Asia, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, rectors of Turkmen universities, as well as representatives of the media.

At the beginning of the conference, the congratulatory message of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the participants of the International Conference “International Year of Peace and Trust: the Role of Interregional Economic Cooperation in Ensuring Sustainable Development” was listened with great attention.

Then, with great respect, the floor was given the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to bless the work of the international conference and deliver the main statement.

In his speech, Hero-Arkadag emphasized that peace, trust, equality and mutual benefit should form the basis of economic partnership. Any major economic, infrastructure, trade and investment projects can be successful only under the condition of equality and mutual trust.

Today, it is necessary to think globally, act and cooperate. In this regard, special responsibility falls on leading international institutions and financial institutions, the National Leader of the Turkmen people continued, emphasizing that Turkmenistan consistently advocates for a fair geo-economy, diversifying energy resources, transport corridors and existing infrastructure systems, and advocates the implementation of new major economic projects. An example of this is the economic cooperation between Central and South Asia.

Having focused the attention of the forum participants on the geopolitical and geoeconomic significance of the energy, transport and infrastructure projects being implemented in the abovementioned regions, Hero-Arkadag noted their focus on uniting Central and South Asia through the creation of new energy, transport, industrial and technological corridors.

In conclusion of his speech, Hero-Arkadag wished the conference participants fruitful work.

The conference then continued in the format of the following thematic sessions: “Geopolitical and geo-economic significance of energy, transport and infrastructure projects in Central and South Asia”, “Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline: economic, organizational and legal issues”, “The role and importance of the construction of the Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan electric pipeline in strengthening international economic cooperation”, “Transport connectivity in Central and South Asia: development projects”, as well as “Participation of financial institutions in the implementation of economic projects in Central and South Asia”.

The participants of the sessions discussed the current situation and prospects for the development of cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, industry, water resources, agriculture and others.

At the same time, the key role of Turkmenistan in promoting constructive interregional economic cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and taking into account the interests of all parties involved was especially noted. Large energy and transport projects initiated by Turkmenistan, in particular the Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline, were cited as an example.

During the conference, the parties exchanged views on the expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation, industrial cooperation between the countries. In this regard, the importance of the Central Asian region, through which the Great Silk Road once ran, was noted.

Based on the results of the International Conference “International Year of Peace and Trust: the Role of Interregional Economic Cooperation in Ensuring Sustainable Development”, the Final Document was adopted.

At the end of the conference, the participants adopted an Address to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

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On the same day, foreign guests held a number of bilateral meetings with their Turkmen colleagues from relevant ministries and departments.