ASHGABAT, September 17 | ORIENT. Today, the day before the official opening of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2025), the capital's Yildiz Hotel transformed into a bustling venue for bilateral negotiations. Dozens of B2G meetings took place there during the forum, setting a high business tone and demonstrating the seriousness of all parties' intentions.
The intensity of the dialogue was so high that many participants continued their discussions on their feet, in the hotel corridors and lobby, a vivid demonstration of the productive and dynamic atmosphere.
Geography and status of participants
The negotiations were attended by high-ranking representatives of influential global financial institutions, major corporations, and agencies from Europe, Asia, and the America.
Key foreign guests included:
• A World Bank delegation led by Regional Director for Central Asia Nadji Benhassine and Executive Director Beatrice Maser. Their participation underscores Turkmenistan's importance as a partner in international projects.
• Representatives of Chinese giants China Camc Engineering and China Harbor Engineering, demonstrating China's growing interest in infrastructure projects.
• Leaders of the Swiss Overseas Business Council, the Austrian company Primetals Technologies, and the Turkish group of companies Çalık Holding, which are long-standing and reliable partners of Turkmenistan.
• Delegations from South Korea (Daewoo Engineering & Construction), Germany (John Deere Walldorf International GmbH), the Netherlands (Damen Shipyards Gorinchem B.V.), Pakistan (Maha Group) and Russia (JSC Vostochny Veter).
High-level talks
On the Turkmen side, a number of high-ranking officials participated in the talks, including Deputy Prime Ministers, who held meetings on their respective topics:
• Khodjamyrat Geldymuradov held talks with a World Bank delegation.
• Nokerguly Atagulyev met with the head of the Afghan Trade and Investment Agency.
• Batyr Amanov held talks with representatives of the South Korean company Daewoo Engineering & Construction.
• Baimyrat Annamammedov received delegations from Daewoo Engineering & Construction, Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH, and John Deere Walldorf International GmbH.
• Tanryguly Atakhalliyev met with delegations from the World Bank, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem B.V., and John Deere Walldorf International GmbH.
• Mammetkhan Chakiyev held talks with representatives of Çalık Holding, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem B.V., CHINA CAMC ENGINEERING CO., LTD., and China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd.
Along with the deputy prime ministers, the talks were also attended by heads and representatives of a wide range of key agencies, including the Central Bank and the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs; the state concerns Turkmennebit, Turkmengaz, and Turkmenhimiya; the State Service of Maritime and River Transport; the State Agency for Road Construction; and the State Water Resources Committee.
The ministers of finance and economy, communications, trade and foreign economic relations, textile industry, environmental protection, industry and construction, railway transport, and the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the State Association "Turkmenobahyzmat" were also involved. Such comprehensive representation underscores Turkmenistan's serious approach to developing partnerships in all strategic sectors.
The meetings discussed specific projects in the oil and gas, chemical, transport, communications, agriculture, construction, and banking sectors. The parties exchanged views on prospects for cooperation and the further implementation of joint initiatives.
A productive start – a prologue to an effective forum
The intensity and representativeness of the preliminary meetings demonstrate that the Turkmenistan Investment Forum has already begun its work, setting a high pace even before the official opening. High-level negotiations and a wide range of topics under discussion confirm the growing interest of the global community in Turkmenistan's economic potential. This is a clear indication of the forum's success and its readiness to achieve concrete results.
Enejan KEPBANOVA, Seyli ARYSHOV
