From Virtual Assets to International Arbitration: Day Two of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026
On 2 October, the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 in Ashgabat focused on new investment instruments, digital technologies and legal mechanisms for business. Key topics included virtual assets and mining technologies, fintech, artificial intelligence, green transformation, and the first Legal Forum on Investment.
The second day of the Forum opened with a substantive discussion on economic diversification and cooperation with international development institutions. The session was moderated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and brought together representatives of the State Committee on Statistics, the Central Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank and the Administration of Qatar Free Zones.
One of the key highlights was the dedicated track “Virtual Assets and Mining Technologies.” Participants discussed the development and regulation of this emerging area in the context of Turkmenistan’s Law “On Virtual Assets”, which entered into force on 1 January 2026. Representatives of the Central Bank, the Ministry of Communications and industry experts took part in the discussion.
Another important event was the inaugural Legal Forum on Investment. Participants examined investment legislation, mediation and international arbitration. The discussion featured the Deputy Minister of Justice and representatives of international law firms.
The programme continued with the session “Innovation, Fintech and Green Transformation”, which addressed artificial intelligence in the economy, digital banking and clean energy. The session was moderated by the Asian Development Bank.
The business programme concluded with a closing session, followed by a cultural programme for participants.
The second day of TIF 2026 provided a platform for discussing the next stage of investment development — new sources of capital, digital technologies and the rules shaping the modern business environment.
