ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 14. The transportation sector in Turkmenistan plays a crucial role in stimulating the nation's economic development and enhancing international connectivity. It includes various forms of transportation, such as highway, railway, aviation, and maritime travel, Trend reports.
The nation's administration prioritizes the improvement of transportation infrastructure to drive economic progress and promote stronger global connections.
According to the review prepared by Trend, Turkmenistan demonstrated good results in the development of its transport network during the first half of 2024.
Simplification of the issuance of documents to local carriers
The Turkmenawtoulaglary Agency's (Turkmen automotive service) branches of the state firm "Türkmenulaggözegçilik" have begun granting permits from other nations to carriers that transport vehicles registered in Turkmenistan internationally. Permits and document analysis bureaus have begun operations in Ashgabat city and the Ahal district. In the regions, road control departments in the Mary, Dashoguz, Lebap, and Balkan areas offer this service. At border checkpoints, road control officials issue and register permits for travel to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
Simplification of procedures for international cargo carriers with Uzbekistan
The expeditious signature of a draft intergovernmental agreement aimed at streamlining visa procedures for participants in international freight transportation across the borders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan was deliberated. The topic of fees charged by carriers of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan during international road transport was discussed at the videoconference meeting of the Turkmen-Uzbek expert working group. The rationalization of fees and charges levied on carriers in both nations throughout the international freight transportation procedure was also spoken upon during the conference, along with the tasks related to future collaboration.
Commissioning of new vessels
Turkmenistan planned to accept new vessels in the near and medium term, built at the Balkan shipyard and ship repair plant located on the territory of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. The focus was on supply vessels, transport vessels, and tugboats that serve the growing areas of offshore oil and gas production. The investment projects provided for an increase in the number of RO-PAX ferries in the merchant fleet for rail and road transport, as well as the opening of new routes to the ports of Makhachkala, Astrakhan (Russia), and Kuryk (Kazakhstan).
Discussion with Iran on the simplification of the procedure for issuing visas to truck drivers
Representatives of the border agencies of Turkmenistan and Iran held a meeting at the Artyk-Lotfabad checkpoint, where they discussed simplifying the issuance of visas for truck drivers. During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of road freight transportation through the Artyk-Lotfabad customs posts, in particular, considering the increase in the working hours of officials at this customs point and issues related to transport costs.
Globalink Logistics has become an air sales agent for Turkish cargo in Turkmenistan
Globalink Logistics Company has become the official agent of Turkish Cargo for the implementation of air cargo transportation in Turkmenistan. This measure greatly contributed to the expansion of the range of logistics services provided by Turkish Cargo as well as to improving the quality of cargo transportation. Through this alliance, Turkish Cargo has continued to expand its air transportation services, building on its extensive network and exceptional customer service.
Discussion of cooperation with Italy in the construction of high-speed railways
Turkmenistan and Italy discussed issues of cooperation in the construction of high-speed railways. These issues were discussed during the meeting of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Italy, Toyli Komekov, with the President of Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), Dario Lo Bosco, CEO of RFI, Gianpiero Strisciuglio, and Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy, Edoardo Rixi. During the conversation held in Rome, the parties discussed the possibility of exchanging experience on the construction of high-speed railways as well as highways.
Discussion with partners on the development of Trans-Caspian route
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the meeting 'Joint Action Plan on the Trans-Caspian Trade Route', which was held in Uzbekistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Association of International Road Carriers, the branch of the Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan in Uzbekistan, as well as private transport companies. The purpose of the meeting was to promote regional transport cooperation in order to increase cargo traffic along the Trans-Caspian Trade Route. Furthermore, considerable focus was dedicated to optimizing logistics, customs procedures, and border crossing capacity.
Discussion with Belarus on the development of the North-South transport corridor
Turkmenistan and Belarus discussed the development of logistics chains in Central Asia in the context of the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor. These issues were discussed between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Russia, Esen Aydogdyyev, and the Ambassador of Belarus to Moscow, Dmitry Krutoi. During the meeting held in Moscow, the Russian capital, the parties engaged in extensive discussions covering a broad spectrum of issues related to bilateral trade and economic cooperation. In particular, the diplomats delved into discussions concerning the operations of trading houses in both countries, along with the advancement of logistics chains in Central Asia within the framework of developing the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Interest in joining the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic
Turkmenistan intends to join the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This information was announced by Mammetkhan Chakiyev, Director of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, at a government meeting on January 26 this year. According to him, this decision was made in order to develop international cooperation, simplify maritime navigation procedures, and improve trade relations between Turkmenistan and other countries.
Cooperation in the field of maritime training with Russian Tatarstan
Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tatarstan (Russia) discussed opportunities for the training and retraining of Turkmen specialists in the field of maritime and river transport. These issues were discussed during a meeting between the Consul General of Turkmenistan in Tatarstan, Guych Garayev, and the director of the Institute of Marine and River Fleet, Ilyas Salakhov. During the meeting, Salakhov noted the important role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport in the Caspian Sea, which requires the appropriate training of specialists.
Discussion with Russian Railways on the development of transportation along the North-South Corridor
Representatives of the Turkmenistan Railway Agency (Turkmendemiryollary) and the Russian Railways Holding Company discussed the development of transportation along the International North-South Transport Corridor. During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of a railcar repair plant in Gyzylarbat. They also noted that it is planned to create a single logistics operator and open a representative office of Russian Railways in Turkmenistan, which will create conditions for strengthening fruitful Turkmen-Russian relations in the field of transport.
Reduction of transit time through its territory
The transit time of container trains through the territory of Turkmenistan at the beginning of February was reduced to three days. This was stated by the Deputy Chairman of the Turkmen Railways Agency, Bekmyrat Ishangulyev, during the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity, held in Brussels. According to him, Turkmenistan has introduced special tariff rates that have been agreed upon with its partners. He pointed out that starting January 1, 2024, Turkmenistan has implemented a 50 percent discount on transit transportation through the Akyaila station (applicable to all cargoes except aluminum and alumina) and on transshipment from/to sea transport to/from rail transport at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport station.
Announcement of the construction of new ships
Turkmenistan has decided to build five vessels of various types this year, including three general cargo vessels and two Ro-Ro vessels. This was stated at the beginning of the year by the Deputy Chairman of the Turkmen Maritime and River Transport (Turkmendenizderyayollary) Agency, Seyitguly Bayseidov, during the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity, held today in Brussels. He noted that the construction of various types of these vessels includes bulk carriers and universal ferries specialized for the transportation of rail and road transport.
Accession to the IMO’s convention on bunker oil pollution damage
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved Turkmenistan’s accession to the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (BUNKER-2001). This Convention will enter into force for Turkmenistan on April 23 this year.
Discussion with Iran on the development of transport corridors, spanning Azerbaijan
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed issues related to the development of international trade and transport connections between the countries in the region, including the transit route through Azerbaijan. These matters were discussed in Tehran within the "Iranian maritime economy" forum, attended by representatives of the Turkmen agency. The forum saw the participation of representatives from transportation companies, government institutions, and business groups in Iran, where discussions focused on the development of international trade and transport connections in the international North-South and West-East transport corridors. During the forum, three transport routes were identified: Europe-Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran-India, Russia-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran-India, and Russia-Iran-India.
Exchange of management experience with Spanish ports
Representatives of the Maritime and River Transport Agency of Turkmenistan (Turkmendenizderyayollary) and the Spanish Port of Valencia exchanged experience on issues related to port management. This interaction was within the framework of a working visit to the port of Valencia by specialists of the 'Turkmendenizderyayollary' agency within the framework of the project "Application of the principles of 'green' ports and sustainability in the Caspian Sea region" of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). During the visit, the specialists got acquainted with the activities of the Port of Valencia to reduce CO2 emissions and switch to bioenergy (green energy) in accordance with modern international standards. Also in this regard, they were familiarized with the analyses carried out in the country's seaports and pilot projects currently being implemented.
Launch of an automated cargo transportation management system
The Turkmenpost postal communication company, together with Turkmenistan's Demirýollary OJSC national railway carrier, launched an automated system for cargo transportation management. The new system allows online calculations of the cost of cargo transportation, drawing up the necessary documents, and choosing the type of railcar depending on the nature of the cargo. Furthermore, the system also provides for the possibility of tracking the movement of freight railcars across the territory of Turkmenistan.
Negotiations on cooperation in the field of railways with France Arterail Company
Turkmenistan and the France Arterail Company have intensified negotiations on cooperation in the field of railways. Negotiations were held under the leadership of Jérôme Garcia, founder and head of Arterail, between experts of this company and specialists of the Turkmenistan Railways. During the meeting, the Turkmen railway workers acquainted the French experts with the issues of cooperation in the implementation of projects for the country's railway infrastructure, modernization, and electrification of the railway complex. In turn, the French experts expressed interest in establishing a mutually beneficial partnership with the Railway Transport Administration of Turkmenistan and intend to participate in existing projects and contribute to the development of the country's economy.
New investment projects with AD Ports Group
The development of new investment projects was addressed by representatives of the Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group and the Turkmenistan transport authorities. Representatives of AD Ports Group met with Director General of the Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), JSC Merdan Byashimov, who arrived in the UAE on a working visit, and Deputy Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Batyr Annaev, to discuss these issues. The expansion of port infrastructure and the bolstering of the transportation and logistics industry were other topics of discussion between the parties during the conference. The application of the UAE's best practices in port management and digitalization, together with collaboration in the maritime transportation sector, received particular emphasis. They discussed, in particular, how to draw in and utilize Turkmenistan's and the UAE's transportation capabilities.
Purchase of a batch of Toyota buses
Turkmenistan has purchased a large batch of buses and minibuses for Turkmenabat city, located in the Lebap region. The 'Lebapawtoulag' Production Association of the Turkmenawtoulaglary Agency (Turkmen Automobile Service) received 170 units of 28-seat Toyota Coaster buses from the state, as well as 20 units of 13-seat Toyota Hiace minibuses manufactured in Japan.
Completion of construction of the Tejen-Mary expressway
Turkmenistan has completed the construction of the Tejen - Mary expressway and has scheduled the opening of traffic for April this year. This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Myakhridzhemal Mammadova, at a government meeting.
Cooperation with Royal IHC in dredger construction
Turkmenistan's Balkan shipyard and ship repair plant and Dutch Royal IHC shipbuilding company have agreed to jointly build dredgers. This arrangement was struck during a meeting between the management of the Royal IHC firm and a representative of the Turkmen shipyard during a working visit to the Netherlands. During the discussion, a representative from Balkan Shipyard informed the company's management about the plant's capacities and technical capabilities, as well as its experience in ship repair and a new project for the construction of the first dry cargo vessels.
Ratification of Agreement with China on international road transport
The Turkmen Parliament adopted the law 'On ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on international road transport'. This law was adopted by deputies at the fifth session of the seventh convocation of the Parliament of Turkmenistan. When discussing the draft of this law, the parliamentarians stressed that the document regulates automobile passenger and cargo transportation between the two countries on mutually beneficial terms, as well as transit transportation within their borders.
The beginning of the assembly of the Damen dredger
Turkmenistan's Balkan shipyard and ship repair plant will begin assembling the CSD 650 dredger under the supervision of Dutch Damen Shipyards Group engineers. The assembly of the CSD 650 dredger is carried out by order of the 'Söwda Gurluşyk Maslahat' company.
Introduction of discounts on transit cargo through Turkmenbashi seaport
Turkmenbashi International Seaport of Turkmenistan announced a 50 percent discount on all types of transit cargo. The discount is provided to all shippers, regardless of the country of origin or destination of the cargo. Furthermore, the discount applies to all types of transit cargo, including containers, general cargo, and bulk cargo.
Preferential tariffs for transit cargo from Türkiye via Iran
The Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM) provides special preferential tariffs for cargo transportation from Türkiye through Iran. Preferential tariffs will be provided for transportation on the Türkiye - Iran - Turkmenistan - Central Asia/Afghanistan route through the Turkmen Etrek station.
Presentation of agenda of transport diplomacy within framework of Connecting Europe Days
Turkmenistan presented the key directions of its transport diplomacy at Connecting Europe Days 2024. A consultation on the possibilities of transport links between Europe and Central Asia was held as part of the Connecting Europe Days 2024 expert political event on the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), which took place in Brussels, Belgium, on April 2–5.
Statement on an active position in the development of transport and transit corridors
Turkmenistan takes an active role in the development of transport and transit corridors. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, announced this at the XXXVIII Conference of Heads and Responsible Representatives of Railway Transport Enterprises of the Organisation for Co-operation between Railways (OSJD) member nations. "Turkmenistan takes an active position in the development of transport and transit corridors, including in matters of cooperation at the UN and other major international organizations. Our independent country has put forward a number of constructive initiatives and numerous relevant resolutions in this direction," he said.
Opening of traffic on Tejen - Mary expressway
Turkmenistan has opened traffic on the Tejen - Mary section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway. The works on the construction of the highway and the improvement of the adjacent territory were carried out by the Altyn Nesil company on the order of the Turkmen Awtoban CJSC, which also acts as the general contractor for the project. The new highway has six lanes for traffic, and on each side there is an additional lane for emergencies, a ditch, and metal fences to prevent animals and people from entering the roadway.
Tejen-Mary highway obtains international approval
The newly launched Tejen - Mary section of the Ashgabat - Turkmenabat high-speed highway has been awarded a number of prestigious international certificates. the expressway has received certificates from the Japanese NEC Communication, Ltd. 'For the introduction of innovative technologies along the high-speed highway' and the French Grenobloise D'Elektronique et D'Automatismes (GEA) 'For compliance with high standards of video surveillance and payment systems on the high-speed road'. Additionally, three certificates were secured from the Austrian Vienna Consulting Engineers ZT GmbH (VCE).
Purchase of a new batch of passenger buses for the Mary region
The Mary region of Turkmenistan has received from the state about 200 new modern passenger buses for high-quality transport services. This happened as part of the solemn ceremony of commissioning the Tejen - Mary section of the Ashgabat - Turkmenabat high-speed highway.