Turkmenistan is intensifying efforts to integrate into the global trading system, with officials reaffirming the country’s intention to move towards membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Perhat Yagshiyev during the forum “Investing in Turkmenistan’s Future,” according to local media reports.
Yagshiyev said the accession process is progressing in a structured manner. A draft memorandum on the country’s foreign trade regime has been prepared, while WTO standards are being introduced gradually in cooperation with the organisation’s Secretariat and international partners.
Authorities also point to positive macroeconomic trends. Official data indicate that Turkmenistan’s gross domestic product exceeded $77.4 billion in 2025, reflecting growth of 6.3%. Investment volumes reached more than $12.8 billion, up 6% year-on-year, while inflation reportedly declined to 3.2%. External debt remains below 3% of GDP, and officials say the country has not recorded domestic public debt since January 2022.
Foreign trade turnover rose by 10.3% to $21.8 billion. The oil and gas sector, petrochemicals, energy, construction and agriculture continue to be highlighted by the government as priority areas for foreign investment.
Transport infrastructure development remains a central component of economic policy. Turkmenistan is participating in several international logistics initiatives, including the Trans-Caspian corridor, the North-South transport route and the Lazurite corridor. The third phase of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat highway is expected to be completed in 2026, which authorities say will strengthen the country’s role as a regional transit hub.
Preparations for WTO accession are also linked to the modernisation of trade procedures. Galina Romanova, a representative of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, previously stated that improving trade facilitation is a key priority.
“We are taking consistent steps to modernise customs procedures and introduce digital solutions that make trade faster and more transparent,” she said.
Turkmenistan was granted observer status in the WTO on July 22, 2020, following a decision by the organisation’s General Council in Geneva.
