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Afghanistan

Clashes on Afghan-Pakistani Border Hinder Central Asian Trade Hopes

A recent surge in border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a reminder that Central Asian prospects for developing trade and energy networks through both those countries rest on fragile hopes for long-term security in the region. Some of the worst clashes since the Taliban took power again in Afghanistan in 2021 appeared to have tapered off by Sunday. While both sides have professed their openness to dialogue, there was little sign of a sustained move to address grievances that have simmered for many years. On Sunday, Pakistan accused Afghanistan of “unwarranted aggression” and said it had repulsed attacks by the Afghan Taliban and other armed groups at the border, inflicting heavy losses. On Saturday night, Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defense said its military had conducted a “successful retaliatory operation” against Pakistani security forces following Pakistani ground incursions and airstrikes on Afghan soil. The conflicting claims were difficult to verify. But the Afghan ministry said its military operation had ended, signaling that it did not intend to prolong this round of fighting. Pakistan, which closed border crossings, said it wanted good relations with its neighbor. The clashes come as Central Asian countries seek to diversify trade routes, looking to Afghanistan as a path to ferry goods to Pakistani seaports and onward to the Indian Ocean. Such a route offers an alternative to more traditional corridors that were disrupted after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. But projects such as the Trans-Afghan railway, which is awaiting a feasibility study, depend on a stable political environment in a part of the world that is also prone to conflict. The TAPI natural gas pipeline project, which would connect Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, is also vulnerable to regional instability. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Pakistan’s chief rival, India, on October 9, just before the weekend escalation of border clashes.

Consumer Prices

Meat Becomes Increasingly Unaffordable in Turkmenistan Amid Soaring Prices

Meat is fast becoming a luxury item in Turkmenistan, as residents across the country report skyrocketing prices and declining quality. Even in Ashgabat, where incomes are generally higher, beef is no longer affordable for many households. Rising Prices, Declining Quality For years, the price of meat has served as a barometer of living standards in Turkmenistan. This year, costs have repeatedly hit new highs. Ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday, prices in Ashgabat nearly doubled, with similar surges reported in the Balkan region. Today, even after the holiday period, beef prices in the capital remain elevated, reaching up to 175 manats ($9.2) per kilogram, with noticeable drops in quality. Consumers complain that even trusted vendors are selling overly fatty or tough cuts. At a late September session of the Halk Maslahaty, elder Yazmyrat Atamyradov proposed scrapping the annual increase in wages and pensions, prompting widespread public backlash. The move brought renewed attention to the cost of basic goods, including meat. Globally, Turkmenistan ranks 15th in per capita beef consumption and 4th for lamb. The Cost of Meat in Markets and Shops In spring, boneless beef was selling for 75-80 manats ($3.9-4.2) per kilogram. Now, such prices are a rarity, available only in a handful of shops in Ashgabat’s Gulistan (Russian Bazaar) and other select outlets, often with the condition of purchasing bones or offal as well. Current pricing is as follows: • 80-95 manats ($4.2-5): Occasionally available in supermarkets and hypermarkets, but often sells out quickly and varies in quality. • 100-110 manats ($5.3-5.8): Entry-level pricing for consistently decent meat at open markets. • 140-150 manats ($7.4-7.9): Common at popular vendors and “premium” stores. To address the situation, state-owned shops have expanded their offering of low-cost meat products. Shoppers can now buy frozen ground chicken for 25 manats ($1.3), beef bones for 26 manats ($1.4), and frozen beef briquettes for 38 manats ($2) per kilogram. However, buyers report that the briquettes contain very little meat and are sold in limited quantities per customer. Livestock Disease and Veterinary Shortcomings The price hikes coincide with reports of recurring disease outbreaks among livestock. In June, Chronicles of Turkmenistan reported suspected anthrax cases in the Akhal region, and in August, additional deaths were reported in Lebap. In September, Radio Azatlyk cited a new illness in Akhal causing skin inflammation and respiratory distress in cattle. Farmers have criticized the poor state of veterinary services, citing misdiagnoses and contradictory advice. Years of drought have weakened livestock's immune systems and reduced herd sizes. Meanwhile, hospitals in the capital have begun admitting patients with brucellosis, a bacterial infection transmitted from animals that can affect nearly every organ in the human body. While cooking destroys the pathogen, brucellosis can still be contracted during the handling or cutting of infected meat, especially under unsanitary conditions. Medical professionals warn that with lax veterinary oversight and poor quality control, the risk of infection remains high. Experts attribute the worsening situation to a mix of agricultural mismanagement, shrinking livestock numbers, and growing meat exports...

Organization of Turkic States

Gabala 2025: What the Turkic World Will Discuss Amid Global Turbulence

On October 7, leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will gather in Gabala, Azerbaijan, for the 12th summit under the theme “Regional Peace and Security.” At first glance, it may look like another routine engagement. Yet against the backdrop of overlapping global crises, the forum is increasingly a test of the OTS’s maturity and relevance. The summit unfolds amid a turbulent international landscape. Afghanistan continues to cast a shadow over Central Asia: economic volatility, migration risks, and the activity of extremist groups remain sources of concern for OTS members. The ongoing war in Ukraine, meanwhile, is reshaping Eurasian transit routes, placing the bloc’s states in delicate positions between East and West. At the same time, violence in the Middle East is adding to the pressures on Turkey’s already complex foreign policy environment. The Middle Corridor at the Center A key theme in Gabala will be the advancement of the Middle Corridor, formally known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This east–west route connects China with Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Investments are moving forward across the chain: Kazakhstan is expanding port and rail capacity, Azerbaijan is modernizing the Port of Baku in Alat, Georgia is upgrading its railway hubs, and Turkey is reinforcing the Baku–Kars line. Once a logistical project, the corridor is evolving into a strategic framework that ties together economic, environmental, and security considerations. Customs harmonization, digital tracking systems, and sustainability standards are now discussed as much as cargo volumes. Security, Coordination, and Soft Power Security will also be on the table, though framed in practical rather than military terms. Issues such as counter-terrorism cooperation, cyber resilience, disaster response, and the safety of emerging transit corridors are likely to feature. In this sense, security is increasingly seen as the foundation for trade and investment rather than a standalone agenda. Beyond infrastructure, OTS continues to develop soft power tools. Educational exchanges, cultural cooperation, green energy initiatives, and water management projects are part of efforts to build intra-regional trust. The recently inaugurated UN Regional Center for the SDGs in Almaty provides another anchor, aligning the Turkic bloc with global sustainability frameworks. A Turning Point for the Turkic Council? Founded in 2009 primarily as a cultural and humanitarian forum, the OTS is now edging toward a broader role. By coordinating infrastructure projects, harmonizing regulations, and cautiously addressing security concerns, it is positioning itself as a relevant player in Eurasian affairs. Much will depend on whether Gabala produces more than communiqués. Concrete steps on the Middle Corridor, digital customs corridors, joint water initiatives, or disaster coordination could demonstrate that the OTS is maturing into a platform for practical solutions. While major breakthroughs are unlikely, even incremental progress would signal that the Turkic Council is becoming a pillar of regional stability and integration.

Gas Import

Hungary Eyes Turkmen Gas to Diversify Energy Imports

Hungary, one of Gazprom’s largest remaining clients within the European Union, is exploring the prospect of importing natural gas from Turkmenistan, The Moscow Times reported. During a recent visit to Ashgabat, Hungary’s Deputy State Secretary for Eastern Relations Development, Ádám Stifter, described Turkmenistan as a promising partner in the energy sector. “Hungary depends on gas imports from different countries, and we view Turkmenistan with great hope. We expect Turkmenistan to become a supplier of gas to Europe, and particularly to Hungary, in the near future,” Stifter said, as quoted by Interfax. The announcement aligns with Budapest’s broader efforts to diversify its energy supply. On Thursday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed that Hungary had signed its longest-ever liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreement, a 10-year deal with French company Engie. Starting in 2028, the contract will provide Hungary with 4 billion cubic meters of LNG, with deliveries continuing through 2038. Earlier in September, Hungary also signed a contract with Shell to purchase 2 billion cubic meters of gas annually for ten years, beginning in 2026. That gas will be delivered via the Czech Republic and Germany. Analysts view Hungary’s interest in Turkmen gas as a notable policy shift. Natalia Milchakova, a senior analyst at Freedom Finance Global, said the move signals a desire to reduce dependence on Russian energy. “Hungary and Slovakia have long relied on Russian oil and gas, but the change in tone from Budapest suggests a drive to diversify supply routes,” she noted. However, the logistics remain complex. Milchakova pointed out that Turkmen gas would likely have to transit through Azerbaijan or Iran, routes complicated by infrastructure limitations and geopolitical challenges, or possibly via the TurkStream pipeline, which is operated in partnership with Gazprom. Hungary currently imports about 4.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually under a long-term contract valid until 2036. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Finland, Hungary spent approximately €500 million on energy imports from Russia in July 2025 alone, €285 million on gas and €200 million on oil. Turkmenistan holds the world’s fourth-largest proven natural gas reserves. However, 80-90% of its gas exports are sent eastward to China via the Central Asia-China pipeline, highlighting the country's long-standing reliance on a single buyer. Strengthening ties with Hungary could signal Ashgabat’s intent to diversify its export geography.

Cotton

Turkmen Cotton Farmers Frustrated by Mechanized Harvesting Delays and Losses

In Turkmenistan’s Lebap region, tenant farmers are expressing growing frustration over delayed payments and crop losses linked to the government’s push for mechanized cotton harvesting. While the use of combine harvesters is intended to boost efficiency, many farmers say the reality on the ground is causing financial hardship and lower yields. Delayed Payments Compound Financial Pressure In the Chokhbetde village council of Halach district, farmers were told they would not be paid for cotton harvested by combine machines until the entire campaign is complete. All revenues first go to the State Association for Agricultural Technical Services, Turkmenobakhyzmat, which owns the harvesters. Because accounting is based on the season overall rather than by individual field or tenant, farmers are expected to wait for payment. This delay is particularly painful for rural communities that rely on regular cash flow. A tenant farmer from Mashpaya village noted that pickers brought in from urban areas must be paid every ten days, and the payment postponement makes this increasingly difficult. The core complaint, however, is with the quality of mechanized harvesting itself. “Because the combines are poorly adjusted, 10-15% of the cotton ends up on the ground and must be collected by hand,” the Mashpaya farmer said. “Government employees are brought in for this, and they also need to be paid on time.” Beyond the immediate spillage, poorly calibrated machinery damages the plants: drums crush unopened cotton bolls, preventing them from maturing and leading to permanent yield losses. “Two Shifts” and Self-Funded Repairs Concerns about machinery use and maintenance are longstanding. During preparations for the summer grain harvest in Lebap, each combine at local Obahyzmat units was assigned two operators to run in alternating shifts. However, operators were required to fund maintenance and repairs themselves, even for foreign-made equipment such as John Deere and Case combines. The association only supplied tires, promising that repair costs would be reimbursed after the harvest as part of output-based wages and bonuses. In practice, combine crews absorbed heavy expenses. A machine operator from Bayramaly district described frequent technical failures: broken cutter bars, damaged threshing drum pulleys, faulty bearings, and worn connecting rods. “My colleague and I have already borrowed and spent 15,000 manats each, $4,300 at the official exchange rate, or $769 on the black market, just on spare parts,” he said. While some parts are now being produced locally, a repair facility in Turkmenabat has reportedly exceeded production targets for farm machinery components, these improvements have yet to reach most farmers. For now, the burden of keeping equipment running falls largely on the operators and tenant farmers themselves, with financial relief promised only at the end of the harvest season.

Healthcare

ADB Approves $75M Loan to Boost Nursing Sector in Turkmenistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $75 million loan and an additional $2 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific to expand and improve the nursing and midwifery workforce in Turkmenistan. According to an ADB statement, this marks the bank’s first health sector project in the country. “The project aims to provide high-quality health services based on people’s needs and ensure equitable access to health care through strengthening the nursing profession and education,” said ADB Country Director for Turkmenistan Artur Andrysiak. He noted that this is ADB’s third project in Turkmenistan, reflecting a growing partnership as the Bank and the country celebrate 25 years of cooperation. The Turkmen government has prioritized healthcare reform, with a focus on improving the education and qualifications of health workers. Nurses, often the first point of contact in the health system, will be empowered to deliver both essential care and preventive services under the new initiative. Plans include the design and construction of a climate-resilient nursing school in Ashgabat, featuring state-of-the-art facilities such as clinical simulation labs, dormitories, a mother-friendly room, and an edible garden to promote nutrition. The project will also provide new medical and educational equipment and update curricula, teaching methods, and faculty training in line with international standards. The total project cost is estimated at $98 million, with the Turkmen government contributing $23 million in counterpart financing. The initiative builds on ADB’s growing cooperation with Turkmenistan in recent years. In August 2024, ADB adopted a new country partnership strategy for Turkmenistan covering 2024-2028. The strategy focuses on supporting the transition to a climate-resilient and sustainable economy, enhancing competitiveness through diversification and human capital development, and advancing structural reforms and institutional capacity.