Turkmenistan Develops Innovative Grapevine-Based Products

The International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan is conducting groundbreaking research on the use of local grape varieties in biotechnology, focusing on waste-free production. The biotechnology laboratory is studying grape varieties such as "Garauzyum," "Gelinbarmak," "Terbash," "Khalili," and "Dagtokga," analyzing the properties of grapes, including their leaves, seeds, and vines, to develop innovative technologies.

Altyn Rakhmanova, head of the laboratory, highlighted the versatility of grapes, noting their significance beyond traditional wine-making. She emphasized their potential to produce biologically active substances, compound feed, and environmentally friendly fuel.

“Our research is aimed at identifying the potential of this crop for use in various industries,” Rakhmanova explained.

The laboratory has already developed several grapevine-based products, including the antioxidant resveratrol, animal feed, and fuel briquettes. These briquettes, made from grapevine combined with other wood-based materials, are particularly noteworthy for their environmental benefits. When burned, they emit no toxic resins, making them suitable for both domestic and industrial use. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also diversifies the product range. The project’s uniqueness lies in its combination of environmental sustainability and broad applications.

In addition to product development, the biotechnology laboratory is exploring opportunities for international collaboration. Scientists believe that partnerships with foreign companies and research organizations will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and foster the creation of advanced environmentally friendly technologies.

Central Asia Poised to Outpace Global Growth in 2025, IMF Projects (With One Exception)

The year 2025 is anticipated to bring moderate growth for the global economy, according to forecasts by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Global GDP is projected to grow by 3.2%, reaching $115.3 trillion at current prices.

While global growth is expected to remain stable, it is weaker than initially forecast. The IMF notes that the economic outlook for the United States has improved, but growth expectations for other advanced economies, particularly in Europe, have been downgraded. Emerging markets and developing economies continue to grapple with a range of challenges, including production disruptions, shipping delays, geopolitical conflicts, civil unrest, and extreme weather events. These factors have tempered growth prospects in regions such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

In contrast, emerging Asia is experiencing robust growth, fueled by strong demand for semiconductors and electronics, underpinned by substantial investments in artificial intelligence. Additionally, public investment in China and India is driving regional economic expansion. However, the IMF forecasts that global growth will average 3.1% annually over the next five years, a pace slower than pre-pandemic levels.

Global Economic Highlights

In 2025, the United States is expected to retain its position as the world’s largest economy, with a GDP of $30.3 trillion at current prices. China will follow with $19.5 trillion, while Germany is projected to rank third at $4.9 trillion. Japan and India will occupy fourth and fifth places, with GDPs of $4.4 trillion and $4.3 trillion, respectively.

Central Asia Outlook

In Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s economy is forecast to expand by 5.7%, reaching $127.4 billion at current prices, according to the IMF. This growth rate positions Uzbekistan as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies.

Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, is expected to achieve 4.6% growth, with GDP reaching $306.6 billion. Kyrgyzstan’s GDP is forecast to grow by 5%, reaching $17.3 billion at current prices. Tajikistan’s economy is expected to grow by 4.5%, with GDP projected at $14.1 billion. Turkmenistan is forecast to experience slower growth, with its GDP increasing by 2.3% to reach $91.1 billion.

Turkmenistan Strengthens Cooperation with IAEA to Equip New Cancer Center

Turkmenistan is deepening its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to advance nuclear medicine, as announced by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council). The announcement came during his visit to the construction site of the new International Scientific and Clinical Center for Oncology in Ashgabat, as reported by the TDH news agency. Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of consulting with IAEA experts to ensure the center’s safe operation, particularly in handling radioactive waste. He stressed that equipping the facility with state-of-the-art technology is essential for meeting high standards in cancer treatment. The new center, under construction in the Choganly district in northern Ashgabat, will have a capacity of 500 beds. It will feature specialized departments for the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients. Berdimuhamedov also emphasized the need to develop highly skilled medical personnel for the center. Medical professionals will be offered training opportunities in leading international clinics and encouraged to collaborate with foreign specialists. The facility aims to build strong partnerships with specialized medical institutions both within Turkmenistan and abroad. “International cooperation, particularly with the IAEA, is vital in the fight against cancer. Strengthening these ties is a key factor in the effective operation of the new center,” Berdimuhamedov stated. The oncology center is set to greatly enhance Turkmenistan’s healthcare system by providing advanced cancer care and contributing to global progress in nuclear medicine and cancer research.

Turkmen Authorities Prevent Turkmen-Turkish Family Reunifications

Turkish citizens have reported difficulties faced by their wives, citizens of Turkmenistan, who have been banned from leaving the country after renewing their passports​.

Women who returned to Turkmenistan to apply for new passports have been denied exit at Ashgabat airport. Authorities cited violations of the “legislation of the country of stay,” referencing paragraph 9 of part 1 of Article 30 of Turkmenistan’s Law On Migration. This law prohibits citizens who have previously violated the laws of the country of stay from leaving Turkmenistan for five years. However, no explanation has been provided for why this regulation applies to the affected women.

Turkish spouses insist their wives did not violate any laws abroad and were legally residing in Turkey.

Arslan Rustem, a Turkish citizen, shared his experience: “I married a Turkmen citizen in July 2022. My wife was legally living in Turkey, but when her passport expired, she returned to Turkmenistan to replace it. After receiving a new document, she was not allowed to leave.” Rustem emphasized that there were no legal issues with their marriage or residency.

Similarly, Mahmut Uchar encountered the same problem. He was advised by the Turkmen Consulate in Istanbul that his wife must travel to Turkmenistan to renew her passport after changing her surname. “We were assured the entire process would take no more than a month. But a year later, my wife is still unable to return to Turkey,” he explained.

This predicament has impacted dozens of families. Women have filed complaints with various government agencies in Turkmenistan, including the Presidential Administration, but no resolution has been provided. Appeals from Turkish organizations advocating for family reunification have also gone unanswered.

The Migration Service of Turkmenistan has not commented on the legal basis for applying the travel restriction. Husbands of the affected women have expressed confusion and frustration, believing that these actions infringe upon their families’ rights.

Turkmenistan frequently restricts its citizens’ travel abroad for a variety of reasons. These measures include travel bans on individuals with outstanding bank loans, parents of minor children, and citizens whose relatives have criminal records spanning three generations​​. Passports are often confiscated at airports until debts are paid in full​.

The government has also imposed restrictions following incidents involving Turkmen citizens abroad, citing security concerns. These policies have drawn criticism from human rights activists, who have called on Turkmen authorities to lift unwarranted restrictions on freedom of movement​​.

Central Asia Faces Devastating $9 Billion Annual Loss from Climate Crises

Central Asia faces a complex mix of development challenges, according to a study conducted by the Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA). These include global issues such as climate change, rising inequality, and demographic shifts, alongside regional concerns like water crises, aging infrastructure, border conflicts, and lack of access to sea routes.

The region’s challenges can be categorized into external and internal risks. Since gaining independence, Central Asia has been shaped by the influence of global powers. Trade, security, energy, and education ties with Russia remain strong, while China’s Belt and Road Initiative has led to significant investment in infrastructure. Western nations and multinational corporations are active primarily in the raw materials sector, particularly in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

While these international connections drive economic growth, they also heighten the region’s vulnerability to global shocks. For example, heavy reliance on remittances from migrant workers and low export diversification increase economic fragility.

Climate change poses one of the most pressing threats to the region. Natural disasters—including floods, which affect about one million people annually, and earthquakes, impacting two million - result in $9 billion in annual GDP losses. Rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate issues such as water scarcity, droughts, heat waves, and the loss of agricultural land. Adopting sustainable development practices and green technologies could help mitigate these effects.

Aging water and energy infrastructure is a major hurdle for the region. Energy insecurity, compounded by climate change, limits economic potential. Despite a rise in foreign investment from $1.5 billion in 2000 to $7.4 billion in 2023, the majority of funds are concentrated in raw materials, with only a small share allocated to infrastructure improvements.

Transport development is equally critical. The lack of sea access places Central Asia at a 20% developmental disadvantage compared to coastal nations. Expanding roads, railways, and logistics hubs could significantly enhance regional and international trade.

Territorial disputes, particularly around enclaves, remain a source of periodic clashes, with the Kyrgyz-Tajik border clashes of 2022 being a notable example. While these conflicts may not immediately affect economic stability, escalations could damage the region’s investment climate and trade prospects. A peace agreement signed later in 2022 has helped to stabilize the situation.

Additionally, the situation in Afghanistan continues to present challenges, including terrorism, refugee flows, and border security concerns. These risks intensified following the regime change in Afghanistan in 2021, increasing the urgency for stronger border controls.

Addressing these interconnected challenges will require coordinated efforts among all Central Asian nations. International organizations and major global partners must also play a role by supporting infrastructure and technological modernization. Such collaboration is essential to mitigating economic risks and fostering long-term development in the region.

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Authorities in Turkmenistan have imposed strict measures preventing students and schoolchildren from celebrating New Year’s Eve, requiring them to sign written pledges to abstain from festivities. Students are prohibited from hosting or attending parties at home or in cafes and are barred from being outdoors during the celebration.

“Students have been forced to write forms stating they will not celebrate New Year’s Eve and will return to their dormitories after attending official events,” a source revealed. Violations of the ban are met with threats of expulsion. According to reports, older students in previous years were expelled for secretly hosting parties, serving as a warning to others.

Similar restrictions are being enforced in schools across Ashgabat, where festive parties have been banned following an order from the Ministry of Education. Teachers have been instructed to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Paradoxically, official state media in Turkmenistan are showcasing large-scale New Year preparations, including the lighting of the “Main Christmas Tree of the Country” on December 14. Despite the visible holiday decorations, New Year celebrations remain tightly controlled. Last year, schools and kindergartens canceled New Year events, and state institutions were prohibited from installing Christmas trees.

Local analysts attribute these stringent measures to the conservative policies of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Unlike his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was known for extravagant celebrations and even personal performances at New Year’s events, Serdar has opted for a more restrained and controlled approach.

The restrictions reflect the growing emphasis on regulation and conformity under Turkmenistan’s current leadership, casting a shadow over what was once a more festive and unifying holiday.

Turkmenistan’s Geopolitical Shift Toward the West

Turkmenistan, whose foreign policy since 1995 has been based on the principle of permanent neutrality, is reportedly seeking to establish closer ties with the West, primarily with the United States. The energy-rich nation has long expressed an intention to export natural gas to Europe, but its leadership’s recent moves suggest that Ashgabat might also aim to develop closer political and economic relations with Western countries. Over the past few months, Turkmen and American officials have held several very important meetings. Most recently, on November 25, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov hosted Steve Daines, U.S. Senator from Montana and member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The fact that the Turkmen leader told the American politician that Ashgabat is “implementing a strategy for diversifying energy export routes” clearly shows that Turkmenistan’s ambition to begin exporting natural gas to Europe was on the agenda. But energy was unlikely the only reason why Daines came to Ashgabat. He also met with the Turkmen Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, with whom he discussed “key aspects of partnership cooperation in political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres.” According to reports, “the active dynamics of development of political ties at the highest state level was emphasized,” indicating that Turkmenistan has begun implementing its 2023 plan to strengthen ties with the United States.  Moreover, as a result of the U.S. Senator’s visit to Ashgabat, a meeting of the Turkmenistan-US Business Council is scheduled to take place later this month. One of the reasons why the Turkmen authorities seek deeper economic ties with Washington is because they hope that such an approach can help their country join the World Trade Organization (WTO).  On November 20-22, just days before Daines’ visit to Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Finance and Economy organized a training seminar as part of the country's preparation for joining the WTO.  Interestingly enough, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) “made a significant contribution to the event's preparation”, while the U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood attended the seminar.  The United States undoubtedly sees Turkmenistan as an important regional actor. In February, American companies including John Deere, Boeing, Exxon Mobil, and General Electric met with the Turkmen business delegation in Washington, discussing various forms of cooperation. Nine months later, on November 6, Rahimberdi Dzhepbarov, Chairman of the Board of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Turkmenistan, was on a working visit to Washington to discuss “issues of further strengthening economic and environmental cooperation with the United States.” The following day, according to the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. “highly praised Turkmenistan's achievements in fulfilling its international commitments on climate change.” But Washington did not always have such a positive view on Turkmenistan. In 2018, in an annual State Department report, Ashgabat was criticized for "alleged torture, arbitrary arrests and detentions, involuntary confinement, imprisonment of political prisoners, severe corruption, lack of free and fair elections, and restrictions on freedom of religion, assembly, and movement.” Also, in May 2023, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom described the government of Turkmenistan as an “extremely authoritarian regime with an abysmal record on human rights and freedom of the press.” Things, however, started to change after Washington’s European allies took steps to significantly reduce their dependence on Russian energy. Although Turkmenistan’s primary export market is China – given that natural gas supply to China is the main source of Ashgabat’s budget revenues – Moscow still sees Turkmenistan as part of its “energy zone of influence.” In 2008, the European Commission proposed the creation of the Southern Gas Corridor, where Turkmenistan was seen as one of the partner countries. It was reportedly expected that the former Soviet republic could supply about 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually through the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline. But the Trans-Caspian project has not yet been implemented, while Russia continues to push for the expansion of the Turk Stream pipeline, aiming to create a gas hub on the border of Turkey and the European Union, thus blocking the access of Turkmen gas to the European market. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, believes the supply of gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey and Europe is “only a matter of time.” Turkmen leaders seem to share the same view. “We have good opportunities for exporting Turkmen natural gas and electricity to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkey,” Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Upper House of Parliament, said on March 12. Preliminary agreements between Ankara and Ashgabat on the supply of Turkmen gas to Turkey and further to Europe suggest that Turkmen gas will eventually reach the EU borders – whether via the Caspian Sea or through Iran and Iraq. It is, therefore, no surprise that, on December 4, energy was given particular attention during the 23rd meeting of the Turkmenistan-EU Joint Committee in Brussels. Besides energy, the EU and Turkmenistan also aim to strengthen political ties in various formats, with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) unquestionably being one of them. The U.S. as a key OSCE member, actively supports Ashgabat’s “implementation of OSCE commitments”, which is why some Russian analysts argue that Turkmenistan is shifting its geopolitical orientation from the East to the West. That, however, does not mean that the Central Asian nation will give up on its policy of permanent neutrality. But given that the U.S. openly announced that it is ready to stimulate investments in the Turkmen economy, and that the two countries recently explored opportunities to implement joint economic, energy, and infrastructure projects that align with sustainable development goals, Turkmenistan will almost certainly continue to deepen its relationship with the United States and its allies.

Turkmenistan to Boost Gas Exports to Neighbor Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has agreed to purchase more natural gas from Turkmenistan, though the amount of additional gas and the price remain unclear. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke by phone with the chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) and leader of the country Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on December 5 to discuss the deal. According to Turkmen state news, Berdimuhamedov “agreed to the increase” of Turkmen gas to Uzbekistan, and it would not be surprising if Berdimuhamedov was quietly dancing in celebration on the other end of the line.   Anxious to Sell Turkmenistan has the fourth largest gas reserves in the world, some 17.5 trillion cubic meters, at least. To put that in perspective, the 27 countries of the European Union, combined, used 350 billion cubic meters of gas in 2022, meaning Turkmenistan has enough gas to meet all the EU’s gas needs, at current levels, for 50 years. Unfortunately, more than 33 years after becoming independent, Turkmenistan still does not have many customers for its gas. There is China, which buys the most Turkmen gas, some 35 billion cubic meters (bcm), Uzbekistan, which in recent years has been purchasing 1.5-2 bcm annually from Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, which gets 1-1.5 bcm of Turkmen gas via a swap arrangement involving Iran. Turkmenistan’s only successful recent export deal is with Iraq for 10 bcm, which involves a swap arrangement with Iran that will require maintenance work and repairs on Turkmenistan’s and Iran’s pipelines. Turkmenistan just lost Russia as a customer after the contract for Russia to purchase up to 5.5 bcm of Turkmen gas expired at the end of June 2024. The expiration of the agreement with Russia meant Turkmenistan lost its second biggest buyer, but that might now turn out to be good news for Uzbekistan.   Anxious to Buy The jump in the number of people and accompanying expansion of service infrastructure have combined with Uzbekistan’s gross failure to increase domestic gas output to make Uzbekistan a net gas importer. In late January 2023, Uzbek media reported the country produced some 51.7 bcm of gas in 2022 and said plans called for increasing that to 56.3 bcm in 2023. Instead, gas production fell to 46.7 bcm in 2023, and it is set to decrease further in 2024. Uzbekistan signed its first contract for Turkmen gas in December 2022. That deal was for 1.5 bcm annually, but in August 2023, the two countries agreed to boost that to 2 bcm. However, that was not enough to fill Uzbekistan’s growing gas consumption needs. In June 2023, Uzbekistan signed a two-year agreement to import up to 2.8 bcm of gas from Russia, but by March 2024, reports showed Uzbekistan looking to increase Russian gas imports to 11 bcm starting in 2026. It looks like some of the 5.5 bcm Turkmenistan was until recently selling to Russia will instead be sent to Uzbekistan, so for Turkmenistan, the gas deal with Uzbekistan only recovers some of the revenue lost with the expiration of the contract with Russia. Russia did not need the gas it was importing from Turkmenistan and was probably selling that gas to Uzbekistan since 2023 while technical work was done on reversing the flow of pipelines that previously carried Central Asian gas, including Uzbek gas. Now that the reversal of direction is completed or nearly completed, parts of that pipeline network will bring gas from Russia to Uzbekistan. Turkmen gas should, however, be cheaper than Russian gas for Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan was reportedly selling gas to Russia for $110 per 1,000 cubic meters. Uzbekistan is buying Russian gas for $160 per 1,000 cubic meters.   From Gas to Liquids The price for the gas was not disclosed in reports, but Uzbekistan is likely to get a reasonable deal, as the other main topic of discussions between Mirziyoyev and Berdimuhamedov was water. Most of Turkmenistan’s water sources either pass by or run through Uzbekistan before reaching Turkmenistan. Central Asia is already dealing with the effects of climate change; decreased precipitation, record high temperatures in summer and accompanying drought. Compounding the problem, the Taliban have started construction of a canal that will siphon off a large amount of water from the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia’s great rivers. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have been taking water from the Amu Darya for their canal systems for use in agricultural fields for decades. Now Afghanistan intends to do the same, using its share of Amu Darya water that has never been claimed before due to the protracted conflict there. Turkmenistan is the downstream country, the end of the line for water from transboundary rivers, and will be more dependent than ever on the good graces of neighbor Uzbekistan to ensure enough water makes it way to Turkmenistan.   The Start of Something Bigger? The Turkmen-Uzbek gas deal is good for both countries and for Uzbekistan could be the best solution to its increasing problems in meeting the country’s gas needs. Turkmenistan does not have very many friends or gas customers, and Uzbekistan is both, so the basis for one day boosting Turkmen gas exports to Uzbekistan is already there.