ASHGABAT — Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China has grown twentyfold since 2007 and now stands at a stable $9-10 billion annually. This was stated by National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council), Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in an interview with the Chinese television channel CGTN, according to Turkmenportal.com.
"For many years, China has been Turkmenistan's largest trade and economic partner," he emphasized.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the oil and gas sector as a key area of bilateral cooperation, calling the accumulated experience "unique." The two sides are also actively developing renewable energy projects, taking into account China's technological potential.
In the transportation sector, cooperation has become systemic:
- 90% of the carriages and locomotives on Turkmenistan's railways are manufactured in China;
- In 2014, a railway line over 750 km long was commissioned, connecting the two countries through neighboring states.
- Transit corridors along the East-West route are being developed.
- Purchases of Chinese vehicles, particularly buses, are increasing.
The National Leader of Turkmenistan expressed confidence in the potential for developing Caspian trade routes with access to terminals in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. According to him, this is fully consistent with China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative and Turkmenistan's "Revival of the Great Silk Road" strategy.
In addition to energy and transport, the parties intend to deepen cooperation in the following areas:
- Agro-industrial complex;
- Urban development and the creation of "smart" cities;
- High technology and telecommunications;
- Space industry.
Experts note that diversifying trade and economic ties creates a solid foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between Ashgabat and Beijing in the changing global environment.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 24, 2026