AGP Executive Report

Smart Construction & Urban Tech: Turkmenistan is pushing a “smart city” model nationwide, with digital tools like BIM, digital twins, AI monitoring and automated control moving from design to long-term building operations; Arkadag is highlighted for intelligent transport, smart-home systems and electric transport, alongside plans for 900,000+ sq m of new housing and new social and education facilities. Customs Modernization with AI: A three-day Ashgabat training for customs specialists focused on risk management and using AI-based data analysis to improve border checks under an EU-funded project supporting the China–Central Asia–Europe transit corridor. Health Capacity for Cervical Cancer: UNFPA and the Health Ministry ran online sessions and a final two-day training in Ashgabat to update national cervical cancer clinical protocols, including diagnostics, treatment algorithms and follow-up care. OGSE Export Push: The government targets 50% of oil-and-gas services and equipment (OGSE) revenue from exports by 2030, aiming to help mostly small firms scale up via international market access. Energy & Regional Connectivity: Turkmenistan says conditions for starting TAPI gas supplies to Pakistan via the Serhetabat–Herat section could be set in 2027, with that key segment expected to finish this year. Environment & Methane Focus: Azerbaijan’s ambassador and RECCA discussed expanding Caspian and climate cooperation, with a methane-reduction conference planned in Ashgabat for Oct. 29–30.

AI in Customs: Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service held a three-day Ashgabat training on using artificial intelligence for risk management, helping officers spot risky goods and vehicles on the China–Central Asia–Europe transit corridor. Healthcare Capacity: UNFPA and the Ministry of Health ran a program to strengthen cervical cancer treatment capacity, updating national clinical protocols and training doctors in Ashgabat. Green Tech & Ozone Day: The Turkmen Agricultural Institute hosted a seminar on “Ecology and the Digital World,” focusing on green technologies and youth-led environmental projects. Medical Facilities Upgrade: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov discussed preparations for new healthcare openings under the “Saglyk” program, including oncology, pediatrics, and dental centers in Ashgabat and expanded “Archman” sanatorium buildings. Energy & Infrastructure: Turkmenistan expects to start natural gas supplies to Pakistan via the TAPI pipeline in 2027, with the Serhetabat–Herat section targeted for completion this year. Industrial Expansion: Lebap Cement Plant expanded capacity after commissioning a second phase, enabling production of higher-grade S-600 cement. Science Education: A national biology olympiad finale at Myrat Garryyev State Medical University honored top students ahead of the 35th independence anniversary.

AI in Customs: Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service trained about 30 specialists in Ashgabat on using artificial intelligence for risk management, data analysis, and border checks under an EU-funded Caspian transit corridor project. Healthcare Infrastructure: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov discussed preparations for the “Saglyk” program, with new openings planned for Ashgabat including an international oncology center, pediatrics center, and dental center ahead of the Day of healthcare workers. Energy & Regional Trade: Turkmenistan says conditions are being set to start natural gas supplies to Pakistan via the TAPI pipeline in 2027, with the Serhetabat–Herat section expected to be completed this year. Industrial Expansion: Lebap Cement Plant’s second phase is now boosting capacity to 2 million tons annually and enabling production of higher-grade S-600 cement. Environment & Green Tech: The Turkmen Agricultural Institute held a seminar on “Ecology and the Digital World,” linking green initiatives with digital tools for ozone-layer preservation. Science & Education: A biology olympiad final in Ashgabat honored top school students for the 35th anniversary of independence, while multiple independence-themed conferences highlighted research and cultural heritage. Diplomacy & Tech Outlook: Turkmenistan outlined UN General Assembly priorities that include responsible use of new technologies, including AI.

AI for Trade: Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service trained about 30 specialists in Ashgabat on using artificial intelligence for risk management, aiming to modernize border checks along the China–Central Asia–Europe transit corridor. Energy Infrastructure: Ashgabat says the Serhetabat–Herat section of the TAPI gas pipeline is expected to finish this year, setting up natural gas supplies to Afghanistan in 2027. Industrial Expansion: Lebap Cement Plant’s second phase is now boosting capacity to 2 million tons a year and enabling production of higher-grade “S-600” cement. Healthcare Facilities: New medical centers are planned for the Day of healthcare workers, including an oncology center, pediatrics center, and dental center in Ashgabat, alongside upgrades to the “Archman” sanatorium. Science & Education: A Biology Olympiad final at Myrat Garryyev State Medical University honored top school students nationwide, while Turkmenistan also highlighted scientific priorities at independence-anniversary conferences. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Turkmenistan is set to use the UN’s G-PESTLE foresight framework, piloting a new way to plan for emerging risks and opportunities, including technology and AI.

Energy Infrastructure: Turkmenistan says the Serhetabat–Herat section of the TAPI gas pipeline is expected to be completed this year, setting up natural gas supplies to Afghanistan in 2027, with the 1,800-km route designed to move up to 33 bcm annually from Galkynysh. Industrial Tech & Manufacturing: Lebap Cement Plant is expanding output after commissioning its second phase, boosting capacity to 2 million tons a year and enabling production of higher-grade S-600 cement using advanced equipment from Türkiye and Germany. Science & Education: A conference marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence was held at the Institute of History and Archaeology, highlighting progress in archaeology and history research and youth scientific development. Healthcare Facilities: New medical centers are planned for the Day of healthcare workers, including oncology, pediatrics, and dental centers in Ashgabat, plus expanded buildings for the Archman sanatorium. Digital Governance: President Berdimuhamedov held a Cabinet meeting via a digital system, with updates on preparations for major public events tied to national healthcare priorities. UN Foresight: Turkmenistan is piloting the UN G-PESTLE strategic foresight framework, aiming to help decision-makers plan for emerging risks and opportunities across political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors.

Cybersecurity & Digital Resilience: Hunt.io reports the SilkParasite cyber-espionage campaign links multiple SpiceRAT-related command servers across Central Asia, using shared domains, certificates, and cloned web infrastructure—raising concerns for government, telecom, and energy targets. AI & Secure Tech Cooperation: Ashgabat hosted a C5+1 seminar on trusted AI, digitalization, cybersecurity, satellite communications, data centers, and spectrum management, with Central Asian and U.S. partners discussing secure development and financing. Smart Cities: Turkmenistan pushed its “smart cities diplomacy” idea at the Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit, aiming for digital infrastructure and shared scientific solutions for urban modernization. Nuclear Science for Health: Turkmenistan’s delegation joined the IAEA General Conference, highlighting peaceful nuclear applications in healthcare, including cancer diagnosis and treatment support in Ashgabat. Strategic Foresight: UN Turkmenistan piloted the G-PESTLE framework, a new foresight method to help decision-makers plan for emerging political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental risks and opportunities. Energy & Environment: A global methane-leak push spotlights Turkmenistan’s aim to plug “mega leaks,” aligning with the Global Methane Pledge goals. Business & Tech Market Access: Turkmen designers showcased collections at Paris’s Who’s Next, while Turkmen entrepreneurs are preparing for TIF 2026 matchmaking via an attendee app to meet major firms.

UN Tech & Policy: Turkmenistan briefed diplomats on its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, including peace and preventive diplomacy plus a “responsible approach” to new technologies like AI. Nuclear Science for Health: At the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Turkmenistan highlighted nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses, focusing on cancer diagnosis and treatment support for Ashgabat’s oncology center and its “Atoms for Landlocked Developing Countries” initiative. Strategic Foresight: Turkmenistan’s UN Country Team became the first globally to pilot the G-PESTLE foresight framework, aiming to help decision-makers plan for emerging political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental risks. Digital & Cybersecurity: An Ashgabat seminar on “Trusted Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization” discussed AI, satellite communications, spectrum management, data centers and protecting critical information infrastructure. Smart Cities: Turkmenistan pushed “smart cities diplomacy” at the Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit, calling for digital infrastructure and joint technical solutions for urban modernization. Business Tech Linkages: Turkmenistan and South Korea signed multiple deals to expand economic cooperation, while a Turkmen Investment Forum 2026 guide promotes using a meeting app to schedule talks with 200+ international firms. Education & AI: China scholarship admissions were presented to Turkmen applicants, and Turkmen universities expanded cooperation with Sungkyunkwan University in AI, engineering and energy. Cybersecurity Watch: New reporting links SilkParasite infrastructure to SpiceRAT command-and-control systems targeting Central Asian governments and energy firms.

UN Tech & Foresight: Turkmenistan says its priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly include peace, transport connectivity, climate action, humanitarian cooperation, and a responsible approach to new technologies like AI. Nuclear Science for Health: Turkmenistan’s delegation joined the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, highlighting peaceful nuclear cooperation, including cancer diagnosis and treatment support in Ashgabat, plus the “Atoms for Landlocked Developing Countries” initiative. Future Planning Method: The UN Country Team in Turkmenistan is piloting the G-PESTLE strategic foresight framework to help decision-makers assess political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental risks and opportunities for long-term planning. Smart Cities & AI Skills: Ashgabat hosted a C5+1 seminar on trusted AI and digitalization, focusing on cybersecurity, data centres, satellite communications and spectrum management. Cybersecurity Watch: New reporting links the SilkParasite cyber-espionage campaign to SpiceRAT infrastructure across Central Asia, pointing to shared technical traces across multiple malware families. Education & Digital Literacy: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov used the Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit to push joint research, double degrees, digital literacy via Olympiads, and support for innovative youth ideas. Business Tech Push: Turkmenistan is preparing for the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026, where delegates can schedule meetings in advance via a mobile app—aimed at speeding up deals with major foreign firms.

Korea-Central Asia Tech Push: Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov backed “smart cities” and digital education at the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit, calling for joint double degrees, AI-focused youth programs, and scientific cooperation. AI & Digital Security in Ashgabat: A C5+1 seminar in Ashgabat tackled trusted AI, cybersecurity, satellite communications, data centers, and protecting critical digital infrastructure. UN Tech Foresight Pilot: Turkmenistan’s UN Country Team became the first UN team to pilot the G-PESTLE strategic foresight framework, aiming to help decision-makers plan for emerging risks and opportunities across tech, law, and climate. Nuclear for Healthcare: Turkmenistan’s delegation joined the IAEA General Conference and promoted “Atoms for Landlocked Developing Countries,” while a Vienna side event highlighted nuclear science for cancer care under the Awaza Programme. Cybersecurity Watch: New reporting links SilkParasite infrastructure to SpiceRAT command-and-control systems across Central Asia, raising the stakes for government and energy-sector defenses. Business Tech Networking: Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 (Oct 1–2) will let local firms schedule meetings via an app with major Japanese and Korean tech and industrial players. Regional Trade Platform: Italy launched the B5+Italy business platform in Astana, with an agenda including technology transfer, transport, critical minerals, and green energy.

UN Tech & AI Policy: Turkmenistan outlined at the 81st UN General Assembly priorities that include peace and preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, depoliticizing energy flows, climate action, humanitarian cooperation, and a responsible approach to new technologies—especially artificial intelligence. Nuclear Medicine & Research: Turkmenistan’s delegation joined the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, stressing nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses, with a focus on cancer diagnosis and treatment and the “Rays of Hope” initiative. Strategic Foresight for Development: Ashgabat’s UN Country Team piloted the UN Women G-PESTLE framework, a foresight method that helps decision-makers plan for emerging political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental risks and opportunities. Cybersecurity Threats: New reporting links the SilkParasite cyber-espionage campaign to SpiceRAT infrastructure across Central Asia, using shared technical traces to show a broader, longer-running operation targeting governments and energy/telecom sectors. Digital Media Skills: The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat ran a training on environmental journalism, including hands-on use of modern AI tools for reporting and content planning. Smart Cities: Turkmenistan highlighted “smart cities diplomacy” at the Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit, pushing digital infrastructure and joint scientific solutions for urban modernization. Korea–Central Asia Tech Partnership: South Korea and Central Asia launched a multilateral AI and science-and-technology initiative that includes Turkmenistan, aiming to connect AI development with regional innovation and education.

UN Diplomacy & Foresight: Turkmenistan briefed priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly, stressing peace, neutrality, sustainable development, energy, climate, and humanitarian cooperation, while the UN Country Team in Ashgabat became the first to pilot the G-PESTLE strategic foresight framework to help decision-makers plan for emerging risks and tech shifts. Nuclear Science for Health: A Turkmenistan delegation joined the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, highlighting peaceful nuclear cooperation in cancer diagnosis and treatment, including the “Rays of Hope” work and the “Atoms for Landlocked Developing Countries” initiative. AI & Digital Security Training: In Ashgabat, an OSCE course trained journalists on environmental reporting and introduced modern AI tools for editorial work; meanwhile, a C5+1 seminar focused on trusted AI, digitalization, cybersecurity, satellite communications, and protecting critical infrastructure. Korea-Central Asia Tech Push: The first Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul produced a Seoul Declaration and a new AI/science partnership initiative, with Turkmenistan backing smart-city digital infrastructure and youth education/research cooperation. Cybersecurity Watch: New reporting links the SilkParasite cyber-espionage campaign to SpiceRAT infrastructure across Central Asia, pointing to shared technical traces across multiple remote-access toolsets. Business Tech Enablement: Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 guidance shows how local firms can pre-schedule meetings via an attendee app, while a Turkmen startup story highlights Bezen’s e-commerce growth to 50,000 monthly active users. Defense Tech Note: India’s Akash air defense missile system is reported as having new buyers including Turkmenistan, extending defense tech reach into Central Asia.

Korea-Central Asia Tech Push: Turkmenistan’s Smart City Diplomacy and digital education plans got a spotlight at the first “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” summit in Seoul, with leaders backing joint research and youth-focused innovation. AI & Digital Security: A C5+1 seminar in Ashgabat on “Trusted Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization” brought together regional governments and firms to discuss secure digital infrastructure, AI, satellite communications, and data centres. Water & Infrastructure Projects: Daewoo E&C is turning summit ties into work on the Karakum Canal, signing an MoU with Turkmenistan’s State Committee for Water Management to modernize a key 250-km section and open the door to wider water and environmental projects. Cyber Threat Watch: New reporting links SilkParasite-linked SpiceRAT infrastructure across Central Asia, showing how reused domains, certificates, and cloned web pages help connect long-running cyber-espionage activity. Business Tech for Locals: Turkmen startup Bezen’s traditional-clothing platform story highlights how it grew to 50,000 monthly active users and plans regional expansion. Practical Startup Networking: Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 is set for Oct 1–2 in Ashgabat, with an app-based system letting delegates schedule meetings in advance with major firms like Mitsubishi, Samsung C&T, John Deere, and others. Media Skills Upgrade: OSCE’s Ashgabat training on environmental journalism included hands-on work using modern AI tools for better coverage.

Smart Cities & Digital Education: Turkmenistan pushed its “Smart City Diplomacy” at the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit, calling for digital infrastructure, joint research, and youth digital literacy via Olympiads and scientific conferences. AI & Cybersecurity Seminar: A C5+1 “Trusted Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization” seminar in Ashgabat focused on secure digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI, satellite communications, spectrum management, and data centres. Korea–Central Asia Deals: Seoul’s inaugural summit adopted a 30-year Seoul Declaration, with leaders agreeing to meet every two years and deepen cooperation on critical minerals, energy, supply chains, AI, and people-to-people ties. Turkmen–Korea Business Projects: Turkmenistan highlighted healthcare cooperation, including a modern medical cluster in Arkadag involving South Korean firms, while business forums aimed to turn agreements into practical investment. Telecom Infrastructure: LS Group signed MOUs with Turkmenistan to expand telecom infrastructure, including plans for optical cable manufacturing and large-scale supply. Nuclear Science for Health: Turkmenistan backed IAEA efforts under “Atoms for LLDCs,” discussing nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and cancer care capacity-building. Cyber Threat Mapping: Hunt.io linked SilkParasite-linked RAT infrastructure (SpiceRAT/NodeEdgeRAT/NomadRAT) to Central Asian targets through shared certificates and hosting patterns. Healthcare Research: A study reported omalizumab improved antihistamine-resistant chronic urticaria after 3 months, with lower inflammatory markers. Customs Tech & IP: South Korea agreed with Turkmenistan and others to expand customs cooperation and anti-counterfeit enforcement, including shared information channels.

Korea–Central Asia Summit: Turkmenistan’s Serdar Berdimuhamedov pushed a “Smart City Diplomacy” agenda at Seoul’s first Central Asia–Republic of Korea summit, calling for digital education, youth skills, joint scientific research, and stronger parliamentary ties. Business Deals: South Korea’s KOTRA brought 33 Central Asian firms (including Turkmenistan) for 200 consultations, signing 16 export contracts worth about $14m on the spot. Customs & IP: Seoul agreed with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan to expand customs cooperation and protect intellectual property, including shared anti-counterfeit info and joint enforcement. Tech & AI Education: Turkmenistan highlighted AI, engineering, energy and digital technologies in cooperation with Sungkyunkwan University, while Seoul’s wider 30-year Seoul Declaration puts AI and digital transformation on the agenda. Regional Security Tech: Intelligence chiefs from Turkic states met in Kazakhstan, discussing counterterrorism and multi-domain security including cyberspace and AI. Connectivity Watch: Kyrgyzstan ranked 79th in mobile internet speed; Turkmenistan’s data was unavailable in the Speedtest Global Index. Human Rights Risk: A UN report warns people cooperating with the UN face transnational repression and digital surveillance.

Korea–Central Asia Summit: South Korea and five Central Asian states (including Turkmenistan) adopted the Seoul Declaration, setting a 30-year agenda and biennial leader summits, with priorities spanning critical minerals, energy, digital transformation/AI, and supply-chain building. Turkmen–Korean Tech & Business: During Turkmenistan’s state visit to Seoul, leaders backed wider cooperation with a focus on innovation and modern technologies, while Turkmenistan’s president said 17 Korean-backed investment projects worth over $12B are already in motion. Karakum Canal Modernization: Daewoo E&C signed an MoU with Turkmenistan’s water authorities to explore modernization of about a 250-km stretch of the Karakum Canal, aiming to improve water management and environmental infrastructure. Regional Security Tech: Turkic states’ intelligence chiefs met in Kazakhstan and discussed a shared approach to threats, including cyberspace and AI-linked risks. Customs & AI: A WCO forum in Tashkent highlighted that trained detection dogs still complement AI scanning for border and customs work. Local Education Tech: Turkmenistan’s education ministry compiled rankings of universities and teachers based on publications in international scientific journals.

Korea–Central Asia Summit: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung opened the inaugural Seoul summit urging a new 30-year chapter with Central Asia, saying the “Silk Road spirit” is needed as economies and security become tightly linked through supply chains, energy, markets and technology. Turkmen–Korea Deals: During President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s Seoul visit, Turkmenistan and South Korea signed 13 agreements and MOUs, including an investment promotion and protection pact, plus cooperation on railways, shipbuilding, new-city development, water management, AI, science and technology, and anti-smuggling/public security. Karakum Canal Modernization: Daewoo E&C signed an MOU with Turkmenistan’s water management authorities to explore modernization of a 250-km section of the Karakum Canal, targeting more efficient water supply and environmental infrastructure. “Ýerli Tor” Tech Venture: Turkmen IT firm “Amatly Çözgüt” and Korea’s S&T System Inc. agreed to launch a joint venture to localize production of servers, data storage and networking gear, with phased localization and specialist training. Science & Education Metrics: Turkmenistan’s education ministry compiled university and teacher rankings using international journal publication quality from Web of Science and Scopus, highlighting rising output by Turkmen researchers. Ozone Youth Contest: A Turkmen youth essay contest asks students to explain why protecting the ozone layer matters, with submissions due Oct. 2, 2026.