The Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan Business Forum, which brought together representatives of government agencies, business circles, and industry organizations from both countries, was held in Astana as part of the 14th meeting of the Intergovernmental Kazakh-Turkmen Commission. Participants discussed prospects for expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation, as well as specific measures to increase mutual trade.

Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have demonstrated steady positive momentum in their trade and economic relations. Over the past five years, mutual trade has more than doubled to exceed $530 million. This growth is driven by both sides. Kazakh exports to Turkmenistan increased by almost 50% to $316.3 million, while Turkmen imports to Kazakhstan increased fivefold to $215.8 million.

This positive momentum continues this year. Between January and April 2026, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $180 million, a 7% increase compared to the same period last year. Exports from Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan increased by 18.9%, reaching $114.8 million.

"To expand trade cooperation, Kazakhstan has prepared a list of 178 non-commodity commodities with a combined export potential of over $200 million. The greatest prospects for increasing exports lie in the metallurgy, mechanical engineering, food, chemical and petrochemical industries, vehicle manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials sectors," noted First Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration Aizhan Bizhanova.

The meeting focused on the implementation of joint initiatives aimed at developing business ties and creating a favorable business environment. Specifically, the discussion focused on the creation of mutual trading houses, the development of digital trade, the approval of a roadmap for increasing trade turnover, and the implementation of trade finance mechanisms.

The importance of developing an effective system of support for entrepreneurs through trading houses was particularly emphasized, including support for investment projects, development of industrial cooperation, and the elimination of trade barriers.

Following the discussion, the parties confirmed their readiness to further deepen trade and economic cooperation and implement joint projects aimed at increasing mutual trade and expanding business contacts between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

"We see good prospects in the agro-industrial complex, textile industry, energy, transport, and logistics. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is of particular importance. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are important links in this route, connecting the markets of Asia and Europe. Joint development of transport infrastructure and further simplification of logistics procedures will create additional opportunities for businesses in our countries," noted Nurlan Kulbatyrov, Deputy General Director of QazTrade JSC.

Along with the development of transport infrastructure, the parties are interested in expanding cooperation in logistics, which will improve the efficiency of freight transportation, strengthen the transit potential of the two countries, and create additional opportunities for mutual trade.

Following the forum, a number of bilateral documents were signed aimed at developing trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Specifically, a memorandum of cooperation on supporting entrepreneurship, promoting exports, and expanding business ties between the two countries' business communities was signed between QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center JSC and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan.

E-commerce cooperation agreements were also signed between Silk Way Asia Trade LLP and Hazar Logistik, as well as between Silk Way Asia Trade LLP and Gamma, a private enterprise. Furthermore, Ashra Solutions LLP and Ojar Aziýa, a private enterprise, signed a cooperation agreement in investment and construction.

"The key focus of the forum was B2B negotiations. We invited not only traders and distributors but also manufacturing companies. Our goal is to establish direct contacts and build reliable supply chains. For example, in the textile industry, the establishment of direct cooperation between yarn and fabric producers and Kazakh garment factories producing finished goods generated significant interest. A clear interest in developing industrial cooperation was evident at the forum. We managed to bring together over 100 companies from Kazakhstan and over 40 business representatives from Turkmenistan," noted Ainur Amirbekova, Managing Director for Export Development at QazTrade JSC.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1249615?lang=ru