Using trade opportunities to support Turkmenistan's sustainable development was the topic of a meeting held on May 7, 2026, at the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations. Along with representatives and experts from relevant ministries, industry agencies, and international organizations, the Chair of GS1 Turkmenistan, Aykamar Malikgulyyeva, participated in the event.
The meeting participants were presented with the results of a study by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) assessing the contribution of trade to achieving national sustainable development goals and strengthening its role in supporting the country's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
During the plenary session and thematic sessions, presentations were made on Turkmenistan's achievements and development priorities in reforms, as well as trade facilitation, transport accessibility, and sustainable energy. Speakers emphasized the role of trade as a catalyst for structural transformation in the Turkmen economy, promoting innovative industrialization, and transitioning from traditional resource-intensive growth to a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced model.
Information was provided on the country's preparatory work for WTO accession and UNECE regulatory instruments for trade development. As noted, the study demonstrates impressive progress in all areas and also identifies a number of domestic sustainable production practices among enterprises that reflect entrepreneurial ingenuity and a strong commitment to environmental protection.
Meeting participants analyzed the findings and recommendations of the UNECE assessment study, noting the need for further cooperation on this pressing issue.
The assessment study was conducted by the UNECE at the request of the Government of Turkmenistan in partnership with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan and with the financial support of the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Trade Development Center.