The situation in Afghanistan is improving significantly, which provides an opportunity to advance the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline. This was stated by Muhammetmyrat Amanov, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAPI Pipeline, speaking on October 24 at a panel discussion of the International Conference "Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan 2024" (OGT 2024).

"In principle, every large project faces certain difficulties, of course, TAPI is no exception, security issues, especially in Afghanistan, are quite acute, but we see that the security situation there is significantly improving, giving us the opportunity to move forward," Amanov said, noting that Turkmenistan is working closely with the local government and communities to ensure security and progress.

"On the other hand, financial logistical difficulties are also an integral part of such a large-scale project.  In this regard, the project is working with international partners and investors to secure funding,” Amanov continued.

He recalled that the construction of the Afghan section of the TAPI gas pipeline – Serkhetabad-Herat – had recently started.

“This is a critical part of the larger, large-scale TAPI gas pipeline project. Current activities on this section include detailed engineering surveys and mobilization of personnel, as well as the procurement of necessary materials such as pipes, insulation materials, and other equipment,” explained the head of TAPI Pipeline.

“The TAPI project underlines our commitment to providing economic benefits to the local community through job creation, infrastructure development, and it also reflects the shared willingness of the participating countries to continue to strengthen energy security and promote economic growth,” Muhammetmyrat Amanov concluded.