The business forum "New Horizons for Strengthening Connectivity, Attracting Investment, and Sustainable Development" opened at the Yildiz Hotel in Ashgabat on March 26, bringing together representatives of government agencies, businesses, and international organizations from both sides.

The event was organized with the support of the International Trade Center (ITC) as part of the EU's Global Gateway initiative.

The forum program includes three thematic panel sessions. The first session examines improving the business climate for developing trade and investment between the EU and Turkmenistan. This includes discussions on the country's WTO accession negotiations, access for Turkmen small and medium-sized businesses to European markets, and the role of the Global Gateway initiative in developing bilateral economic ties. The discussion is attended by the ambassadors of Germany and France, representatives of the European Investment Bank, the OECD, and Turkmen business communities.

The second session will focus on transport connectivity, focusing on Turkmenistan's role in developing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, digitalizing customs procedures, and improving logistics infrastructure. Representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Commission, GIZ, and the Turkmen Logistics Association will participate in the discussion.

The third session will focus on the green transition, discussing opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, methane emission reduction, and mechanisms for attracting international financing, including EBRD, EIB, and public-private partnership instruments.

The forum will also include an exchange of signed documents: the parties will formalize a protocol amending the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the State Concern Turkmengas, and GIZ, providing for additional funding of €2 million and a one-year extension of the "EU for Green Development of Turkmenistan: Political Dialogue and Climate Action" project.

In parallel, business meetings are being held at the forum venue, as well as an exhibition of Turkmen companies and projects implemented with EU support by the ITC, GIZ, and Expertise France.