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, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration.
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. 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 Kazakh 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.
