During his official visit to Italy, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the Turkmen-Italian Business Forum on October 26.
The Turkmen president emphasized the importance of this meeting, which aims to develop Turkmen-Italian ties through direct business dialogue and provide concrete preconditions for attaining a qualitatively new level of partnership.
He noted that one of the main goals of the Open Door policy is to give new impetus and dynamism to the development of the national economy with a long-term perspective and primary focus on attracting foreign investment to Turkmenistan. In this context, Berdimuhamedov emphasized the guidelines, priorities, and strategic goals for the development of Turkmenistan. The establishment of an industrial society and economic diversification were named among the key priorities.
The President of Turkmenistan also noted that diversifying energy flows from Turkmenistan and constructing resource pipelines, including those heading west, remains the absolute priority. “While implementing the outlined plans for vividly reforming the national economy and developing international cooperation, we would like Italian business to hold a significant and worthy place in this process. We are ready to provide all the necessary conditions for its functioning,” the head of state said, emphasizing the comprehensive experience of economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.
He also noted extensive opportunities for developing partnership in the transport sector, with particular attention to the creation of a Caspian-Mediterranean corridor between Asia and Europe. The head of state noted that Turkmenistan and Italy are destined to play a key role in its formation due to their geographic location.
President Berdimuhamedov identified the textile industry as another area where bilateral relations are receiving a strong impetus. Turkmenistan is committed to a long-term partnership, significantly expanding exports of high-quality Turkmen textiles, establishing joint ventures for the production of ready-made garments, and expanding to new markets.
It was also noted that Turkmenistan is optimizing its banking and financial sector and is interested in Italian experience. In this regard, Berdimuhamedov confirmed his readiness to facilitate the establishment of a partnership between the Italian State Export Credit Agency and Turkmen banks.
