May has come and reminded me about the pre-Caspian gas pipeline project. A year ago, on May 12, in Turkmenbashi town a declaration on the pre-Caspian project was signed. The document endorsed by presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan assumed a construction of the pre-Caspian gas pipeline (to run along the Caspian Sea coastline […]

Below is the translation of Abdulgamid’s post from Russian-language part of the blog.
Starting from April 19 there is a new commercial exchange rate fixed for US dollars. From January 1, 2008 buying exchange rate was 19 800 Manat, and selling rate was 20 000 Manat. On April 19, 2008 the buying […]

On 20-25 April, Turkmen energy minister Baimyrat Khodzamuhammedov visited Islamabad where he took part in the 10th meeting of steering committee of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. Apart from him, the meeting gathered Indian, Pakistani and Afghan officials. Few days later, on April 28th Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov traveled to Kabul (first time in independent […]

It looks like the gas conflict between Turkmenistan and Iran which lasted for over 3 months is drawing to an end. The Reuters Agency informed on April 19 that Tehran is ready to pay a higher price for the Turkmen gas.
If Turkmenistan wants a logical increase in the price of gas it is okay […]

It looks like the Turkmen government is going to continue economic reforms aimed at bringing Turkmenistan’s economy closer to market economy. Some commentators have even called it the beginning of an economic shock therapy.
On April 14 Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov held a government meeting, which addressed the results of the first quarter of 2008 as […]

This is the translation of Abdulgamid’s post from the Russian-language part of the blog

Earlier the Soviet newspapers used to publish news saying: “The mutual co-operation growth horizons are expanding and broadening for the good of world, progress and prosperity!” Now the outlines of another major project for Turkmen gas export become more and […]

Some events suggest that India - so far underestimated - may join the competition for the Turkmen gas. On April 6 Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari visited Ashgabat. As a result of the visit, a joint memorandum concerning energy cooperation was signed. During the talks both parties stressed that there were excellent prospects for […]

In one of the recent posts I mentioned that the new law on foreign investments in Turkmenistan came into effect. My conclusion was that Berdymukhammedov was planning to carry out economic reforms, intended to bring the Turkmen economy closer to the market model. A few days ago I read the whole act and it […]

On March 24-25 president Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov paid a long-awaited visit to Turkey. Western politicians and analysts had great hopes for the visit, expecting important declarations on the Trans-Caspian pipeline. The expectations were further fuelled by the statement Berdymukhammedov made right before his departure to Ankara: president reminded that Ashgabat’s objective is to diversify its […]

The last session of the Turkmen government was focused on economic issues, particularly the development of private enterprise. This is something new for Turkmenistan and may be giving some cause for optimism. So far, the authorities have barely dealt with this issue, instead concentrating on the state entrepreneurship.
During the meeting, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov […]