ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 21. President
Serdar Berdimuhamedov has highlighted plans to expand gas exports
and advance the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI)
pipeline project in a congratulatory message to participants and
guests of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and
Gas of Turkmenistan - 2026” (OGT 2026), which opens in Ashgabat on
Wednesday, Trend's
special correspondent reports.


In his message, the president said the annual forum would
provide an opportunity to exchange views on priorities for
developing the country’s fuel and energy sector, prospects for
mutually beneficial partnerships and modern approaches to industry
modernization. The accompanying exhibition, he added, would
showcase innovations, advanced technologies and new projects.


Berdimuhammedov highlighted the Galkynysh gas field, one of the
world’s largest in terms of reserves, describing it as a key
resource base for expanding Turkmenistan’s gas exports. Development
of the field is proceeding in stages, with the fourth phase of
industrial development launched in April 2026.


The president described the launch as a historically significant
step toward substantially increasing exports of natural gas.


He also highlighted the TAPI gas pipeline project, which is
intended to strengthen energy security and promote prosperity
across the region.


Development of offshore license blocks in Turkmenistan’s sector
of the Caspian Sea is also continuing, building on three decades of
cooperation with leading international oil and gas companies. “We
will continue implementing such projects,” Berdimuhamedov said.







The president also emphasized the importance of economic
diversification. Turkmenistan’s National Strategy for Industrial
Development for 2030-2045 is focused on hydrocarbon processing and
the production of high-quality, environmentally friendly products,
he noted.


Berdimuhammedov stressed that neutral Turkmenistan remains open
to equal and mutually beneficial partnerships, adding that foreign
investors would be provided with the necessary conditions to
participate in major promising projects.


He expressed confidence that OGT 2026 would serve as a platform
for exchanging expertise between Turkmen specialists and
international partners and help lay the groundwork for future
cooperation.


The 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil
and Gas of Turkmenistan - OGT 2026” is being held on 21-23 October
2026 in Ashgabat under the motto “Energy. Partnership. Progress.”
Organised by the State Concerns Turkmengaz and Turkmennebit, the
State Corporation Turkmengeology, and the Turkmen Energy Forum, it
is Turkmenistan’s flagship energy event and one of the leading oil
and gas forums in Eurasia. Registration closed with more than 1,700
delegates from 75 countries representing around 450 companies; the
accompanying exhibition is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors
and features more than 100 companies. Key themes include further
development of the Galkynysh gas field (with Phase IV launched in
April 2026), progress on the TAPI pipeline, Caspian offshore
projects, gas processing and petrochemicals, digitalisation,
methane emissions reduction, and investment opportunities. Notable
partners and sponsors include SOCAR (lead/premier partner), Dragon
Oil (diamond sponsor), CNPC (platinum), and Baker Hughes (silver),
with Malaysia presenting its first national pavilion.