In June 2026, the US-Turkmenistan Business Council (USTBC) led a high-level business mission to Ashgabat aimed at deepening economic and commercial ties between the United States and Turkmenistan. The Turkmen-American Business Cooperation Association (TABCA) was pleased to support the mission, assisting with the delegation’s program and helping connect U.S. business leaders with their Turkmen government and private-sector counterparts.
A Forum at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The centerpiece of the mission was the Turkmen-American Business Forum, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan in a round-table format. The forum brought together heads of ministries and departments of Turkmenistan and a delegation of American businesspeople led by Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the US-Turkmenistan Business Council. The Turkmen side was headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.E. Nokerguly Atagulyyev, joined by representatives of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan.
Participants reviewed the Council’s role in strengthening long-term economic relations between the two countries, with particular attention to trade and investment cooperation in industry, agriculture, and the supply of equipment for the agro-industrial complex and water management. The sides also highlighted promising opportunities in energy, transport and communications, construction, healthcare, environmental protection, cybersecurity, and innovative technologies.
As emphasized during the forum, Turkmenistan is open to effective cooperation and supports the aspiration of the American business community to strengthen its position in the Turkmen market, noting the favorable investment climate and legal framework created for doing business in the country. U.S. company representatives, in turn, reaffirmed their interest in participating in the major development programs now underway in Turkmenistan and pointed to the growing interest of American businesses in the market.
Bilateral meetings between representatives of Turkmen ministries and members of the U.S. delegation were held on the margins of the forum, where the parties outlined concrete plans for joint work in key sectors.
TABCA: A New Platform for Turkmen-American Business
A highlight of the forum discussions was the role of the newly established Turkmen-American Business Cooperation Association (TABCA). Participants noted that TABCA will complement the existing platforms of interaction between Turkmenistan and the United States, serving as an effective platform for the development of trade and economic ties in areas of mutual interest.
Supporting the USTBC mission was a natural first undertaking for TABCA. The Association worked alongside USTBC, Turkmen government partners, and the business community to help ensure a productive program — an early demonstration of the complementary role TABCA intends to play in expanding practical cooperation between the two countries’ business circles.
The significance of the mission was underscored on June 5, 2026, when President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Executive Director Eric Stewart. The Head of State noted the significant contribution of the Council to the development of bilateral cooperation and highlighted Turkmenistan’s positive experience partnering with world-renowned American companies, including Boeing, General Electric, John Deere, Case New Holland, and Nicklaus Design.
The delegation’s program also included a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador H.E. Elizabeth Rood and the U.S. Embassy team, bringing together delegation members, government officials, and business leaders.
Looking Ahead
The mission marked an important step in advancing economic engagement between the United States and Turkmenistan. TABCA extends its congratulations to USTBC on a successful mission and its gratitude to Deputy Chairman Atagulyyev, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and Ambassador Rood for their engagement and hospitality. TABCA looks forward to building on this momentum and to facilitating further exchanges between the American and Turkmen business communities in the months ahead.
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