Over the past three decades, Turkmenistan has consistently pursued a long-term strategy for the sustainable development of its energy sector, combining the responsible utilisation of its abundant hydrocarbon resources with the expansion of international cooperation, the implementation of major infrastructure projects and the introduction of modern technologies.

Today, this consistent course continues to create new opportunities for investment, technological cooperation and industrial development across the country's energy value chain.

Guided by the strategic initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the country continues to implement a comprehensive energy policy aimed at the efficient utilisation of its natural resources, diversification of export routes, technological modernisation, industrial development and the expansion of mutually beneficial international cooperation.

The consistent implementation of this long-term policy continues to strengthen Turkmenistan's position as one of the world's leading natural gas producers while enhancing its attractiveness as a reliable long-term partner for international energy cooperation and investment.

Recent developments—including the continued expansion of the Galkynysh Gas Field, steady progress on the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline, growing opportunities in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea and the further strengthening of strategic partnerships with the People's Republic of China and Malaysia—demonstrate the consistent implementation of Turkmenistan's long-term energy strategy and create additional opportunities for international investment, technology transfer and industrial cooperation.

Viewed collectively, these developments illustrate the continued expansion of Turkmenistan's energy sector and reflect the country's commitment to sustainable economic development, constructive international dialogue and mutually beneficial partnership.

Many of these strategic priorities will be among the principal topics discussed during the 31st International Conference and Exhibition "Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026", to be held in Ashgabat from 21–23 October 2026 under the theme "Energy. Partnership. Progress."

For more than thirty years, OGT has served as Turkmenistan's leading international platform for dialogue between governments, national and international energy companies, investors, financial institutions, engineering organisations, technology providers and industry experts, promoting cooperation across the global energy value chain.

Turkmenistan's Long-Term Energy Strategy

Possessing one of the world's largest natural gas resource bases, Turkmenistan continues to pursue a balanced and forward-looking energy policy that combines responsible resource development with investment in modern infrastructure, gas processing, petrochemical production, technological innovation and sustainable economic development.

The country's internationally recognised policy of permanent neutrality, together with its commitment to constructive international dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, has created favourable conditions for strengthening long-term partnerships with leading international energy companies and attracting investment into strategically important projects.

Particular attention continues to be devoted to expanding international cooperation, developing modern transport and export infrastructure, promoting technological innovation and ensuring the efficient utilisation of the country's natural resources in the interests of both present and future generations.

The initiatives advanced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people at major international forums—including proposals aimed at strengthening global energy cooperation, ensuring reliable and secure energy supplies and promoting future energy technologies—continue to make an important contribution to the international energy agenda while reinforcing Turkmenistan's reputation as a responsible, reliable and forward-looking partner.

Against this backdrop, the continued implementation of large-scale projects in natural gas production, transportation, offshore development, petrochemicals and infrastructure reflects the country's long-term commitment to strengthening energy security, promoting regional connectivity and expanding mutually beneficial international cooperation.

These priorities continue to shape Turkmenistan's energy policy while creating favourable conditions for attracting investment, introducing advanced technologies and supporting sustainable industrial development across the national economy.

Galkynysh: Continuing the Development of One of the World's Largest Natural Gas Fields

At the heart of Turkmenistan's long-term energy strategy is the continued development of the Galkynysh Gas Field, internationally recognised as one of the world's largest natural gas fields. For more than a decade, Galkynysh has remained a cornerstone of the country's energy policy, supporting the expansion of production capacity, strengthening export potential and creating opportunities for broader international cooperation.

Today, the implementation of Phase IV represents another important milestone in the systematic development of this strategic resource. Carried out in cooperation with international partners, the project is expected to further enhance production capacity, strengthen supporting infrastructure and create additional opportunities for engineering companies, EPC contractors, technology providers and specialised service companies.

Beyond its direct economic contribution, the continued development of Galkynysh reflects Turkmenistan's long-term commitment to the responsible and efficient utilisation of its natural resources. The project also contributes to industrial development, employment, technological advancement and the strengthening of national engineering capabilities, while creating favourable conditions for future investment and international cooperation.

The importance of Galkynysh extends well beyond production volumes. As one of the world's most significant gas fields, it continues to play an important role in supporting Turkmenistan's long-term strategy of expanding natural gas exports, developing value-added industries and strengthening energy security through reliable international partnerships.

The outcomes of the recent "Turkmenistan–Malaysia: 30 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation" Conference and Exhibition further expanded opportunities for discussing prospective areas of cooperation in the continued development of Galkynysh, alongside initiatives in offshore exploration, gas processing, petrochemicals and advanced technologies. These discussions once again demonstrated the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening long-term cooperation across the energy sector.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: China and Malaysia

The continued development of Turkmenistan's energy sector is supported not only by the implementation of major investment projects, but also by the steady expansion of strategic partnerships with long-standing international partners.

Earlier this year, Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China marked twenty years of strategic cooperation in the gas sector through a high-level international scientific conference dedicated to this important partnership. The event brought together government representatives, national energy companies, CNPC, leading Chinese engineering organisations, construction companies and technology providers to discuss future cooperation across the entire energy value chain.

Particular attention was devoted to the continued development of the Galkynysh Gas Field, the implementation of Phase IV, technological innovation, engineering solutions and opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in natural gas production, transportation and related industries.

Equally significant was the "Turkmenistan–Malaysia: 30 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation" Conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and PETRONAS. These events highlighted the maturity and continued development of one of Turkmenistan's longest-standing international energy partnerships.

The Malaysian delegation included representatives of government institutions, PETRONAS and leading Malaysian companies, reflecting the broad scope of cooperation that has developed over the past three decades. Discussions covered offshore exploration, production, technology transfer, human capital development, engineering services and future investment opportunities.

Particular attention was also given to expanding cooperation in offshore projects, advanced seismic technologies, gas processing, petrochemical industries and the continued exchange of technical expertise and best international practices.

Taken together, these high-level engagements demonstrate the continued expansion of Turkmenistan's international energy partnerships and reinforce the country's role as a constructive platform for dialogue between governments, national oil companies, international investors, engineering organisations and technology providers.

They also provide a solid foundation for the forthcoming Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026, where many of these strategic discussions are expected to continue with even broader international participation, further strengthening opportunities for investment, technology transfer and mutually beneficial cooperation.

TAPI: Strengthening Regional Energy Connectivity

An equally important component of Turkmenistan's long-term energy strategy is the continued implementation of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline.

For many years, TAPI has been recognised as one of the world's most significant cross-border energy infrastructure projects. Today, the project continues to make steady progress, reflecting the shared commitment of the participating countries to strengthening regional energy connectivity and expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

The Turkmenistan section of the pipeline has already been completed and prepared for operation, while construction activities continue in Afghanistan. Upon completion, the pipeline will deliver up to 33 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, contributing to long-term energy security and supporting economic development across the region.

The significance of TAPI extends well beyond the transportation of natural gas. The project is expected to promote industrial development, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activity and strengthen economic integration throughout Central and South Asia. At the same time, it reflects Turkmenistan's consistent policy of diversifying export routes and expanding international energy cooperation based on the principles of mutual benefit and long-term partnership.

As energy demand continues to grow across Asia, TAPI is expected to become an increasingly important component of the regional energy architecture and a practical example of how major international infrastructure projects can contribute to sustainable economic development and regional cooperation.

Thirty Years of Partnership: PETRONAS and Turkmenistan

Among Turkmenistan's most successful international energy partnerships is its long-standing cooperation with PETRONAS.

Since commencing operations in Turkmenistan in 1996, PETRONAS has become one of the country's largest international investors and one of its most trusted long-term partners in the development of the offshore oil and gas sector.

Over nearly three decades, the company has invested approximately US$12 billion, developed major offshore production infrastructure, drilled numerous exploration and production wells and made a significant contribution to the production of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons from the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea.

Equally important has been PETRONAS' contribution to the development of national human capital. More than one thousand Turkmen specialists are employed within the company's operations, while educational partnerships, technical training programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives have supported the development of a new generation of highly qualified national professionals.

The agreements signed during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia further demonstrated the continued development of this strategic partnership.

Among the most significant outcomes were the signing of a Production Sharing Agreement covering Offshore Blocks 19 and 20, together with agreements to undertake new 2D seismic studies in the northern offshore areas of the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea.

These agreements reflect the continued expansion of bilateral cooperation while creating additional opportunities for investment, advanced technologies, geological research and the further development of offshore energy resources. They also demonstrate the confidence of long-standing international partners in Turkmenistan's long-term energy strategy and investment potential.

Offshore Development: Expanding Opportunities for International Cooperation

The continued development of offshore projects represents an important component of Turkmenistan's long-term strategy for the balanced development of its energy sector.

Experience from major offshore provinces around the world demonstrates that comprehensive geological investigations and advanced seismic programmes play a vital role in improving the understanding of subsurface structures, reducing exploration risks and supporting more efficient field development.

Modern seismic technologies enable more accurate geological interpretation and provide valuable information for planning future exploration activities. Their application contributes to more effective resource assessment while supporting informed investment decisions and the deployment of advanced engineering solutions.

The continued expansion of offshore activities therefore creates opportunities not only for the discovery and development of additional hydrocarbon resources, but also for attracting international investment, advanced technologies and specialised engineering expertise.

The participation of internationally experienced operators further supports knowledge transfer, contributes to the development of national expertise and promotes the introduction of internationally recognised best practices across offshore operations.

Taken together with the continued development of the Galkynysh Gas Field and the steady implementation of the TAPI Gas Pipeline, offshore projects contribute to Turkmenistan's balanced long-term strategy encompassing upstream development, modern infrastructure, technological innovation, export diversification and sustainable industrial growth.

Expanding International Energy Cooperation

One of the key conclusions emerging from these developments is the continued strengthening of Turkmenistan's international energy cooperation.

The parallel implementation of Galkynysh Phase IV, the continued progress of the TAPI Gas Pipeline, the expansion of offshore activities in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea and the further strengthening of strategic partnerships with companies such as CNPC and PETRONAS illustrate the consistent implementation of Turkmenistan's long-term energy strategy.

The continued participation of leading international energy companies in major projects across the country reflects the importance of long-term cooperation, technological partnership and mutually beneficial investment in supporting the sustainable development of the national energy sector.

Equally important is the growing number of high-level international meetings and scientific conferences held in Turkmenistan. The successful events organised jointly with Chinese and Malaysian partners this year have further strengthened professional dialogue and created additional opportunities for cooperation between governments, national energy companies, investors, engineering organisations and technology providers.

These developments provide a strong foundation for OGT 2026, where representatives of the international energy community will once again gather in Ashgabat to discuss investment opportunities, technological innovation and the future development of strategic international partnerships across the energy value chain.

OGT 2026: A Platform for Strategic Dialogue and International Energy Cooperation

Against the backdrop of Turkmenistan's long-term energy strategy and expanding international cooperation, the 31st International Conference and Exhibition "Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026" will once again bring together government leaders, executives of national and international energy companies, investors, financial institutions, engineering organisations, technology providers and industry experts to discuss the priorities shaping the future of the energy sector.

Held under the theme "Energy. Partnership. Progress.", OGT 2026 will focus on the continued development of the Galkynysh Gas Field, investment opportunities in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, regional energy connectivity, gas processing and petrochemical industries, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, methane emissions reduction, advanced engineering solutions and international investment cooperation.

Beyond the conference programme, OGT provides a unique environment for executive dialogue, knowledge exchange and commercial engagement. The exhibition, high-level networking events, technical sessions and B2B and B2G meetings will enable participants to strengthen existing partnerships, establish new business relationships and explore investment opportunities across Turkmenistan's energy sector.

The strong international interest already demonstrated in OGT 2026 reflects the importance attached by governments, international energy companies, investors and technology providers to Turkmenistan's long-term energy strategy and its expanding role in regional and international energy cooperation. The international exhibition has already reached full capacity several months before the event, while delegate registration continues to progress strongly, further demonstrating the industry's confidence in OGT as one of the region's leading energy forums.

Looking Ahead

The developments outlined in this article reflect the consistent implementation of Turkmenistan's long-term energy strategy, based on the responsible development of its natural resources, the expansion of international cooperation, technological innovation and sustainable industrial growth.

As the global energy industry continues to evolve, constructive dialogue, reliable partnerships and the exchange of knowledge and technology will remain essential for achieving sustainable and balanced development. Against this backdrop, OGT 2026 will provide an important opportunity for governments, national and international energy companies, investors and technology providers to exchange experience, discuss strategic priorities and strengthen long-term cooperation.

Building on more than three decades of successful international engagement, OGT continues to serve as one of the region's leading platforms for dialogue, partnership and investment cooperation. By bringing together decision-makers, industry leaders and innovators from around the world, OGT 2026 will contribute to the continued development of Turkmenistan's energy sector and further strengthen mutually beneficial international cooperation across the global energy industry.