Turkmenistan's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.3% in the first seven months of 2026, driven by high growth rates in the transport sector, trade, and services.
This was stated in a press release from the Turkmen government, published following a Cabinet of Ministers meeting chaired by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
"GDP growth for the first seven months of the year reached 6.3 percent," the statement said.
According to the document, the highest growth rates in January-July were recorded in transport and communications at 10.3%. Trade increased by 8.5%, services by 8.4%, construction by 6.7%, agriculture by 4.1%, and industry by 2.6%.
Although Turkmenistan remains one of the world's largest exporters of natural gas, hydrocarbons are no longer the sole driver of the country's economic strategy. In recent years, Ashgabat has increasingly invested in transport infrastructure, logistics, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and trade, seeking to diversify sources of economic growth. Large-scale state investments also contribute to the development of construction and services, while agriculture continues to play an important role in employment and domestic food production.
The sustained high growth rates in the transport and communications sector reflect Turkmenistan's broader ambition to strengthen its role as a regional transit hub. The growing importance of the Middle Corridor, or the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, has further enhanced the economic significance of Turkmenistan's transport sector.
Against this backdrop, the International Transport Forum (ITF) said in an exclusive interview with Trend that the Middle Corridor will retain its strategic importance as a diversified route between Asia and Europe, and Turkmenistan will be able to take advantage of transit routes across the Caspian Sea towards Azerbaijan.
"Nevertheless, the Middle Corridor will retain its strategic value as a diversified route between Asia and Europe, bypassing both Russia and Iran. It will continue to receive significant political and investment support for the development of Eurasian transport connectivity," ITF said.