Turkmenistan Participates in Second B5+1 Business Forum in Bishkek
Bishkek, The Gulf Observer: A delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by Minister of Finance and Economy M. Astanagulov, took part in the Second B5+1 Business Forum, held on February 4–5, 2026, in Bishkek.
The forum brought together representatives of government agencies and business communities from the Central Asian countries and the United States of America, with the aim of expanding trade, economic, investment and technological cooperation.
During the forum’s sessions, the Turkmen delegation underscored Turkmenistan’s interest in actively developing mutually beneficial partnerships within the B5+1 format. The delegation highlighted the significant potential of Central Asia as a dynamically developing market offering favourable conditions for the implementation of joint investment projects. Particular attention was drawn to ongoing structural economic reforms in Turkmenistan, efforts to improve the business environment, and the development of the digital economy, energy sector, transport and logistics infrastructure, as well as other priority industries.
On the sidelines of the forum, Turkmen representatives participated in a roundtable discussion with members of the U.S. business community. Discussions focused on macroeconomic development, economic diversification, private sector support, the improvement of trade procedures, the development of transport and logistics corridors, and Turkmenistan’s progress toward accession to the World Trade Organization.
A bilateral meeting was also held with Rebecca Hunter, Director for Global Licensing and Market Development of Starlink at SpaceX. The talks focused on prospects for cooperation in digital technologies, telecommunications and the introduction of advanced satellite communication solutions. Both sides confirmed their mutual interest in the further development of long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.
Turkmenistan’s participation in the forum reaffirmed the country’s commitment to expanding open and constructive international cooperation, strengthening business ties, and promoting joint initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable economic development across the region.
