Dutch Companies Keen on Expanding into Turkmenistan’s Agricultural Sector
Turkmenistan Embraces Dutch Investment in Agricultural Sector
Turkmenistan is welcoming Dutch investment in its agricultural sector, as evidenced by the recent visit of a Dutch business delegation to Ashgabat. Facilitated by East West Trade & Consulting, the trip marked a significant step towards fostering bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Led by former Dutch Ambassador to Central Asia Peter van Leeuwen, the delegation included representatives from prominent Dutch companies such as Agrotech Didam, Dalsem, Geerlofs, HZPC, and Kubo. Three of these companies had previously participated in the Dutch pavilion at the Agro-Pak Turkmenistan trade fair in Ashgabat in November 2023, making this visit a follow-up event to explore further opportunities.
The program, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels and local authorities, involved visits to greenhouses cultivating various crops such as tomatoes, strawberries, and even bananas, as well as discussions with key ministries and organizations in Turkmenistan. These interactions shed light on Turkmenistan’s agricultural policies and provided a platform for networking and exchanging ideas with stakeholders.
While Turkmenistan is predominantly known for its oil and gas sector, it is now seeking to diversify its economy through agricultural development. The country’s unique climate conditions, coupled with government support, present promising prospects for becoming a major agricultural hub in Central Asia.
Dutch companies, renowned for their advanced technologies in agriculture, see immense potential in Turkmenistan. Opportunities for cooperation include the construction of modern greenhouses, introduction of efficient irrigation systems, and collaboration in seed production to enhance crop yields and disease resistance.
By partnering with Dutch firms, Turkmenistan aims not only to achieve food security but also to emerge as a key exporter of agricultural products. On the other hand, Dutch companies view the Turkmen market as a gateway to expansion and growth in a strategically important region.
The mutual cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Netherlands in the agricultural sector holds promise for both parties, ushering in a new era of partnership and prosperity.