Quality Assurance Conference Highlights Turkmenistan’s Economic Aspirations

The International Conference on "Quality Assurance in Accordance with International Standards in Turkmenistan" (QACIS-2025) commenced with a robust plenary session, fostering meaningful discussions among high-ranking officials, international experts, and business representatives. Participants engaged in two panel discussions focusing on the essential mechanisms and challenges involved in implementing international standards aimed at boosting trade and attracting foreign investment in Turkmenistan.

Strategic Importance of International Standards

The plenary session featured prominent figures, including Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev and President of The Stirling Foundation Miles Hansen. They underscored the pivotal role that standardization plays in the economic development of Turkmenistan. Subsequent panel discussions allowed experts to delve deeper into the implications of international standards for trade and investment.

Path to WTO Membership and Economic Development

A key presentation was delivered by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Perhat Yagshiyev, who emphasized quality assurance as central to Turkmenistan’s trade and investment policies. He highlighted the country’s commitment to international standards, particularly in light of its ambition to achieve full World Trade Organization (WTO) membership.

Yagshiyev outlined Turkmenistan’s journey towards WTO membership, having begun as an observer in 2020 and progressing to "acceding country" status in 2022—an essential milestone marking the start of a systemic transformation. He discussed the ongoing work to align national legislation and trade practices with WTO standards, including the implementation of a comprehensive Foreign Trade Regime document for 2022-2024.

International Collaboration

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the crucial support from international partners, including the World Bank, UNDP, and UNCTAD. Notably, he discussed memorandums of understanding aimed at improving trade and logistics processes, significantly contributing to the digitalization of trade operations.

Industry-Specific Discussions

The conference panels also covered a wide array of relevant topics, including electronic exports, business tools, and the significance of certification for fostering a "creative economy." Esteemed experts from various organizations contributed insights into the challenges and opportunities tied to these subjects.

In a focused session on agriculture led by expert Edite Strazdina, discussions centered on the implementation of GlobalG.A.P. standards in Turkmenistan, stressing the environmental and social dimensions of agricultural production. The session featured participation from the Minister of Agriculture Charyyar Chetiev and experts from several countries, showcasing successful national practices and the importance of certification for agricultural exports.

Conclusion

Throughout the conference, participants expressed significant interest in sharing experiences and acquiring practical knowledge. The thematic sessions highlighted both general and sector-specific issues of international integration, reaffirming Turkmenistan’s commitment to enhancing its foreign economic engagement based on best global practices.

As the conference concluded, it became evident that the collective efforts to uphold international standards could play a transformative role in Turkmenistan’s economic landscape, paving the way for greater trade and investment opportunities on the global stage.

Photo: orient.tm

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