BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 6.
Two important developments in regional transport infrastructure took place in Turkmenistan on November 4: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov opened a 44-kilometer section of the Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz-Kazakhstan border highway and approved the start of construction of the new Ashgabat-Dashoguz road, which will stretch for approximately 550 kilometers.
The first project improves road links with western regions of Kazakhstan, while the second will strengthen transport connections between the capital and the northern part of Turkmenistan, which borders Uzbekistan.
Both highways are intended to expand regional transport opportunities and strengthen the country’s position along the international North-South Transport In particular, the western route is important for expanding transport flows between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region, whose economy largely relies on the oil and gas sector.
The region also has well-developed mechanical engineering, metallurgy and chemical industries.
The ports of Aktau and Kuryk, located there, provide access to Caspian Sea shipping routes, creating additional opportunities for transporting industrial goods.
On the Uzbek direction, the new road will complement existing infrastructure for cross-border cooperation.
In November 2025, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan opened the Shavat-Dashoguz trade zone, equipped with customs, veterinary and phytosanitary facilities, warehouses and a trade pavilion.
The application of the single-window principle is intended to simplify trade operations between the border regions of the two countries, while improved road connections could further support the development of the The development of these routes is part of the transport agenda that Turkmenistan actively promoted throughout 2026 during its chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Ashgabat advocated the expansion of regional corridors and stronger logistical cooperation among CIS member states.
In September, the 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council was held in the Turkmen capital, where participants discussed the countries’ transport potential, the development of the North-South and East–West routes, and the use of opportunities offered by the Caspian region.
At Turkmenistan’s initiative, 2029 was also declared the Year of CIS Transport Connectivity.
“The Caspian region is a key element of transport connectivity.
Clearly, the eastern and western Caspian North-South transport corridors are of vital importance,” President Berdimuhamedov said, addressing a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State in This policy is also reflected in the development of the country’s maritime infrastructure.
In May, the vessel Gadamly, with a carrying capacity of 6,100 tons, arrived at the Baku International Sea Trade Port.
It is the first dry cargo vessel built at the shipbuilding....
