BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 21. The 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan - 2026” (OGT 2026) opens in Ashgabat on October 21, bringing together more than 1,700 delegates from 75 countries and representatives of around 450 companies. The event will focus on the development of the oil and gas sector, attracting foreign investment, diversifying export routes, and strengthening international energy cooperation.
The forum will run through October 23 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan under the theme “Energy. Partnership. Progress.” It is organized by the state concerns Turkmengaz and Turkmennebit and the state corporation Turkmengeology in partnership with Turkmen Energy Forum. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is the event’s general partner, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in developing energy resources and infrastructure.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s strategy: From expanding hydrocarbon production to technological modernization
OGT 2026 comes as Turkmenistan pursues an energy strategy aimed at increasing hydrocarbon production, modernizing industrial facilities, expanding processing capacity, and diversifying export markets. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has consistently identified the development of the oil and gas sector as a key priority of state policy, emphasizing the adoption of advanced technologies and the attraction of international partners.
At a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty in 2026, the president stressed the need to modernize the sector and implement major projects.
“One of the key tasks is to modernize the operations of the oil and gas complex based on advanced achievements. Major projects for the production, processing, and export of hydrocarbons, as well as the development of new fields, are being implemented on a programmatic basis,” Berdimuhamedov said.
A central pillar of this strategy is the development of the Galkynysh gas field, one of the largest in the world. In April 2026, Turkmenistan launched the fourth phase of its development in cooperation with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The project includes a gas processing facility with an annual capacity of 10 billion cubic meters, as well as production wells. Its cost is estimated at approximately $5.1 billion.
The development of Galkynysh is expected to boost natural gas production, expand the country’s industrial capacity, and strengthen its position in international energy markets.
In his address to participants of OGT 2025, the president also highlighted the international dimension of Turkmenistan’s energy policy.
“Our independent, neutral Motherland, possessing enormous hydrocarbon resources, seeks to use its natural resources not only in its national interests, but also in the interests of other peoples of the region and the world,” Turkmen president said.
This approach reflects Ashgabat’s ambition to align its domestic economic priorities with regional energy cooperation, expand export opportunities, and reinforce the country’s position as a reliable energy supplier.
Preparations for OGT 2026 have also received the president’s direct attention. At a Cabinet of Ministers meeting on October 17, Berdimuhamedov instructed Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov to ensure that the 31st International Conference and Exhibition was organized to a high standard. The directive continues the government’s policy of supporting international industry platforms designed to promote the development of the oil and gas sector and expand cooperation with foreign partners.
What to Expect from OGT 2026
The business program will focus on further development of Galkynysh, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, and the expansion of offshore activities in the Caspian Sea.
Participants will discuss the prospects for subsequent phases of Galkynysh development, progress on the Afghan section of TAPI, and opportunities for international companies to participate in the development of Caspian fields. Particular attention will also be paid to gas processing, petrochemicals, hydrocarbon monetization, and energy infrastructure development.
Another key area will be the adoption of advanced technologies. The agenda includes digitalization, artificial intelligence, methane emissions reduction, low-carbon technologies, and renewable energy. These topics reflect the sector’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and adapt to the changing requirements of global energy markets.
The international exhibition will open on October 21, showcasing the capabilities of oil and gas companies, engineering firms, and technology providers. For the first time, the event will feature a national pavilion from Malaysia, bringing together more than 20 companies. The forum will also mark 30 years of PETRONAS operations in Turkmenistan and 20 years of cooperation between Turkmenistan and CNPC.
Participants include SOCAR, Dragon Oil, XRG, PETRONAS, CNPC, Eni, SLB, TotalEnergies EP Turkmenistan, and other international companies. In addition to plenary sessions and industry discussions, the program will feature business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings, creating opportunities for new investment arrangements and joint projects.
Although no major contracts scheduled for signing during the forum have been announced in advance, OGT 2026 will provide a platform for discussing promising initiatives and strengthening business ties.
The conference will give Turkmenistan an opportunity to present the progress made in implementing its energy strategy, outline further plans for expanding hydrocarbon production and processing, and attract potential investors. A key challenge remains turning the country’s substantial natural resources into a foundation for long-term economic growth, export diversification, and stronger regional energy connectivity.