ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 21. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has highlighted plans to expand gas exports and advance the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project in a congratulatory message to participants and guests of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan - 2026” (OGT 2026), which opens in Ashgabat on Wednesday, Trend's special correspondent reports.
In his message, the president said the annual forum would provide an opportunity to exchange views on priorities for developing the country’s fuel and energy sector, prospects for mutually beneficial partnerships and modern approaches to industry modernization. The accompanying exhibition, he added, would showcase innovations, advanced technologies and new projects.
Berdimuhammedov highlighted the Galkynysh gas field, one of the world’s largest in terms of reserves, describing it as a key resource base for expanding Turkmenistan’s gas exports. Development of the field is proceeding in stages, with the fourth phase of industrial development launched in April 2026.
The president described the launch as a historically significant step toward substantially increasing exports of natural gas.
He also highlighted the TAPI gas pipeline project, which is intended to strengthen energy security and promote prosperity across the region.
Development of offshore license blocks in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea is also continuing, building on three decades of cooperation with leading international oil and gas companies. “We will continue implementing such projects,” Berdimuhamedov said.
The president also emphasized the importance of economic diversification. Turkmenistan’s National Strategy for Industrial Development for 2030-2045 is focused on hydrocarbon processing and the production of high-quality, environmentally friendly products, he noted.
Berdimuhammedov stressed that neutral Turkmenistan remains open to equal and mutually beneficial partnerships, adding that foreign investors would be provided with the necessary conditions to participate in major promising projects.
He expressed confidence that OGT 2026 would serve as a platform for exchanging expertise between Turkmen specialists and international partners and help lay the groundwork for future cooperation.
The 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan - OGT 2026” is being held on 21-23 October 2026 in Ashgabat under the motto “Energy. Partnership. Progress.” Organised by the State Concerns Turkmengaz and Turkmennebit, the State Corporation Turkmengeology, and the Turkmen Energy Forum, it is Turkmenistan’s flagship energy event and one of the leading oil and gas forums in Eurasia. Registration closed with more than 1,700 delegates from 75 countries representing around 450 companies; the accompanying exhibition is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors and features more than 100 companies. Key themes include further development of the Galkynysh gas field (with Phase IV launched in April 2026), progress on the TAPI pipeline, Caspian offshore projects, gas processing and petrochemicals, digitalisation, methane emissions reduction, and investment opportunities. Notable partners and sponsors include SOCAR (lead/premier partner), Dragon Oil (diamond sponsor), CNPC (platinum), and Baker Hughes (silver), with Malaysia presenting its first national pavilion.