On May 28, the first hybrid meeting of the Working Group on Sustainable Economics and Finance (SEF), organized jointly by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the US Embassy in Turkmenistan, was held in Ashgabat.

The SEF is established within the Development Partners Coordination Group (DPCG) and seeks to enhance the effectiveness of international organizations and diplomatic missions in the field of finance and economics by promoting closer cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan to achieve the country's overall economic growth goals.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the diplomatic community of Ashgabat. They were presented with the goals, scope and planned activities of the Working Group on Sustainable Economy and Finance.

At the meeting, reports from development partners were made and ways to promote sustainable economic and financial development of Turkmenistan through cooperation and open dialogue were discussed.
US Ambassador to Turkmenistan Matthew Klimov stated:

“Through this group, we hope to expand on the good work its members are already doing, such as helping the people and Government of Turkmenistan establish trade links with the world, fully participate in the digital and green economy, and ensure economic opportunity for all. We also look forward to new initiatives and examples of cooperation that will accelerate progress, especially as Turkmenistan moves towards joining the World Trade

Organization (WTO) and takes other measures to improve the business climate and attract investment”.
UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko noted:

“I am pleased that the UN and development partners have come together to discuss economic development and financing for development. In the context of Turkmenistan, we need to take coordinated and flexible approaches to support the country in developing a vibrant and diversified rules-based economy that benefits its people, creates jobs and facilitates financing for development and partnerships. This is especially important in the context of Turkmenistan's intention to join the WTO. I hope that we can maintain a regular exchange of information to complement each other's efforts in this direction”.

The SEF Working Group plans to meet regularly to create an effective platform for improving coordination, knowledge sharing, raising awareness and strengthening cooperation in economic and financial areas.