Italy intends to expand its partnership with Turkmenistan in the textile sector, building on the two countries' long-standing ties in this sector. Italian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Martin Bruck stated this in an interview with a Turkmenportal correspondent on the sidelines of the international trade fair "Turkmenextile Expo – 2026."

Brook noted that most Italian companies have been operating in the Turkmen market since the 1990s, demonstrating the stable and long-term nature of bilateral cooperation. This year, Italy is represented at the exhibition by a single national pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). It brings together 11 specialized companies: Bianco, Color Service, Corino Macchine, Dover Industries Italy, Itema, Marzoli, MCS, Mesdan, Salvade, Savio, and Stalam.

"Our cooperation is truly very close. There's room for more. We want to grow, we want to do more. We're ready to do everything possible. And today's official Italian pavilion is true proof that Italy views Turkmenistan as a partner, a strategic partner in the textile sector," the diplomat emphasized.

The ambassador identified the supply of Italian equipment for the advanced processing of cotton raw materials as a key area of cooperation. He explained that this involves technologies that enable the creation of more complex and high-quality products with high added value, as opposed to the export of unprocessed raw materials.

"Turkmenistan is a wonderful country, perhaps with the best-quality cotton in the world. But it's important to add value to the raw material. And Italian equipment can help Turkmenistan export more sophisticated, high-quality products," said Brook.

In addition to technological cooperation, the Italian side is ready to assist Turkmen enterprises in promoting their finished products in Italy, other European countries, and Western markets in general. According to the ambassador, this opens up fundamentally new export opportunities for Turkmen producers.

Brook also pointed to the deep historical affinity between the two countries in the field of textiles, calling it part of the “DNA of Turkmenistan” and an integral part of Turkmen culture. According to him, this is precisely what brings the two countries together: the first textile-making machines appeared in Italy in the Middle Ages, and a powerful industrial base developed in the north of the country in the XVIII-XIX centuries, when Italian cloth and fabrics were sold throughout Europe and beyond. Turkmenistan, in turn, has an even more ancient tradition – archaeological evidence indicates that textile production in this area dates back to about 3000 years ago.

“Our countries share a remarkable history associated with textiles,” the ambassador concluded.

The international exhibition and fair "Turkmen Textile Expo – 2026" is taking place in Ashgabat from June 4 to 6. The event is one of the key venues for the textile industry in the region, bringing together manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and industry representatives from around the world.