At the TEIF 2025 Investment Forum held in Kuala Lumpur, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), praised Turkmenistan’s investment potential. In her speech, she emphasized that the country’s rich natural resources, strategic geographic location and commitment to economic diversification make it attractive to investors, especially from Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Turkmenistan, as a key transit hub in Central Asia, offers unique opportunities for trade and energy cooperation. Alisjahbana noted that the country’s national strategy on climate and renewable energy development until 2030 creates a clear roadmap for the transition to sustainable energy. This opens up prospects for foreign investors in wind and solar energy projects, modernization of energy infrastructure, implementation of smart grid technologies and strengthening cross-border energy links.

“Turkmenistan, as a net energy exporter, can use existing infrastructure to integrate renewables into regional networks, ensuring energy security and reducing costs,” Alisjahbana said. However, she stressed that this requires significant investment in upgrading systems and expanding cooperation with neighboring countries.

Foreign direct investment, according to the Executive Secretary, is not only a financial instrument, but also a means of technology transfer, exchange of best practices and sustainable growth. By attracting quality investment, Turkmenistan will be able to modernize its industrial base, diversify the economy and strengthen its role in regional and global value chains.