Sustainable Future and Global Trade: Turkmenistan Explores Germany's Innovative Tools
Turkmenistan’s strategy to integrate into the global economic space is entering a new phase. Currently (from April 27 to May 1), a Turkmen delegation visiting Berlin is conducting an in-depth study of Germany's experience—Europe’s largest economy—in working with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The main objective of this working visit, organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, is to provide technical and institutional support for Turkmenistan’s efforts to join the WTO.
The delegation, led by Ilham Yarashov, Head of the WTO Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, held talks at several key German government agencies:
- Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy: German experts presented methods for ensuring market access and models for inter-agency coordination.
- Ministry of Food and Agriculture: The parties discussed trade standards in the agricultural sector and conditions for accessing food markets in accordance with WTO requirements.
During discussions at Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the primary focus was on increasing export potential. Additionally, the parties discussed how the state can provide consulting services to the private sector and ways to remain competitive in the global market.
The meetings in Berlin were not limited to trade but also covered environmental issues. At a meeting held at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, the following were discussed:
- The "green" agenda in Central Asia;
- Joint initiatives against climate change;
- Sustainable development of regional economic relations.
According to members of the Turkmen delegation, the institutional experience of their German colleagues will serve as an important foundation for improving Turkmenistan’s national trade policy. The simplification of cross-border trade operations and the strengthening of public-private partnerships will further accelerate the process of Turkmenistan's accession to the WTO.
This study tour is one of Turkmenistan's confident steps toward becoming a full member of the world's advanced economic system.
