Speech by Myrat Archayev, Deputy Chairman of the “Turkmengaz” State Concern

Topic: “Regional Energy and Infrastructure Connectivity: Development of Export Routes and Long-Term Markets”

Dear Mr. Moderator!
Dear conference participants!
Ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, allow me to welcome all participants of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan — OGT 2026.”

It is a great honor for me to participate in the discussion of regional energy connectivity, the development of export routes, and the formation of long-term energy markets.

Today, these issues are becoming particularly important. The global energy system is facing new challenges related to ensuring security of supply, infrastructure resilience, and the need to strengthen international cooperation.

Under these conditions, natural gas continues to play an important role in ensuring energy security, supporting industrial development, and maintaining sustainable economic growth.

Turkmenistan, which possesses one of the world’s largest natural gas resource bases, consistently implements an energy strategy aimed at diversifying export routes, expanding international partnerships, and developing modern transportation infrastructure.

Under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, esteemed Serdar Berdimuhamedov, our country pursues an “Open Door” policy based on the principles of mutual respect, equal cooperation, and consideration of the long-term interests of all participants in energy cooperation.

Dear colleagues!

One of the most successful examples of international energy partnership is the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline system.

For many years, this strategic energy corridor has ensured reliable supplies of Turkmen natural gas to one of the world’s largest energy markets.

Its successful operation demonstrates that long-term interstate agreements, investment in infrastructure, and coordinated work between producers, transit countries, and consumers create a solid foundation for sustainable energy cooperation.

Further development of gas transportation infrastructure in the eastern direction remains an important part of our long-term strategy.

At the same time, Turkmenistan pays particular attention to diversifying export routes and developing new promising markets.

A key place in this area is occupied by implementation of the transnational Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline, known as TAPI.

This large-scale project, designed to transport up to 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, is of strategic importance for strengthening energy security and economic connectivity among the countries of South Asia.

Progress in construction of the Serhetabat–Herat section in Afghanistan represents an important stage in the practical implementation of this project.

We view TAPI not only as gas transportation infrastructure but also as a long-term instrument of regional development.

Its implementation will contribute to expanding trade and economic relations, creating jobs, developing industry, and opening new opportunities for international investment.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Modern energy corridors are becoming increasingly comprehensive.

Today, the discussion is not limited to the transportation of natural gas but also includes development of interconnected infrastructure involving power transmission lines, transport communications, and digital networks.

In this regard, Turkmenistan attaches great importance to coordinating energy and infrastructure initiatives that contribute to strengthening economic integration between Central and South Asia.

The development of cross-border energy links creates additional opportunities to improve the reliability of energy supplies, expand trade, and attract investment.

Alongside traditional export routes, Turkmenistan is interested in exploring prospects for new energy cooperation routes, including the Caspian direction.

At the same time, implementation of every major infrastructure project requires comprehensive assessment of technical, economic, and commercial conditions, as well as coordinated decisions by interested parties.

We are convinced that sustainable development of regional energy infrastructure should be based on mutual benefit, long-term commitments, and reliable mechanisms of international partnership.

Dear conference participants!

An essential condition for expanding export opportunities remains the development of the production base and introduction of modern technologies.

In this regard, the phased industrial development of the Galkynysh gas field, one of the largest in the world, is of strategic importance.

Implementation of its subsequent development stages, including Phase IV with a design capacity of 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year, creates additional prerequisites for expanding Turkmenistan’s export potential.

Alongside the development of production capacity, the “Turkmengaz” State Concern pays attention to modernizing gas transportation infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and introducing modern management and monitoring systems.

Particular importance is attached to environmental responsibility, reducing methane emissions, and applying advanced technological solutions.

We proceed from the understanding that reliability of supply, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability should be regarded as interconnected elements of a modern energy strategy.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Experience in implementing international energy projects confirms that their success depends not only on the availability of natural resources, but also on trust between partners, predictability of cooperation conditions, and readiness for long-term investment.

Turkmenistan is open to constructive cooperation with states, international financial institutions, energy companies, and technology partners interested in developing sustainable regional infrastructure.

We are confident that expanding energy connectivity will contribute to strengthening regional stability, improving energy security, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that energy connectivity is not only about building pipelines and infrastructure facilities. Above all, it is about strengthening trust, developing partnerships, and creating a common foundation for long-term prosperity.

Turkmenistan is ready to continue contributing to these goals by consistently developing international energy cooperation.

I wish all participants productive discussions and successful implementation of joint initiatives.

Thank you for your attention!

Question 1 — TAPI and Regional Energy Security

Moderator — Matthew J. Sagers, S&P Global:

Mr. Archayev, TAPI is one of the most significant regional energy infrastructure projects. How do you see its role in strengthening energy security and economic connectivity between Central and South Asia, and what are the key priorities for its successful implementation?

Myrat Archayev’s Answer

Thank you for the question.

The TAPI gas pipeline is one of Turkmenistan’s key strategic projects aimed at diversifying export routes and expanding energy cooperation between Central and South Asia.

Its significance goes far beyond the transportation of natural gas. The project is intended to contribute to the energy security of participating countries, industrial development, job creation, and stronger regional economic ties.

We attach particular importance to implementation of the Serhetabat–Herat section, which is an important stage in advancing the project on Afghan territory.

Successful implementation of TAPI requires consistent coordination among participating states, agreement on technical and commercial issues, and stable conditions for construction and subsequent operation of the infrastructure.

The “Turkmengaz” State Concern continues to work with interested partners, taking into account the strategic importance of the project and its long-term potential.

We are convinced that implementation of TAPI will make an important contribution to strengthening energy security, economic connectivity, and sustainable development in the region.

Question 2 — Export Diversification and Investment Partnerships

Moderator — Matthew J. Sagers, S&P Global:

Looking beyond existing export routes, what opportunities does Turkmengaz see for developing new long-term markets and regional energy corridors, and what role can international investors and technology partners play in supporting this strategy?

Myrat Archayev’s Answer

Thank you for the question.

Diversification of export routes is one of the most important priorities of Turkmenistan’s long-term energy strategy.

The successful experience of cooperation with the People’s Republic of China demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term interstate agreements and investment in gas transportation infrastructure.

At the same time, we continue working to develop the southern direction through implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline and are exploring prospects for expanding energy cooperation with other interested partners.

Of particular importance are opportunities to establish integrated regional corridors combining gas transportation, electricity, and digital infrastructure.

Implementation of such projects requires modern engineering solutions, reliable financing mechanisms, long-term commercial agreements, and coordinated work by all interested parties.

We also attach great importance to introducing technologies aimed at improving gas transportation efficiency, ensuring industrial safety, and reducing environmental impact.

The “Turkmengaz” State Concern is open to developing mutually beneficial cooperation with international energy companies, investors, and financial institutions.

Our goal is to create sustainable, reliable, and economically efficient infrastructure that meets the long-term interests of both producers and consumers of energy resources.