The key event of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia Week, the SPECA Economic Forum, has opened in the capital of Turkmenistan, the International Information Center of Turkmenistan reported on January 21.

The event, held in the year of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, brought together international experts and delegates to discuss ways to strengthen regional integration.

In his address to the forum participants, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the event will be an important step in implementing strategies aimed at transforming the region into a sustainable economic platform.

Turkmenistan, which chaired SPECA in 2025, is actively promoting the idea of ​​creating a single regional market for goods, services, and investment. The forum focuses on digital transformation, e-commerce, and the introduction of green technologies.

Energy connectivity of the Caspian region and the development of transport integration in Eurasia occupy a special place on the agenda. The President noted that the UN resolutions adopted at Ashgabat's initiative in the fields of transport and energy have already laid a solid legal foundation for these processes.

One of the key objectives of the meeting will be the discussion of the SPECA Development Concept until 2030. Turkmenistan proposes to intensify the work of specialized groups on water, energy, and environmental resources, which is particularly relevant in the context of a changing global economy. Forum guests will be able to clearly assess the country's investment potential and become familiar with its industrial and innovation policy, which is based on the implementation of the latest scientific and technological advances.

Concluding his address, the head of state expressed confidence that the dialogue within the forum will enable the development of specific strategies and action plans.

The work of the forum confirms Turkmenistan's commitment to promoting the transformation of SPECA into an effective space of peace, trust, and long-term partnership. It is expected that following the meetings, new joint steps will be outlined to strengthen logistical connectivity and the reliability of the region's transport and communication hubs.