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Increase in Non-Cash Payment Volume in Turkmenistan

09 Apr. 09:29

Source

Turkmenistan's banking sector reported a significant surge in non-cash transactions during the first two months of 2026. From January to February, the total value of electronic payments exceeded 3.25 billion manats. This growth reflects the ongoing digital transformation of the national financial system and an increasing consumer preference for modern banking solutions over traditional cash methods.

The statistical breakdown reveals that POS terminals remain the primary tool for non-cash settlements, accounting for 83% of the total transaction volume. Payments made through these devices reached 2.7 billion manats. Meanwhile, the e-commerce sector is showing steady progress, contributing 551.6 million manats to the total turnover, which highlights the expanding digital marketplace in the country.

Among financial institutions, Dayhanbank secured the top position in terminal-based transactions, processing over 928 million manats. It was followed by Turkmenistan Bank and Turkmenbashy Bank, both of which showed strong performance in digital service adoption. In the e-commerce segment, Halkbank emerged as the leader, driving significant volumes in online payments and remote banking services.

In total, the country's banking system processed approximately 16.9 million card-based transactions during this period. The continuous expansion of payment infrastructure and the promotion of cashless habits are key factors in enhancing economic transparency and convenience for the public. These developments align with the national strategy to modernize the financial landscape through advanced technology.

















Switzerland Opens Applications for Government Excellence Scholarships for Young Turkmen Researchers

24 Aug. 14:45

Source

The Swiss Government has officially opened the application cycle for its Excellence Scholarships for the 2027–2028 academic year. The program target young specialists and researchers from Turkmenistan seeking to conduct post-graduate research or pursue doctoral studies at top Swiss universities and research institutes.

Key applicant requirements:

A Master’s degree or equivalent academic/professional credential;

Age limit: born after December 31, 1991;

A detailed research proposal including a timeline, core methodology, and planned objectives;

An official letter of academic sponsorship from a host professor in Switzerland;

For applicants currently residing in Switzerland, the entry date must not precede August 1, 2026.

The grant includes a monthly allowance, health insurance coverage, partial housing subsidies, and travel expenses. Research fellowships range from 6 to 12 months in duration. Electronic application submissions will remain open through November 27, 2026. Application procedures for Turkmen citizens are overseen by the Embassy of Switzerland in Baku.