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The Swiss magazine Umwelt Zeitung has released an analytical feature titled “Turkmenistan: Independent, Neutral, and Prosperous,” underscoring the significance of neutrality in the country’s long-term economic model.
Yurie Moaru, Vice-President of the Joint Chamber of Commerce Switzerland – Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South Caucasus, argues that Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality is more than a foreign policy principle — it’s a foundation for economic credibility and resilience.
According to Moaru, Turkmenistan’s choice to remain outside military alliances and geopolitical confrontations has allowed it to focus on domestic growth, thereby cultivating an image of peace and predictability that attracts international investment.
The article cites positive forecasts from global institutions: Fitch Ratings affirmed the country’s BB- credit rating with a stable outlook, and the International Monetary Fund projects Turkmenistan's economic growth at 6.2% in 2024 — more than double the regional average.
Energy is highlighted as a key sector where neutrality has had direct benefits. With the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves, Turkmenistan has leveraged its neutral diplomacy to diversify export routes — notably becoming a major gas supplier to China, free from political interference or restrictions.
The article also notes Turkmenistan’s strategic role as a transport and logistics hub, particularly through the East-West and North-South corridors. Key investments include the modernized Turkmenbashi port on the Caspian Sea and transcontinental rail links.
Strong ties with neighboring countries are another success attributed to neutrality. Examples include energy and water cooperation with Uzbekistan, and a major rail project with Kazakhstan connecting Central Asia to the Persian Gulf.
Finally, it recalls that in 2023, the UN — at Turkmenistan’s initiative — declared a World Sustainable Transport Day, affirming the country’s global leadership in sustainable connectivity.
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From Market Stall to Manufacturing Powerhouse: The Success Story of “Ak Gaýa”
The story of Ak Gaýa is a shining example of perseverance, ambition, and the ability to grow with time. What began as a small trading venture at a local market has evolved into one of Turkmenistan’s leading manufacturers of construction materials.
It all started in 1994, when brothers Annamyrat and Shamyrat Apowow registered the private enterprise Ak Gaýa to trade construction mixtures at the Bedew market. At first, they had no shop — all sales were made directly from their vehicle.
Thanks to their determination and hard work, business began to flourish. In 1997, they rented a store space at the same market, and by 2002, having purchased the premises, started importing products directly from Turkey.
By 2005, their retail network expanded to three stores — two at the Altyn Asyr market and one at Bedew.
A new milestone came in 2015, when the brothers decided to launch their own production. The company was re-registered as a Limited Liability Company. It obtained 25 hectares of land in the Balkan region for the construction of a plant producing building mixtures and gypsum boards. The construction was carried out using internal funds by the affiliated company Ak Ýaýla.
At the same time, Ak Gaýa leased 2.12 hectares of land in the industrial zone of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan in Ahal region for stores and warehouses, and 300 hectares in the Bereket farming association for livestock breeding and fodder cultivation.
From 2016, Ak Gaýa expanded its retail operations, offering a wide range of construction and household products. Between 2018 and 2020, the company continued building its production complex, purchased state-of-the-art equipment with the help of local bank financing, and gradually launched production of dry construction mixes and gypsum boards.
In 2018, Ak Gaýa registered its own trademark for plaster and putty — “Ak Alçi”, now recognized as a symbol of reliability and quality.
On December 8, 2020, a grand opening ceremony was held in the Balkan region for Ak Gaýa’s new factory producing gypsum boards and dry mixtures. The plant’s production capacity reaches 4 million square meters of gypsum board and 5,000 tons of dry mixtures per year. Equipped with modern technology from Spain, Turkey, and China, the factory ensures compliance with industrial, environmental, and fire safety standards.
Today, Ak Gaýa LLC is not only a major industrial producer but also operates the largest DIY retail network in Turkmenistan, offering over 11,000 product types across multiple categories.
From humble beginnings at a local market to the establishment of a high-tech manufacturing plant, Ak Gaýa’s journey is an inspiring story of Turkmen entrepreneurship — built on hard work, vision, and self-belief.
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