Textile and Food Industry
The textile industry of Turkmenistan is one of the key sectors of the country’s economy, possessing significant potential for further growth and development. Natural resources, a strategic location and a targeted state policy contribute to strengthening Turkmenistan's position in the global textile market.
Turkmen carpets are a symbol of refined craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage. Their unique patterns, vibrant colors, and impeccable quality captivate connoisseurs around the world. The traditions of carpet weaving are passed down from generation to generation, and the handmade production process makes each carpet a true work of art.
In Turkmenistan, the preservation and development of this ancient craft are overseen by the State Joint-Stock Corporation "Turkmenhaly." It brings together the country's largest artistic carpet-weaving enterprises, ensuring high product quality and promoting Turkmen carpets in the global market. The State Joint-Stock Corporation “Turkmenhaly” unites 10 enterprises specializing in artistic carpet making, producing various types of fabrics, including dress fabrics, jacquard, portiere, velveteen, velvet, batiste and muslin.
Currently, more than 70 textile industry enterprises are operating in Turkmenistan, including large textile complexes, cotton spinning and weaving mills, garment factories, silk processing enterprises, shoe factories and plants for the primary processing of leather and wool.
The textile industry of Turkmenistan includes a number of large enterprises that play a key role in cotton processing, textile production, and export deliveries. With the development of the industry, large textile complexes equipped with modern machinery have been established, enabling high production volumes and ensuring high-quality products. Let’s take a look at some of the leading enterprises in the industry that make a significant contribution to the country’s economy.
One of the largest enterprises in Turkmenistan’s textile industry is the “Turkmenbashi Textile Complex”, located in Ashgabat. This is a universal complex that began its operations in 2000. The complex’s production capabilities allow for the manufacturing of a wide range of fabrics, from simple dress materials to more intricate jacquard and other types of textiles. The enterprise is also actively working on expanding its product range, including the production of clothing and textile accessories.
The Closed Joint-Stock Company "Balkandokma" in the city of Gyzylarbat in the Balkan velayat has become a leader of development for the modern textile industry in the region. The complex, covering an area of 20,000 square meters and equipped with cutting-edge technology from the Italian companies "Savio" and "Marzoli," has entered the ranks of the leading enterprises in the country's textile industry. Notably, in 2024, 4,210 tons of high-quality yarn were produced, and the financial output of the work reached 135 million manats. It is twice the planned amount.
Another developed industry in Turkmenistan is the food industry. The food industry of Turkmenistan plays a key role in the country's economy, which is actively striving for food independence and the diversification of its economy. In recent decades, the government has placed great emphasis on the development of the agro-industrial complex, supporting local producers and implementing modern technologies. Turkmenistan, with its rich natural resources such as land, water and climatic conditions, has significant potential for further development of agriculture and the processing industry.
Agriculture is the foundation of Turkmenistan's food industry. In recent years, the country has significantly increased the production of crops such as wheat, cotton, as well as fruits and vegetables. In 2024, Turkmenistan produced about 1.4 million tons of wheat, which is a significant contribution to the country's economy and has also helped reduce dependence on imported food products. In addition, Turkmenistan is actively developing the production of sugar beets, potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons, grapes, and other agricultural crops.
Furthermore, melons are one of the main agricultural crops of Turkmenistan. Due to favorable climatic conditions, Turkmenistan produces a variety of melon varieties that are famous for their excellent taste and aroma. Melons are grown on large areas in the country, especially in regions such as Mary and Lebap, and are exported to various countries. It plays an important role in food security and is a crucial product in the diet of the population.
The processing of agricultural products plays a key role in ensuring food security and stimulating economic growth. In recent years, the government of Turkmenistan has paid special attention to the creation of powerful processing enterprises equipped with modern technology. This includes not only grain processing plants but also factories for the production of vegetable oil, meal and dairy products, canned goods, and other items.
The main goal is not only to meet domestic demand but also to develop the country’s export potential. Turkmenistan is actively expanding its presence in international markets, making the country’s processed products in demand abroad.
In addition, the establishment of processing enterprises in rural areas contributes to the development of local economies, the creation of jobs and the improvement of social infrastructure. Investments in the modernization of production facilities are stimulated, which makes it possible to improve the quality of products and increase the volume of products.
The food industry of Turkmenistan has a significant impact on the country’s economy. Agriculture and manufacturing are among the main sources of income, create opportunities for GDP growth and job creation. In particular, the production of grain and the processing of plant products provide a significant part of Turkmenistan’s exports.
Moreover, increasing the production and processing of agricultural products makes it possible to reduce dependence on imports and develop the domestic market, which in turn stimulates economic growth and improves social-economic condition of the population. Much attention is also paid to improving the quality of food products, which contributes to increasing confidence both in the domestic and foreign markets.
In recent years, much attention has been paid not only to economic efficiency, but also to the environmental sustainability of the agricultural and processing sectors. The introduction of new technologies in agriculture helps to increase resilience to climate change and increase productivity while maintaining environmental friendliness. This includes implementing water management practices, improving soil quality and optimizing resource use.
The government actively supports the use of innovative technologies and scientific research to improve the efficiency of agriculture. The development of technologies such as drip irrigation, as well as biotechnologies in agronomy, contribute not only to increasing yields, but also to reducing the impact on the environment.
The food industry of Turkmenistan is an important component of the country's economy, which is actively developing agriculture and processing of agricultural products. Turkmenistan has made significant progress in increasing the production and processing of products, which contributes to ensuring food security, improving the quality of life of the population and stimulating economic growth. In the coming years, we can expect further development of the industry, which will contribute to strengthening the position of Turkmenistan as an important player in world food markets.
On November 9, Turkmenistan celebrates Galla Bayramy, or the harvest festival. This is one of the significant national events that symbolizes gratitude for the gathered harvest and celebrates the hard work of farmers. The holiday includes various traditional ceremonies and rituals related to agrarian culture, such as folk dances, songs, agricultural product exhibitions, and festive treats.
Galla Bayramy also emphasizes the importance of agriculture for the country's economy and the unity of the community. On this day, people gather together to celebrate the fruits of their labor, share joy and strengthen connection with family and neighbors. The holiday has deep roots in Turkmen culture and reflects the people's respect and love for the land and its fruits.
