(Turkmenistan.ru) – Representatives of some 90 German companies, heads of government agencies, experts from consulting companies and banks of Germany recently visited Ashgabat to attend an economic forum titled the Day of German Economy in Turkmenistan.

After disputes over gas prices between Moscow and Ashgabat in 2009, and the pipeline explosion as a result of low pressure after Russia decreased gas imports, bilateral relations between Russia and Turkmenistan turned sour. Although, last year, relations between both have been restored, this brief rift has nevertheless led Turkmenistan increasingly to explore links with the Middle East as well as European and US companies, while closely working with China and Iran.
(Photo: H. Magadov)

The event brought together over 350 guests at the business centre “Mizan” (میزان) in Ashgabat. The forum was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Representation of the German economy in Central Asia. The Turkmen side was represented by members of the government, representatives of ministries and departments, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan.

The forum aimed to develop trace ad economic ties between the two countries and activate mutually beneficial contacts in business, Turkmenistan.ru reported. Prospects of Turkmen-German cooperation in the energy sector and diversification of export routes for Turkmen energy were the main topic at the forum.

The priority areas of cooperation between the two countries covered transport and communications, science and education, construction, shipments of advanced equipment. Germany has business in Turkmen oil and textile industry, healthcare, transport and communication, agriculture.

Over 62 German companies are realising projects in the City of Turkmenbashi, including construction of a compressor station in Korpedzhe for gas transportation.