Strategically located alongside Afghanistan and Iran, Turkmenistan plays an important role in advancing regional integration, security and prosperity across South and Central Asia. With abundant natural resources, Turkmenistan holds the potential to overcome economic and development challenges linked to years of authoritarian rule. The United States partners with Turkmenistan to forge a more open economy and an inclusive, resilient society.
USAID works to strengthen and diversify the Turkmen economy, build citizen-responsive institutions, increase good governance, empower youth, and expand access to health care services. We aim to increase regional connections between the economies and peoples of Central and South Asia—including Afghanistan—to foster greater stability and prosperity.
OUR WORK
USAID promotes Turkmenistan’s unabated participation in the global economy as a strong, self-reliant partner. USAID supports Turkmenistan’s efforts to advance its own development solutions.
ECONOMIC AND WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
An undiversified economy and limited foreign investment make Turkmenistan vulnerable to economic shocks. To foster resilience, USAID helps local entrepreneurs improve their competitiveness, increase revenue and boost job creation. This past year, for example, USAID co-funded a successful pilot shipment of Turkmen melons to Austria with a local Turkmen firm, which demonstrated the viability of this new trade route and the demand for premium Turkmen produce abroad. To reduce the impact of annual flooding on farmers’ incomes, USAID invested in a dredger that will correct the flow of the Murghab River, reduces flooding along its banks, safeguards crops, and increases efficient use of water.
DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE
To boost citizens’ trust in their government and bolster transparency, USAID promotes e-governance technologies that improve service delivery, advocates for increased access to information, and helps civil society navigate the government’s complex legal and administrative systems. This year, USAID linked the private and public sectors to introduce best practices and innovative technologies in the waste management sector, which will improve environmental outcomes and create new, cutting-edge jobs.
HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Turkmenistan’s growing tuberculosis (TB) epidemic presents a challenge not only to its public health system but also to the country’s long-term economic resilience. To combat TB, USAID is working to introduce new drugs that will help shorten treatment time. Over the last 20 years, USAID has helped increase the success rate of TB treatment by 32 percent. USAID also helps tomorrow’s leaders gain the skills they need to build Turkmenistan’s self-reliance. For example, USAID’s teacher trainings in economics, entrepreneurship, digital technologies and innovation align the skills of new entrants to the job market with the skills in demand by employers.