An Astrakhan delegation has submitted a list of regional companies interested in entering the Turkmen market, as part of efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation. The initiative was discussed on Thursday during a meeting of the Russia–Turkmenistan Intergovernmental Commission held on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, according to A24.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyyev, Astrakhan Governor Igor Babushkin, and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

Participants reviewed opportunities to increase trade turnover and develop joint projects. According to data from 2024, mutual trade between Astrakhan Region and Turkmenistan grew by 15%. Russia’s main exports include food products and grain, while Turkmenistan primarily supplies textile goods.

Transport cooperation was a key focus of the talks. Governor Babushkin proposed launching a regular shipping line between the ports of Astrakhan Region and Turkmenbashi, and suggested establishing a Turkmen logistics hub within the region.

He noted that Astrakhan’s infrastructure can handle all types of vessels and cargo, including containers, making it a promising hub for transferring Turkmen goods to Russia and sending Russian exports to Turkmenistan.

Previously, Russian companies expressed interest in opening direct air service between Astrakhan and Turkmenbashi.