The Centre supports Turkmenistan in addressing economic development and the environmental aspects of security. The Centre facilitates the transfer of technical expertise, and best practices from the OSCE region to relevant stakeholders on environmental issues, energy, transport, entrepreneurship development, water resources, rural development and good governance.

Promoting energy security

Energy security remains one of the major elements for economic growth in Turkmenistan and the region. In 2008, the UN General Assembly has unanimously supported Turkmenistan’s resolution on the reliable and stable transit of energy, and sustainable energy development.

In 2010, the Government of Turkmenistan, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, and the Centre in Ashgabat organized a high level conference to discuss mechanisms for strengthening regional co-operation in Central Asia, to promote a stable and reliable energy supply, and availability, within Eurasia. In 2011, the Government of Turkmenistan hosted a high level energy conference on “Integrating Global Energy Markets – Providing Energy Security" organized under the auspices of the Lithuanian OSCE Chairmanship. As part of  Turkmenistan-OSCE initiatives in the area of energy security, the Centre also implements activities, contributing to national capacity building and further promoting energy security.

Supporting rural sector development

The Centre supports market reforms in the rural sector, focused on enhancing the role of the private sector in promoting food security and developing conditions favorable for agribusiness and private farming. The Centre has supported training events on marketing and market research in agribusiness, safety in food supply chains and farm-business management.

The Centre supported the establishment of the Crop and Irrigation Diversification Advisory Centre (CIDAC) on the premises of the agribusiness school at the Turkmen Agricultural University in Turkmenabat. The CIDAC serves as a consultative and educational resource base for local farmers and students.

Promoting rational management of water and land resources

In 2008, the Centre initiated dialogue to promote the rational use of water resources in Turkmenistan, supporting training events on efficient irrigation methods and the use of Geographic Information Systems-based technology for effective water distribution.

In 2009, the Centre implemented a project in the Mary region to improve the ability of farmers to manage land and water resources and facilitate effective water use.

The Centre also launched a project on the protection from mudflows and the re-cultivation of degraded lands, in several mountainous villages in the Ahal region, in order to promote rational land management. The project included the construction of a dam in the mudflow riverbed in Garaul village, and two environmental training events for youth.

Support to SME development

The Centre is assisting Turkmenistan during its transition to a market-based economy, including the development of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). The Centre has supported the publication of a handbook for entrepreneurs which includes pieces of legislation on enterprises, state support of SME, licensing, tax and customs regulations.

Supporting the economic empowerment of rural women by generating alternative income was the focus of a project launched by the Centre in the Mary province in 2010. The project featured ten outreach training workshops, the publication of a brochure on rural guest house management and the development of eco-tours in the province.

The Centre also supported the establishment of the Business Consulting Centre in the Ahal region to provide a consulting facility for expert advice on business, economic and agricultural management, accounting, computer and languages for women, farmers, unemployed and youth