Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – The roundtable held as part of the 2025 Turkmenistan International Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition featured extensive discussions on the future of regional energy projects, primarily the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.
During the session, several senior officials and international experts shared their perspectives on the progress of the project and its economic, geopolitical, and humanitarian dimensions.
Mohammed Miran Amanov, CEO of TAPI Pipeline Limited, stated that the company expects to complete the Herat section of the TAPI gas pipeline by the end of 2026, noting: “Our goal is to finish construction in the Herat section by the end of next year and begin gas delivery in late 2026 or early 2027.”
[rogressing according to schedule
Amanov emphasized that the project is progressing according to schedule, and negotiations with Pakistan regarding key agreements, including the Host Government Agreement and the Gas Transportation Agreement, are nearing completion. He added: “Over 90% of the work has already been completed, and we are awaiting concrete steps to finalize and sign these documents.”
He also pointed out that the Asian Development Bank continues to collaborate with the TAPI pipeline consortium and has previously offered financing exceeding one billion dollars. Additionally, the Islamic Development Bank has expressed readiness to consider funding the Afghan and Pakistani portions of the project, confirming that “this demonstrates the feasibility of implementing projects of this scale in our region.”
Attracting investment
Mirat Artchaiev, Deputy Chairman of the state-owned Turkmengaz company, stated that Turkmenistan is steadily implementing a sustainable energy sector development strategy aimed at increasing gas production, diversifying export routes, and attracting investment.
During his participation in the roundtable at OGT 2025 in Ashgabat, he said:
“The Galkynysh field, with reserves exceeding 27 trillion cubic meters, is the centerpiece of our gas industry development strategy. To date, work is already underway on four of the seven planned development stages, and the fourth stage will be executed after an international tender, with construction scheduled to begin next year.”
Artchaiev called on international partners to join the project not as observers, but as active participants, saying:
“This project requires not only investment, but also knowledge, expertise, and innovation.”
He emphasized that the TAPI pipeline is an “energy bridge” between Central and South Asia, noting that the project is not just infrastructure but a symbol of the modern spirit of the Great Silk Road, connecting Turkmenistan’s rich resources with dynamic developing markets in South Asia.
He added that the Turkmen section of the pipeline has already been completed, while active construction in the Afghan section began in 2024 and is expected to expand in 2025.
Artchaiev also discussed other investment areas, including the construction of underground gas storage facilities with a total capacity of up to 10 billion cubic meters, the development of gas chemistry and deep hydrocarbon processing to produce high-value products, and strengthening the country’s technological base.
Regarding the environmental aspect, Artchaiev stressed that reducing methane emissions is a priority of Turkmenistan’s energy strategy, saying: “We are actively introducing low-emission technologies, upgrading equipment, and cooperating with international organizations to achieve measurable environmental results.”
American vision
In a related context, Samantha Carl Yoder, Co-Chair of International Practices at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, presented the U.S. perspective on the project, noting that the United States is exploring the possibility of participation of its companies in the Caspian-transit gas pipeline and the TAPI project.
Yoder stated that the firm has been cooperating with the consortium on the TAPI gas pipeline construction for a year, explaining that the first section extending to Herat in Afghanistan is executed under the U.S. General License No. 20, which allows economic activity for humanitarian purposes without sanctions restrictions.
She added that there is an ongoing dialogue with the U.S. administration regarding the continued transit of the pipeline through Afghanistan, including mechanisms to limit economic benefits for authorities operating in the country. She noted that the participation of major U.S. companies such as ExxonMobil and Chevron in gas pipeline projects, including the Caspian pipeline, can reduce political risks and increase confidence in these projects.
She also noted that Washington is studying the growing global demand for natural gas linked to the expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence technologies, pointing out that global demand is expected to continue not only through the 2030s but possibly through 2050 and 2060, which “creates opportunities for both Turkmenistan and U.S. companies in energy projects aimed at enhancing global energy security.”
Yoder concluded by saying that the TAPI project demonstrates Turkmenistan’s leadership in expanding regional opportunities, emphasizing that “Turkmenistan’s gratitude for U.S. President Donald Trump’s support of the project has been highly appreciated in Washington.”
She expressed her pleasure at participating in this year’s Turkmenistan Oil and Gas Forum, praising the cooperation between Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and the Turkmen government in implementing the TAPI project and providing related advisory services.
Yoder said that the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline is important for several reasons: First, it will ensure the supply of natural gas to Afghanistan, providing humanitarian support to its people. Second, it will open opportunities for further infrastructure development beyond the energy sector, creating economic development prospects not only in Turkmenistan but also in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Third, energy interconnectivity between the four countries will be critical for structuring geopolitical relations.
