Azerbaijan, August 29. Turkmenistan is
drafting a new law on electronic commerce as part of efforts to
further strengthen the country’s legislative framework
This was reflected in the statement of the Turkmen government,
published following a regular Cabinet of Ministers meeting chaired
by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
Chairperson of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova briefed the
president on ongoing work to improve the country’s legislation.
According to the report, the national parliament is currently
working on the draft Law of Turkmenistan “On Electronic Commerce.”
Work is also underway to introduce amendments and additions to the
Criminal, Customs, Labor, Sanitary and Family Codes, as well as to
a number of legislative acts.
“The Mejlis is also working on providing legal support for
Turkmenistan’s accession to international legal instruments,” the
statement of the government added.
Gulmanova also reported on preparations for the upcoming meeting
of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the nomination of
representatives of various sectors for state awards. She noted that
Turkmen lawmakers visited Uzbekistan to exchange experience in the
field of legislation. Parliamentarians also participated in
conferences and meetings organized by UN agencies jointly with
relevant state bodies of Turkmenistan.
Following the report, President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the
importance of proper preparations for the Halk Maslahaty meeting
and continuing efforts to strengthen the country’s legislative
framework.
The draft law forms part of Turkmenistan’s broader
push to develop its digital economy. The government approved the
Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028,
aimed at expanding e-government, digital services and innovative
technologies. E-commerce activity has grown rapidly: as of early
2026 more than 1,000 retail outlets were connected to the national
e-commerce system through banks, and the volume of cashless online
payments rose by nearly 84% in 2025 to approximately 2.63 billion
Turkmen manat ($750.6 million). Parallel legislative steps include
the Law on Virtual Assets that entered into force in January 2026,
regulating cryptocurrency mining and digital-asset exchanges.
International partners such as the International Trade Centre and
the United Nations Development Programme have supported
capacity-building and regulatory mapping for online trade.
