BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 29. The EBRD sees
potential for public-private partnerships in Turkmenistan’s
transport, logistics, municipal services, renewable energy and
water sectors.
EBRD Head of Turkmenistan Eric Livny said this in an exclusive
interview with Trend,
answering a question about the potential for public-private
partnerships in Turkmenistan and the sectors that could be most
suitable for developing and financing through PPP structures.
“Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become an important
tool for mobilising private investment in infrastructure in many
EBRD countries,” he said.
According to Livny, PPP structures can help governments access
private-sector expertise and financing while improving the
efficiency of project delivery and operation. At the same time, he
said the EBRD is not currently discussing any specific PPP projects
with the Turkmen authorities.
“At this stage, our engagement is focused on identifying
opportunities to support private-sector development directly,
strengthening cooperation with the banking sector and advancing
project preparation work in areas such as transport, sustainability
and municipal infrastructure,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Livny identified several areas where broader use
of PPP structures could potentially support development in
Turkmenistan.
“If Turkmenistan were to consider broader use of PPPs, sectors
such as transport infrastructure, logistics facilities, municipal
services, renewable energy and water management could potentially
benefit from such an approach,” he said.
Livny also stressed that successful PPP programmes require a
well-developed legal and regulatory framework, transparent
procurement procedures and a pipeline of commercially viable
projects.
“At present, the EBRD’s priority is to deepen cooperation in
areas covered by the five agreements signed during our President’s
visit to Turkmenistan in late July and translate those into
concrete investment opportunities,” Livny said.
For reference, the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) has been working with Turkmenistan since 1992.
Its engagement has focused on private-sector development,
cooperation with financial institutions and support for private
companies through financing and advisory services. The bank has
also identified sectors such as transport, logistics, agribusiness,
industry and commerce as areas with potential for further
private-sector investment.
According to the EBRD, the bank has financed 87 projects in
Turkmenistan, with cumulative investment reaching €322 million.
In July 2026, EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso visited
Turkmenistan, during which the sides signed five memorandums of
understanding covering strategic cooperation for 2027-2032, the
banking sector, sustainable energy, environmental protection and
water resources, transport corridors, and Ashgabat’s participation
in the EBRD Green Cities programme. The documents are intended to
provide a framework for further cooperation.
