The International Trade Centre (ITC) on May 11-12, in Ashgabat conducted two workshops in Ashgabat focusing on the regulation of digital trade and e-commerce. These events were organized under the framework of the European Union-funded project, “Turkmenistan: Trade Resilience and Integration.”
The workshops brought together approximately 60 representatives from both the public and private sectors, including relevant ministries, government agencies, and the business community. The primary objectives were to present the preliminary results of a targeted assessment regarding the readiness of digital trade regulations in Central Asia and to gather feedback on subsequent recommendations.
The first workshop, held on May 11, was dedicated to the private sector. Participants discussed modern approaches to digital trade regulation, the provisions of the draft WTO Agreement on Electronic Commerce, and practical issues affecting e-commerce growth and the business use of digital tools.
Special emphasis was placed on the private sector’s role in shaping practical and balanced recommendations. Business community representatives shared insights on current opportunities and challenges involving:
• Digital payments and online retail.
• Market entry through digital channels.
• Legislative barriers to scaling digital operations.
On May 12, the focus shifted to the public sector, covering domestic and international e-commerce policies. During these sessions, ITC experts presented the results of a pilot assessment of digital trade regulatory readiness conducted across five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
This assessment utilized the Digital Trade Regulatory Readiness Assessment (DTRRA) methodology, developed by the ITC. This tool analyzes how closely national legislation aligns with the WTO Agreement on Electronic Commerce, which is regarded as the global benchmark for international best practices.
Based on the assessment, specific recommendations were developed for Turkmenistan and discussed during the workshop. Key highlights included:
Systematizing Knowledge: Enhancing the government’s understanding of digital trade’s place within the WTO legal framework.
Refining Research: Gathering additional data for the Turkmen component of the study to ensure recommendations are localized and effective.
Creating a Favorable Environment: Working toward a modern regulatory framework that supports digital economic activity.
These workshops represent a continuation of the ITC’s technical assistance in developing e-commerce and digital trade in Turkmenistan. They have also strengthened the dialogue between the public and private sectors—a critical step for crafting solutions that balance regulatory requirements with the practical needs of businesses.
