The Ministry of Environment (Minister Kim Wansup) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minister Cho Tae-yul) announced that they will dispatch a “Public-Private Water Industry Cooperation Delegation” to Turkmenistan from July 1 to 3 to expand the entry of domestic water companies into the Central Asian market.

* Composed of about 20 members, including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), Korea Environment Corporation, Korea Water Partnership, and 10 water companies.

This delegation was organized as a follow-up to discussions on water industry cooperation with Turkmenistan during the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum held in November 2023 with five Central Asian countries*. It aims to support Turkmenistan in addressing climate crisis and water issues by utilizing Korea’s advanced water management technologies. As the first case of a joint public-private delegation dispatched to Turkmenistan in the water sector, it is expected to contribute to solving local water problems and responding to the climate crisis using Korea’s excellent water management capabilities.

* Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

Turkmenistan faces various water-related issues such as leakage problems due to the aging Karakum Canal, water resource disputes with neighboring countries, and one of the highest per capita water usage rates in the world. As a result, there is high demand for water industry solutions focused on efficient water resource conservation and management. Companies with technologies in engineering, construction, filtration, water purification, and sludge treatment will participate to propose Korean technologies and pursue cooperative projects in areas such as integrated monitoring of water quality and quantity in the Karakum Canal, facility renovation, and the establishment of water and sewage systems. 

On July 1, the delegation will hold the “Korea-Turkmenistan Water Industry Cooperation Seminar” in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. At this event, attended by officials from Turkmenistan’s government agencies and local institutions, both governments will first present their overall water management policies, followed by relevant water-related organizations from both countries introducing the current status and ongoing projects in the water sector. 

Afterward, Korean water companies will present the technologies and products necessary to implement these projects, including digital-based smart water management systems, water purification and wastewater treatment technologies, and water-energy convergence solutions. By showcasing domestic water technologies and best practices, the seminar aims to enhance mutual understanding and discuss practical cooperation measures between the two countries. 

On July 2, the delegation will visit key water management infrastructure sites such as the Karakum Canal and nearby water purification and wastewater treatment plants to explore solutions to Turkmenistan’s water issues. On July 3, a water industry cooperation meeting will be held to discuss with local institutions and companies the applicability of Korean water companies’ advanced technologies and products, as well as to identify potential project opportunities.

The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plan to contribute to solving Turkmenistan’s water issues caused by the climate crisis by leveraging the excellent water technologies of Korean companies through this delegation. Furthermore, they aim to promote the establishment of a sustainable water cooperation network and green transition in the Central Asian region. 

Kim Hyo-jung, Director General for Water Use Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, stated, “Turkmenistan is a country where various water issues can be addressed using the technologies of our water companies.” He added, “We hope that the activities of this delegation will lead to joint projects between the two countries, technology transfer, and the discovery of customized business models, ultimately supporting Turkmenistan’s response to the climate crisis.”

Han Min-young, Director-General for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Scientific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “Turkmenistan is a key partner in Central Asia and an important ally with whom we have maintained close relations through the Central Asia Cooperation Forum over many years.” She added, “We hope this delegation will deepen cooperation in the water sector and significantly strengthen the foundation for Korean companies to enter the Turkmenistan market.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com