China and Turkmenistan Strengthen Energy Cooperation With Galkynysh Gas Field Project

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan on Friday, April 18, 2026, marking a significant step in bilateral energy cooperation between China and Turkmenistan.

Speaking at the ceremony in Mary, Turkmenistan, Ding emphasized that the smooth launch of the project would elevate energy collaboration between the two countries to a new level, describing it as a significant achievement in deepening comprehensive cooperation.

Ding, who also serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the event alongside Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

Ding said natural gas cooperation between China and Turkmenistan has yielded fruitful results, supporting economic and social development on both sides and benefiting their people.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang

The Vice Premier outlined a three-point proposal for advancing the project, urging both sides to prioritize quality by building to high standards with craftsmanship, pursue innovation-driven development, and ensure meticulous arrangements and orderly construction.

First, both sides should prioritize quality. Build a premium project to high standards with craftsmanship, thus striving to deliver a first-class project that can stand the test of time. Second, both sides should pursue innovation-driven development….

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang

The fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field development is being implemented by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which won the relevant international tender, and will be financed entirely by Turkmenistan’s own funds.

Implementation of this phase of industrial development will begin early next year and will be financed entirely by Turkmenistan’s own funds, the conference noted.

International Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025”

The project forms part of a broader plan for seven phases of commercial development of the Galkynysh field, with the first phase already operational and including three gas processing plants with a combined capacity of 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year.

As reported at the international conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025,” seven phases of commercial development of the Galkynysh field are planned. The first phase, which included the construction of three gas processing plants with a total capacity of 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year, is now operating successfully.

International Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025”

The Galkynysh field serves as the resource base for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, currently under construction, which has a planned capacity of 33 billion cubic meters of gas per year.

The Galkynysh field has been designated as the resource base for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, currently under construction, with a capacity of 33 billion cubic meters of gas per year….

International Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025”

Currently, three lines (A, B, and C) of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline system deliver approximately 40 billion cubic meters of gas annually to China, with plans to increase volumes to about 65 billion cubic meters per year after the commissioning of Line D.

Three lines (A, B, and C) of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline system deliver approximately 40 billion cubic meters of gas annually. After the commissioning of the fourth line (Line D), volumes are planned to increase to approximately 65 billion cubic meters of gas per year, significantly strengthening the stability of supplies to one of the world’s most dynamically developing energy markets.

International Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025”

Ding noted that the project’s smooth launch reflects shared aspirations between the peoples of China and Turkmenistan and expressed hope that relevant authorities and enterprises on both sides would carry out construction scientifically and advance the project in a solid and orderly manner.

Ding said the project embodies the shared aspirations of both peoples. He expressed the hope that relevant authorities and enterprises on both sides will make meticulous arrangements, carry out construction in a scientific manner, and advance the project in a solid and orderly way.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang