The opening day of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026” will connect Turkmenistan’s energy priorities with the investment, technology and international partnerships needed to advance them.
On 21 October, the programme will move from the official opening of the exhibition to strategic discussions on energy cooperation, commercial opportunities, long-term partnerships and natural gas development.
For delegates, the day offers an opportunity to hear national priorities directly, explore international industry perspectives and identify the discussions most relevant to their businesses.
The official opening of the OGT 2026 EXPO, Executive Exhibition Tour and networking will bring the international energy community together at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan.
Beyond the official opening, the exhibition provides an important meeting point for delegates, exhibitors, government representatives and industry leaders to establish new contacts, explore technologies and identify opportunities for cooperation.
The Ministerial Roundtable will provide a high-level, closed-door setting for government and industry leaders to exchange views on energy security, investment, infrastructure and sustainable growth.
The discussion will focus on strengthening international cooperation and long-term partnerships, while identifying practical priorities for future engagement between Turkmenistan and its international energy partners.
Bringing together senior decision-makers in a focused setting, the roundtable will provide an opportunity for direct dialogue on the partnerships, investment and cooperation needed to support the next phase of energy development.
The Opening Plenary will set the strategic context for OGT 2026, examining Turkmenistan’s long-term energy vision, regional connectivity, energy security and sustainable development.
The session will feature a keynote address by Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.
The session will feature ministerial delegations from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, the UAE and Uzbekistan, alongside senior leadership from the United Nations and GECF, and top executives from PETRONAS and XRG — bringing government, international institutions and global industry together for a high-level discussion on the future of regional and global energy cooperation.
This special Energy Talk will bring together leaders from some of the international companies that have helped shape Turkmenistan’s energy sector over the past three decades.
Ismadi Bin Ismail, CEO of PETRONAS Carigali (Turkmenistan), will reflect on PETRONAS’ 30-year journey in Turkmenistan and the evolution of its long-term partnership, while CNPC will share perspectives from 20 years of cooperation and its role in the development of Turkmenistan’s gas industry and energy connectivity. Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg, Managing Director of Eni Turkmenistan, and Abdulkarim Al-Maazmi, Acting CEO of Dragon Oil, will bring their experience of building and sustaining long-term operations and partnerships in the country.
The conversation will also hear from the international technology and service companies that have supported this journey. Jodi Wood, Managing Director for Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, SLB, will reflect on SLB’s experience and innovation journey as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, while Alexis Devis, Business Management Senior Director, Baker Hughes, will bring the perspective of a global technology and energy services company supporting the industry’s continuing transformation.
Together, these perspectives will explore what has made international partnerships in Turkmenistan endure — and how experience, trust, technology and long-term commitment can help shape the next generation of energy cooperation.
The Strategic Plenary will examine how Turkmenistan’s energy ambitions can translate into investment, projects, infrastructure, technology deployment and long-term commercial partnerships.
A keynote address by Maksat Babayev, State Minister of Turkmenistan and Chairman of Turkmengas, will set the direction for a high-level international discussion. Rovshan Najaf, President of SOCAR, will bring perspectives on Azerbaijan and Caspian energy cooperation, while Abdulvahit Fidan, General Director of BOTAŞ, will address Türkiye’s role in regional energy connectivity and access to international markets. Mohd Redhani Bin Abdul Rahman, Vice President, International Assets, PETRONAS, will bring perspectives on PETRONAS’ expanding presence in Turkmenistan’s Caspian offshore sector, including the next phase of cooperation around new offshore blocks. Valerie Ducrot, Executive Director of the Global Gas Centre, will provide a global gas-market perspective, with a particular focus on Europe, the role of natural gas in energy security and the evolving energy landscape. Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global and Chairman of CERAWeek, will bring the wider international perspective on the forces reshaping global energy markets, gas supply and energy security.
Together, the discussion will connect Turkmenistan’s energy priorities with Caspian cooperation, regional connectivity, new offshore development, international investment and the changing global energy landscape.
The final strategic session of the opening day will turn to the next chapter of Turkmenistan’s natural gas development — from reserves and field development to production, processing and the infrastructure needed to bring new volumes to market.
At the centre of the discussion will be the continued development of the Galkynysh Gas Field, including Phase IV, which is expected to add up to 10 bcm of annual production capacity, alongside the engineering, technology and infrastructure required to support future development.
Berdimyrat Amanov, Chairman of Turkmengeology, will bring the national perspective on Turkmenistan’s resource base and future exploration and development priorities. Irina Luryeva, Head of Laboratory at the Scientific Research Institute of Natural Gas under Turkmengas, will contribute the technical perspective on the development of the country’s gas resources, while Tim Davies, Business Development Manager at GaffneyCline Energy Advisory, will bring an international advisory perspective on field development, investment and the commercialisation of gas resources.
The discussion will connect resource potential with project delivery — examining production expansion, engineering solutions, gas processing and pipeline infrastructure, as well as opportunities for EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers, technology providers, service companies and international investors.
At OGT 2026, conversations are designed to lead to connections, partnerships and business opportunities.
Pre-arranged B2B and B2G meetings will provide participating companies with focused access to potential business partners, international energy companies and relevant Turkmenistan state institutions — creating opportunities to discuss projects, present capabilities and identify areas for practical cooperation.
For contractors, technology and equipment providers, service companies and investors, the meetings offer a direct route from the conference and exhibition floor to focused commercial and institutional dialogue.
The opening day of OGT 2026 will culminate with the Official Gala Dinner & OGT Awards, bringing together government representatives, international energy leaders, partners, speakers and delegates for one of the conference’s principal networking and recognition occasions.
At the heart of the evening, the OGT Awards will recognise outstanding contributions to the conference and exhibition — celebrating the companies and individuals whose participation, expertise, innovation and engagement help make OGT an important platform for international energy cooperation.
Recognition will include categories such as Best Exhibition Stand, Best Technology & Innovation Showcase, Best Moderator, and other distinctions celebrating excellence across the OGT 2026 conference and exhibition.
Beyond the awards, the Gala Dinner will provide an opportunity to continue the day’s conversations in a more informal setting — strengthening professional relationships, connecting international and Turkmen energy leaders, and celebrating the partnerships that continue to shape the future of the industry.
Celebrating Excellence. Strengthening Partnerships.