Digital platforms: the present and future of trade and services

At the recent exhibition-fair “International Trade and Services” and the international conference “Ensuring Quality in Accordance with International Standards in Turkmenistan” held in Ashgabat, one of the key topics was the rapid development of e-commerce and innovative approaches to the provision of goods and services using digital and information technologies. International experts shared their experience and knowledge about the opportunities that modern e-commerce offers for the development of companies of all sizes, especially small businesses, including access to foreign online markets.

With the development of the digital economy in Turkmenistan, the number of various platforms offering trade and other electronic services is growing. Hundreds of online stores and marketplaces offer a wide range of goods and services to the population. The number of consumers turning to these platforms for online purchases is also increasing.

Popular online platforms include Ynamdar, which offers a wide assortment of consumer goods, and Asmanexpress—the first technological online platform in Turkmenistan providing fast delivery services. Online shops offer a wide variety of household electronics, home-delivered cleaning supplies, school stationery, supplies, books, creative goods, souvenirs, and gifts.

Digital services provided by Turkmenistan’s postal service and banks play a major role in advancing e-commerce. For example, the “e-commerce” platform of the Halkbank Joint-Stock Commercial Bank of Turkmenistan can be used by both state-owned and private enterprises to offer a wide range of goods and services to the population.

With the “Altyn Asyr” bank card, users can pay for internet, landline phone, and IP television services at any time through the Ashgabat City Telephone System website.

The State Insurance Organization of Turkmenistan offers the option to order various types of voluntary and compulsory insurance for individuals and legal entities, and to pay for them online.

The online store Ak Yol Computers allows customers to order digital electronics, home appliances, computer equipment and components, and pay for their orders online.

On the website of the Bagtyýar Hotel in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, guests can select, reserve, and prepay for rooms via the internet.

Turkmenistan’s Halkbank also offers internet acquiring services to entrepreneurs, enabling them to accept online payments.