A major highway is under construction across Iran with private sector support. Work has progressed in several provinces along the route. The project will cut travel time and reduce fuel use.
Iran Mercantile Exchange (IME) saw strong sales and volume in the last week. The sales value increased, while the volume saw a slight decrease compared to the previous week. Cement and industrial products were key contributors to the growth.
The latest Bahar Azadi gold coin's value decreased on February 7. This follows Iran’s floating exchange rate system introduced in 2024. Older and smaller coin versions also saw price changes.
Iran has revealed the sum of money poured into the facilities that have been set in motion within its free trade and industrial zones.
Foreign investors are throwing their hats into the ring, ramping up their involvement in Iran’s economy with fresh investment strategies. These efforts are all about bringing in gold and turning it into something that really pays off.
Iran’s Gold and Currency Exchange Center reported continued activity in foreign currency trading during the reviewed period. The exchange covered a broad range of major and regional currencies. Overall performance reflects sustained foreign currency operations since the start of the current Iranian year.
The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan (SCRMET) experienced a slight dip in the overall value of external quotations during its trading session on February 4. This shift was primarily attributed to fluctuations in the petrochemicals and light industry sectors, while other categories held steady.
Entrepreneurs at the Turkmen exchange wrapped up deals with Turkmenhimiya, Turkmennebit, and local businesses, touching on urea, base oil, and textiles.
The Turkmenbashi Complex of Oil Refineries, part of the State Concern Turkmennebit, exceeded its planned gasoline production in 2025, ensuring stable fuel supply across Turkmenistan. The complex aims to further increase output and improve operational performance in 2026.
The latest fluctuations in cryptocurrency prices highlight significant market volatility, with major assets experiencing notable declines, signaling potential shifts in investor sentiment.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has published updated information on the structure and dynamics of its project portfolio in Turkmenistan, highlighting fluctuations in investment activity.
Azerbaijan's imports and exports last year were mainly driven by the public and private sectors, with individuals holding smaller shares. Both imports and exports saw a decline in sector contributions compared to the previous year.
Uzbekistan’s corporate lending continued to expand in 2025, with loans to legal entities rising 8% year on year to 383.7 trillion soums as of January 1, 2026.
The carbon dioxide reprocessing section at Iran's Shahid Hashemi-Nejad Gas Refinery is preparing to launch a new project. The initiative will be supported by the private sector and involves significant investment.
In Azerbaijan, revenues from unemployment insurance contributions have increased compared to the same period last year.
The Turkmen branch of Russia’s Tatneft has launched a tender for the supply of spare parts for Caterpillar engines, inviting eligible companies to submit applications and electronic proposals by the deadline.
Turkmengas State Concern has launched a tender for the procurement of technological equipment, inviting eligible companies to submit applications and tender proposals by the specified deadline.
Mandatory state social insurance contributions increased compared to the same period of the previous year, reflecting positive dynamics in revenue collection.
Transit through the ports of Iran’s northern Mazandaran province has significantly increased compared to the same period last year.
Tatneft PJSC Turkmenistan branch announced a tender for the overhaul of engines for specialized vehicles and diesel power stations, inviting qualified companies to submit applications and technical proposals within a set deadline.
Passenger vehicle production at Iran Khodro Automobile Company (IKCO) showed notable growth, driven by strong output of key models like Peugeot, Soren, and Dena.
Turkmengas State Concern has announced a tender for the procurement of material and technical resources, including general plant, technological, and control and measuring equipment, inviting eligible manufacturers to participate under established tender procedures.
Uzbekistan and Spain are hitting their stride in trade relations, with bilateral turnover nearly doubling over the past six years and soaring past $106 million in 2025.
Iran has expanded its power generation capacity with the commissioning of new thermal power plants, further strengthening its electricity production potential and advancing infrastructure in key provinces.
Azerbaijan's domestic public debt has shown a decline in relation to GDP, driven by strategic measures to expand the domestic financial market, reduce refinancing risks, and optimize debt servicing costs.
The IMF plans to focus its engagement with Turkmenistan in 2026 on safeguarding macroeconomic stability and advancing structural reforms through targeted technical assistance and capacity development.
Uzbekistan’s trade with South Korea continued to decline in 2025, though the country remained one of Tashkent’s key strategic trading partners.
Cargo handling at Iran’s Anzali Port has increased notably, reflecting stronger export and transit activity at one of the country’s key ports on the Caspian Sea.
Belarusian capital maintains a strong presence in Uzbekistan, with hundreds of enterprises operating across a wide range of economic sectors.
Funds are being invested in two projects at the Iranian Ilam Gas Refining Company to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The projects involve repairing HRSG equipment, setting up an FGRS system, and collecting flared gas to prevent waste.
Iran has inaugurated the “Forugh Kavir” Solar Power Plant in Yazd province, highlighting the country’s commitment to expanding renewable energy.
Consumer prices in Georgia continued to rise at the start of the year, reflecting persistent inflationary pressures across several sectors.
On February 2, Turkmenistan’s State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange saw Uzbek, Afghan, and local entrepreneurs conclude transactions on liquefied gas, urea, petroleum products, and wheat flour, reflecting active trade both domestically and internationally.
As of the beginning of the year, Azerbaijani banks' business loan portfolio for the industrial sector has seen steady growth. The sector's credit portfolio increased both month-on-month and year-on-year.
Healthcare prices continued to rise in Georgia, adding pressure to consumer costs as of January 2026.
The business loan portfolio of Azerbaijani banks in the construction sector has seen significant growth as of January 1, 2026. Data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan shows a notable increase compared to both the previous month and the same period last year.
Iran’s Tavanir Power Company has invested in numerous projects to improve the country’s electricity infrastructure. The company is set to launch new power lines, transmission stations, and distribution facilities.
Iran’s Markazi Province has reported notable export and import activity this year. Key exports included hydrocarbons and polyethylene. The province also imported goods from several countries.
Gas production at Iran’s Central Oil Zones Company has increased during the tenure of the country’s current government, which has been in power since August 2024.
Rising food prices remained the main contributor to inflation in Georgia, accounting for the largest share of price growth in January 2026.
Iran's Gold and Currency Exchange Center has shared the latest data on its operations, according to Trend. On February 2, the center facilitated foreign currency exchanges amounting to a significant total.
A significant investment was made in the two plants of Bushehr Petrochemical Company in southern Iran. The shares of the plants are distributed between two key companies. These plants are set to produce essential petrochemical products and create numerous job opportunities.
The Global Stats statistical center has revealed the latest AI chatbot market shares in Azerbaijan. ChatGPT's share saw a decline in January 2026, while other chatbots like Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude gained traction.
The Shiraz Refinery has upgraded its diesel output to meet Euro standards through a major modernization project, improving fuel quality and environmental performance.
The Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) experienced a decline in turnover in January 2026. The total value of transactions across all financial instruments dropped significantly compared to the previous year.
The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan reported a decrease in the total value of external quotations for the January 31 session, driven by lower activity in the petrochemicals and light industry sectors, while other sectors remained largely unchanged.
Today, Iran inaugurated a series of projects expected to generate significant annual revenue.
On January 31, Turkmenistan’s State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange saw Turkish, Kyrgyz, and local entrepreneurs conclude transactions on textile products and wheat flour, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic and international trade.
Iran's petrochemical production potential has significantly increased in recent years. The country has seen notable growth in production capacity under the current government. Efforts continue to expand this potential with ongoing projects and facility expansions.
Debts owed to the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) saw a significant increase by the end of the eighth month of the current Iranian year, compared to the same period last year. Data from the CBI reveals that the total debt reached a considerably higher figure.
Food and beverage production in Kazakhstan has grown faster than expected, surpassing government forecasts in the first months of the year.
The foreign trade turnover of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has seen a remarkable uptick in the early months of the year.
The total value of external quotations at the Turkmen commodity exchange edged lower compared to the previous session, reflecting a decline in the light industry sector while other sectors remained stable.
January and February 2026 saw modest growth in Azerbaijan's GDP, which is influenced by key sectors such as industry, trade, transport, and services. While non-oil sectors experienced a small uptick, oil and gas saw a fall.
Significant increases in the number of payments processed through the Government Payment Portal, especially those involving electronic funds transfers, were observed in the year 2025. Most payments were handled electronically.
Tajikistan’s mining sector continues to support overall industrial growth, showing solid annual expansion despite seasonal fluctuations.
The latest prices in the cryptocurrency market have been announced.
Cross-border financial flows are on the rise, and Azerbaijan's increasing investment footprint throughout Eurasia—especially in energy, transportation, and infrastructure—highlights its position as a regional economic integrator.
Uzbekistan is hitting the ground running in its economic ties with the United Arab Emirates, as bilateral trade is on the upswing at the dawn of 2026.
The total value of external quotations at the Turkmen commodity exchange fell compared to the previous session, as declines in petrochemicals, agriculture and construction materials were partially offset by growth in the light industry sector.
Loans issued by Turkmenistan’s credit institutions in the national currency showed steady growth in early 2026, reflecting ongoing expansion in the country’s lending sector.
Uzbekistan’s coal production remained steady in January 2026, reflecting stable trends in the country’s mining sector.
Uzbekistan’s microfinance landscape is experiencing robust expansion, characterized by escalating capital influx and a burgeoning array of institutions.
Uzbekistan’s commercial banks continued to strengthen their capital base in early 2026, posting solid year-on-year growth and further consolidating the sector around larger institutions.
Uzbekistan’s trade with Russia started 2026 on a strong upward trajectory, maintaining Moscow’s position among Tashkent’s key economic partners.
Investments in network modernization and digital metering in Kyrgyzstan aim to improve energy efficiency and support reliable electricity supply, with potential economic benefits for regional trade.
Aging energy infrastructure combined with rising demand is driving significant investment needs while creating opportunities for modernization and renewable integration across Central Asia.
The expansion of spring sowing reflects efforts to boost agricultural output, support rural employment, and strengthen Tajikistan’s domestic food supply base.
Uzbekistan’s electricity output rose in early 2026, driven by strong growth from small producers despite declines in large-scale generation and heat energy output.
China’s fixed-asset investment (excluding rural households) totaled 5.3 trillion yuan ($766.7 billion) in January–February 2026.
Output of 397 out of 626 industrial products in China increased year-on-year in January–February 2026.
The value added of 35 out of 41 major industrial sectors in China recorded year-on-year growth in January–February 2026.
Azerbaijan's trade turnover with Germany has significantly decreased in the first two months of this year, reflecting a broader decline in overall foreign trade activity, while still maintaining a positive trade surplus.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and the European Union almost doubled compared to the previous year, a government minister said.
These indices totally come from monthly surveys with business managers, giving us the inside scoop on how they feel about the current scene and what they expect in the near future.