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" As Turkmenistan accelerates its ambition to transform from a raw cotton exporter into a high-value textile manufacturing hub, Italian engineering firms are positioning themselves as primary technology partners. A robust delegation of Italian manufacturers, coordinated by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, is set to headline the Turkmen Textile Expo 2026, scheduled for June 4–6 in Ashgabat. This strategic mission seeks to capture demand for advanced production systems as the nation undertakes a long-term industrial diversification plan.

Technological upgrades for a maturing supply chain

Turkmenistan’s industrial authorities are currently prioritizing the local processing of cotton, the country’s third-largest export commodity. This initiative necessitates a shift toward high-tech specialization, creating significant opportunities for Italian suppliers to replace legacy systems with modern, energy-efficient machinery. Current trade data highlights, Italian exports to the region are heavily concentrated in accessories, which account for 56 per cent of total shipments, alongside specialized spinning and knitting equipment. According to Marco Salvadè, Presidentk ACIMIT, the Turkmen market is currently in a ‘physiological transition phase,’ where the demand is increasingly shifting from basic hardware to integrated, high-tech industrial solutions.

Navigating global headwinds through strategic exports

This mission follows a challenging start to 2026 for the Italian textile machinery sector, which reported a 5 per cent decline in total order intake during Q1, FY26. While the industry faces global economic uncertainty and cautious investment climates, regional partnerships in emerging hubs like Ashgabat offer a vital counter-cyclical growth avenue. By providing flexible, tailored machinery solutions, Italian firms aim to maintain their competitive edge in international markets. With a national delegation that includes industry stalwarts such as Itema, Marzoli, and Savio, Italy is looking to solidify its reputation as the vendor of choice for Turkmenistan’s evolving production infrastructure.

ACIMIT and Italian textile engineering

Founded in 1945, ACIMIT represents approximately 200 Italian companies within the textile machinery sector. The association promotes the ‘Made in Italy’ hallmark of high-quality engineering and sustainable innovation. With nearly 86 per cent of its €1.9 billion annual turnover exported globally, ACIMIT remains a primary driver for industrial technology transfers worldwide.