TAPI Update: Turkmenistan’s oil and gas leadership reviewed progress on the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, stressing that work on the Serhetabat–Herat section must follow international standards and pushing for faster exploration and production. Trade & Finance: At Turkmenistan’s SCRMET auctions, 14 deals were registered last week, with foreign-currency purchases totaling more than $4.755 million, while domestic buyers took up polypropylene, cement and other goods worth over 511.7 million manats. US Visa Policy: The United States made its visa bond programme permanent, effective Aug. 3, raising the refundable deposit ceiling to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries, including Turkmenistan. International Law Push: Turkmenistan is stepping up preparations for the UN General Assembly’s “Year of International Law, 2028,” with a national action plan and related initiatives discussed in Ashgabat. Economy Watch: Turkmenistan reported 6.3% GDP growth in the first half of 2026, with fuel and energy still driving the numbers. Regional Energy/Connectivity: A separate report highlights how Eurasian rail and transport investment is reshaping Asia–Europe logistics, with Central Asia accounting for a growing share of projects.