UPCOMING

PAST

PRESS RELEASES

CONFERENCE

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The Caspian Policy Center is delighted to host the 8th Annual Trans-Caspian Forum, in partnership with the Embassies of the Caspian Region, including the embassies of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, T&uuml;rkiye, and Uzbekistan. In the last year, cooperation between the United States and countries of the greater Caspian Region has continued to grow. With the energy and security crises emerging from the Russia-Ukraine War, it has become clear just how important it is to nurture strategic engagement between the U.S. and the Caspian Region. The changing global paradigm has demonstrated a need for the United States to reevaluate its partnerships and assist countries in this crossroads region to secure their economic sovereignties through enhanced connectivity and increased trade. The United States and the Caspian region will need to develop and employ decisive and cooperative solutions to protect their national interests and collaborate with a diverse set of international partners.&nbsp;

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9:00 am &ndash; 9:05 am Opening Remarks&nbsp;

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Efgan Nifti,&nbsp;President, Caspian Policy Center

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9:05 am &ndash; 9:45 am U.S. Keynote Remarks&nbsp;

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<ul>
	<li>Amos Hochstein, U.S. Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security (Invited)</li>
	<li>Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State (Invited)</li>
	<li>Isobel Coleman, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development (Invited)</li>
	<li>Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Global Markets, U.S. Department of Commerce (Invited)</li>
</ul>

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9:45 am &ndash; 11:00 am Caspian Keynote&nbsp;Addresses&nbsp;

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Moderator: Ambassador (Ret.) Richard Hoagland, Chairman of the Board, Caspian Policy Center&nbsp;

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<ul>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia (Invited)</li>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Azerbaijan (Invited)</li>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georgia (Invited)</li>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kazakhstan (Invited)</li>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kyrgyzstan (Invited)</li>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tajikistan (Invited)</li>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, T&uuml;rkiye (Invited)</li>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Turkmenistan (Invited)</li>
	<li>Deputy Minister of Transport, Uzbekistan (Invited)</li>
</ul>

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11:00 am &ndash; 11:15 am Coffee Break

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Panel 2 &ndash; Maximizing Development Impact: Prioritization &amp; Coordination&nbsp;

11:15 AM - 12:30 PM&nbsp;

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The Middle Corridor is a network of routes that cross Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus and T&uuml;rkiye, constituting a multimodal transport corridor that combines road, rail, and sea transportation. It represents the shortest path for goods traded from China to Europe, 3,000km less than the northern route through Russia. As part of the EU&rsquo;s Global Gateway, European and international investors announced in January of this year an intention to commit $10.8 billion to support Middle corridor connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.&nbsp; The funds will be used in support of a wide range of projects, paralleling World Bank and other related efforts, to tackle hard and soft infrastructure needs.&nbsp; How are governments and international financial institutions planning to coordinate and prioritize the multi-faceted investments and policies needed to create an efficient, cutting-edge transport corridor?

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11:15 am &ndash; 12:30 pm Panel Discussion&nbsp;

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Moderator: Dr. Marsha McGraw Olive, Caspian Policy Center Board Member&nbsp;

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<ul>
	<li>Ambassador Erin McKee, Assistant Administrator, Europe and Eurasia Bureau, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Tamar Satterwhite, Senior Attorney,&nbsp;Commercial Law Development Program(CLDP), Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Commerce</li>
	<li>Winnie Wang, Lead Infrastructure Specialist and Program Leader, Europe and Central Asia, World Bank</li>
	<li>Senior Representative, Development Finance Corporation (DFC) (Invited)</li>
	<li>Ambassador Jovita Neliup&scaron;ienė, Ambassador of the European Union to the USA (Invited)</li>
</ul>

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12:30&nbsp;pm &ndash; 01:30 pm Lunch

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Panel 3 &ndash; How to Do Business Better Along the Middle Corridor:&nbsp;

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Experts Discuss Needs and Opportunities&nbsp;

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1:30 PM - 2:30 PM&nbsp;

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Though infrastructure gaps and challenges inhibit the Middle Corridor&rsquo;s potential, some businesses in the region are doing quite well.&nbsp; Experts from the energy, business, and extractive sectors discuss what works and what can work better in the Caspian region. &nbsp; What steps can be taken to address institutionalized impediments to doing business in the Caspian region?&nbsp; What has the creation of the Middle Corridor meant for international business? Are there low-hanging fruits to improve business capabilities?

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1:30 pm &ndash; 2:30 pm Panel Discussion&nbsp;

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Moderator: Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Caspian Policy Center Board Member&nbsp;

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<ul>
	<li>Robert Scher, Vice President, BP America</li>
	<li>Mamuka Murjikneli, CEO, Wondernet Investment Group&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Laura Brank, Partner, Dechert LLP</li>
	<li>Carolyn Lamm, Chairman of the Board, American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (Invited)</li>
	<li>Alice Wong, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer, Cameco (Invited)</li>
	<li>Other senior regional private sector representatives</li>
</ul>

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Linking Central Asia, the Caucasus and Western Markets:&nbsp;

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Briefing on the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and Emerging U.S. Opportunities

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Preliminary Date (May 22, 2024)

The Caspian Policy Center and the Embassies of the Trans-Caspian Region are co-hosting a briefing for Members of Congress and their staffs on the remarkable developments that are drawing the Central Asian and Caucasus (Caspian) countries westward. Challenges emerging from the Russia-Ukraine war have resulted in this region seeking greater connectivity and access to global markets. Strategic minerals, including much of the global supply of Uranium, gas and oil, and an emerging industrial base are at stake. The growth of a Middle Corridor that crosses Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus and T&uuml;rkiye, creates a new trade network for the Caspian region and also represents the shorter path than trade through Russia.

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This briefing will bring senior officials from the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia region along with experts from the energy, business, and extractive sectors to discuss what is happening, what is working, and what other opportunities exist for U.S. investment in the Caspian region and along this new corridor.

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The United States is working to assist countries in this crossroads region secure their economic sovereignties through enhanced connectivity and increased trade, adopting modern customs systems and digitalization among other improvements. The European and international donors announced in January an intention to commit $10.8 billion additional euros to support Middle Corridor connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, further escalating what is already a rapidly growing political and economic realignment for countries in the region.

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Speakers include:

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Senior Representatives of the Trans-Caspian countries

Moderator: Ambassador (ret.) Richard Hoagland, Chairman of the Board, Caspian

Policy Center

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For sponsorship opportunities please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jfreund@caspianpolicy.org">jfreund@caspianpolicy.org</a>

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<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/04/18/sponsorship.pdf">Sponsorship</a>

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The 8th Annual Trans-Caspian Forum: How to Maximize the Middle Corridor

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host Ambassador Furqat Sidiqov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United States, for a discussion on political and economic developments in Uzbekistan and the Caspian region. This is the third installment of CPC&rsquo;s Ambassadorial interview series. This in-person conversation will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 10:00 am &ndash; 11:30 am at CPC&rsquo;s Washington DC office on the 11th floor. 

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Uzbekistan sits along the intersection of historical trade routes connecting the East with the West and the North with the South. Its strategic location has placed Uzbekistan at the crux of several geopolitical forces. This interview, as part of a broader CPC series, will take the opportunity to learn from the Ambassador and learn his perspective on the future of his country, the region, and recent developments. 

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Ambassador Furqat Sidiqov was appointed as the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States on March 3, 2023. Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Sidiqov served as Uzbekistan&rsquo;s First Deputy Foreign Minister since November 2022 and, prior to that, he served as the Deputy Foreign Minister since 2020. He also served as attach&eacute; at the Embassy of Uzbekistan to the United States (2002-2007), First Secretary of this embassy (2011-2015), Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan (2015-2020).

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<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discussion-with-uzbek-ambassador-furqat-sidiqov-tickets-863756417697?aff=oddtdtcreator">Register for in-person attendance</a>

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<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nipB6BhGRfqcH5g8C7o0HQ#/registration">Register to watch online</a>

Discussion with Ambassador Furqat Sidiqov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United States

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States, for a discussion on recent changes and developments in Azerbaijan and the Caspian region. This is the second installment of CPC&rsquo;s Ambassadorial interview series. This in-person conversation will be held Wednesday, February 28, 1:00 pm &ndash; 2:30 pm at CPC&rsquo;s Washington DC office.&nbsp;

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Azerbaijan, the country situated on the crossroads of the East-West and North-South Trade corridors, has significantly raised its geostrategic importance within the last three decades of independence.&nbsp; An energy-rich nation that is set to host COP29, Baku is finding itself in the center of a global spotlight. This interview, as part of a broader CPC series, will take the opportunity to learn from the Ambassador and learn his perspective on the future of his country, the region, and recent developments.

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Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim was appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States in July 2021. He is a career diplomat, having previously served as the Azerbaijani Ambassador to T&uuml;rkiye from 2017 to 2021. He also served as Head of the&nbsp;Mission&nbsp;of the Republic of Azerbaijan to NATO with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary between 2011-2017. From 2009 to 2011, he was Deputy Chief of&nbsp;Mission&nbsp;of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the&nbsp;United States of America. Before that, he served as spokesman of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry and deputy spokesman. He also worked at the Political-Military Division of the Foreign Ministry, being directly involved in drafting the National Security Concept of Azerbaijan and the implementation of the Individual Partnership Action Plan with NATO.

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RSVP Here:&nbsp;https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yOO_aR2qTSC4-bJx3LZuHA

Or contact

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<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="mailto:rsvp@caspianpolicy.org">RSVP@caspianpolicy.org</a>

CPC Ambassadorial Interview Series: Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States

On February 22, the Caspian Policy (CPC) co-hosted with the Embassy of Uzbekistan, a dinner in honor of Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev. This dinner was attended by Ambassadors and representatives of the OTS Member Countries and Observer Countries of Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, T&uuml;rkiye, and Turkmenistan. The event was also attended by representatives of the U.S. government including Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim, as well as representatives from the State Department and the National Security Council. The OTS has been an important harbinger of connectivity in the Caspian Region and has served as a uniting force amongst Turkic-speaking countries in the fields of trade, economy, security, and more. This dinner served as a platform to discuss progress of the OTS and the vision for the year ahead for the organization.

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Dinner with Secretary-General of the OTS, Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev

On February 5, the Caspian Policy&nbsp;Center (CPC) held a roundtable discussion in London titled, &ldquo;Water and Climate in the Caspian Region: Is it Too Late?&rdquo;. This timely discussion addressed the unprecedented climate and water issues facing the South Caucasus and Central Asia. With the rate of glaciers melting in the Caspian Region at an increased rate, the weather patterns have been altered and seasons have been shortened. This has already lead to natural disasters such as floods and reservoir issues in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Water insecurity coupled with dated infrastructure has affected nearly one-third of Central Asia&rsquo;s population. This discussion served as an opportunity to discuss Dr Rudenshiold&rsquo;s analysis of the risks and challenges, and ways that the region can take affective action and the international community provide effective support.

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Roundtable Discussion: Water and Climate in the Caspian Region: Is it Too Late?

The Caspian Policy Center (CPC) and the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) Club convene high-level experts and policymakers to discuss critical security challenges in the Black Sea region. From Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine and peace-building efforts in the South Caucasus to infrastructure investment and green transitions, this conference aims to raise regional voices and strengthen collective prosperity and security between the United States and the Black Sea region. In partnership with Johns Hopkins University&rsquo;s SAIS Europe and Eurasia Department and the Caspian Policy Center, the Black Sea Security Conference is proud to include keynote remarks from the Hon. Celeste Wallander, U.S. Asst. Secretary for Defense, and discussions with experts from the academic, public, and private sectors.

We are pleased to welcome you to our Black Sea Security Conference on January 24, 2024, at John Hopkins University&rsquo;s Bloomberg Center.

<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/S8eFWvrJQQefwCjq6">555 Pennsylvania Avenue, 8th floor </a>

9:00 AM &ndash; 3 PM, January 24, 2024

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<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-sea-security-conference-tickets-782147262517?aff=oddtdtcreator">Register</a>

Black Sea Security

Please join the Caspian Policy Center for a conversation with the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Ambassador Daniel N. Rosenblum. The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host Ambassador Rosenblum to discuss U.S. policy toward Kazakhstan and the current events unfolding in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. 

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Ambassador Rosenblum was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan on October 28, 2022, after serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan (2019-2022) and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia in the State Department&rsquo;s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (2014-2018). 

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This event will take place on January 4, from 1pm to 2:30pm EST in a hybrid format. Join us online or in person at our 11th floor conference room at 1015 15th St NW, Washington DC.

Special Roundtable: Ambassador Rosenblum on U.S. Policy Toward Kazakhstan

As the second anniversary of Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine nears, it is more imperative than ever for international leaders to meet to develop strategies to make countries more resilient to shocks and ensure critical energy supplies from diverse sources. The UK Government has announced a global London Energy Security Conference for next Spring.

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In preparation for this and other international high-level meetings the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) will hold its own Caspian Energy Security Conference in London on November 21, 2023. This event will serve as a platform bringing together prominent voices from the UK Government, Caspian countries, and high-level representation from international organisations and energy companies. It has never been more important for the international community to work together on energy diversification in the Caspian Region.

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<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Wz8LbXRXNFf45FB7">Location:&nbsp;6 Temple Place, London, United Kingdom, WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom</a>

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<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caspian-energy-security-conference-registration-754608583587?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">Register</a>

Caspian Energy Security Conference

This virtual event is intended to bring together experts, academics, policymakers, and all interested parties to discuss modern strategies for nation-building in a world increasingly dominated by competing developmental strategies. The event will focus on Central Asia and its role in counterbalancing and integrating Western, Russian, and Chinese efforts to influence the region&rsquo;s trajectory. Since the end of territorial empires after the Second World War and later the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the world has grappled with how to build a nation-state aimed at social and economic modernization. Contemporary challenges, including multiculturalism, sectarian radicalization, mass migration, ecological disasters, mass communications, attracting foreign investment, building institutions and the rule of law, economic interdependency, and an increasingly chaotic and dangerous international system, raise questions for the Central Asians over the traditional prescriptions of the Great Powers and potential alternative models of development.

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Nevertheless, traditional ideas and influences continue to dominate popular and even expert views on what nation-building in this evolving region entails. Central Asia deserves expert and public attention to understand current trends. The proposed event will discuss economic, cultural, and sociological achievements and developments in Central Asia and their influence on building modern states, including the track record of recent reforms. This enables us to discuss social modernization, constitutional and legal reform, de-russification, indigenization, language reform, e-government initiatives, and other policy issues.

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Nation Building in the New Central Asia

On September 19, history was made with the first-ever C5+1 Presidential gathering with U.S. President Biden. The C5 group, made up of the five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), was established in 2015. However, since its establishment, a United States President had never met with the group &ndash; Until now. Ongoing political and security turmoil in Ukraine has led the United States to recognize that it must seek a greater role in Central Asia because &ldquo;the world is safer when we stand together.&quot; With U.S. President Joseph Biden&rsquo;s meeting with the group in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, U.S.-Central Asian cooperation is rising to new heights.

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In this expert panel, speakers will address areas of opportunity between Central Asia and the United States, potential challenges to enhancing cooperation with Central Asia, and the regional implications of the United States&rsquo; increased engagement with Central Asia.

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The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host leading regional experts to address these questions and discuss what concrete steps the United States can take to help deepen further engagement with the region.

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<h2><a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bidens-first-meeting-with-the-c51-where-can-we-go-from-here-tickets-739466944537?aff=oddtdtcreator">REGISTER</a></h2>

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Biden’s First Meeting with the C5+1: Where Can We Go from Here?

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host this event to bring together prominent voices in business, government, and non-profits to discuss new business challenges and opportunities for the Caspian region. The forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and members of the academic community at the Harvard Club to discuss the emerging business landscape across the South Caucasus and Central Asia.&nbsp;

<h3 style="text-align:center">&nbsp;</h3>

<h3 style="text-align:center">September 19, 2023&nbsp;</h3>

<h3 style="text-align:center">The Harvard Club</h3>

<h3 style="text-align:center">35 W 44th St</h3>

<h3 style="text-align:center">New York, NY 10036</h3>

<h3 style="text-align:center">&nbsp;5:30 pm - 9:00 pm&nbsp;</h3>

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<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2023/09/18/4th-cbf-web_mLZIP43.png" />

4th Caspian Business Forum

The Caspian Policy Center (CPC) will hold its first Caspian Connectivity Conference in London. Policy, government, and business leaders from the United Kingdom, United States, and Caspian corridor countries will come together to discuss connectivity, energy, and economy in the Caspian region, as well as UK involvement and opportunity regarding such avenues. This conference will consist of two panel discussions which will illuminate on opportunities and challenges of UK-Caspian relations, especially through the lenses of energy security and investment.

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<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7YEMjboQan7BsvdE9">The Insurance Hall</a>

<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7YEMjboQan7BsvdE9">London, United Kingdom</a>

<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7YEMjboQan7BsvdE9">20-21 Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HY&nbsp;</a>

Caspian Connectivity Conference

The Caspian Policy Center (CPC) is proud to host this event to honor the partnership between the United States and the countries of the Caspian Region. In coordination with the embassies of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, T&uuml;rkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, this forum will bring together U.S. and Caspian region policymakers, business leaders, and members of the academic community to honor the accomplishments of U.S.-Caspian relationship, and to discuss upcoming opportunities and challenges. The importance of nurturing strategic relations between the United States and the countries of the Caspian Region have been increasingly re-affirmed through high-level visits to the region and initiatives such as the U.S. State Department&rsquo;s&nbsp;Economic Resilience in Central Asia Initiative (ERICEN).

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The National Press Club&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/YNMHYqbGa4uQPgr8A?coh=178572&amp;entry=tt">1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #1 </a>

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7th Trans-Caspian Forum

Nearly ten years ago, China launched its colossal infrastructure investment program, the &lsquo;Belt and Road Initiative.&rsquo; 147 countries worldwide have signed agreements associated with this endeavor, including eight of the nine countries in the Caspian Region. China&rsquo;s growing influence has fundamentally changed the economies of Central Asia, but it has come with significant costs. Implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, an estimated $1.6 trillion in unpaid debts globally, and abandoned infrastructure projects have complicated the region&rsquo;s economic capacities and demanded a reassessed approach from the United States and alternative trade partners.&nbsp;

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In this panel, speakers will address some of the opportunities and obstacles Central Asian governments face with China&rsquo;s BRI investments. What are the broader geopolitical implications of Central Asia&rsquo;s cooperation with China? How can Central Asian governments balance economic growth with financial, environmental, and labor concerns at home? And how can the United States help confront the issues of BRI investments and projects in Central Asia?

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The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host leading regional experts to address these questions and discuss Central Asia&rsquo;s future role in China&rsquo;s BRI and how the United States can respond to its implications.&nbsp;

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<h3>Adress: Conference Room,&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZZbuNUvo4awC5Scg9">1015 15th ST, NW Suite 380, Washington DC 20005</a></h3>

<h3>RSVP to <a href="mailto:name@email.com">Haley Nelson</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;hnelson@caspianpolicy.org</h3>

If you want to attend to the event online, <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qdGU7hvaQFymZbsGxQe81A">Please register here</a>.

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The Future of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia

Oil and gas markets have been fundamentally challenged by pressures to accelerate the lowcarbon transition, emerging trade routes, soaring oil and gas prices, and reoriented corporate portfolios. While the world navigates extreme market volatility and upending corporate strategies and government policies, energy security has become the utmost priority in geopolitics. As Europe has vowed to halt Russian energy imports, new markets have opened, and new industries are emerging. The Caspian region, with tremendous wind, solar, and hydropower potential, can help solve market uncertainty and growing global energy demands.&nbsp;

How are Caspian region countries diversifying energy portfolios? How are they responding to the global energy crisis? And what are the upcoming opportunities and challenges?

&nbsp;The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host leading energy market analysts, regional experts, and energy innovators to address these challenges and discuss the Caspian region&rsquo;s renewable energy potential.&nbsp;

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Webinar: Renewables in the Caspian Region: Areas of Opportunity and Diversification

<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2022/12/16/dec-15-event.jpeg" style="height:711px; width:800px" />

On December 15, the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) hosted Dr. Taleh Ziyadov, the Director-General of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, to discuss the development of the Middle Corridor and the role the Port of Baku can play in this expanding transit route. Dr. Ziyadov offered his insight on the challenges impeding the current regional trade environment. The Middle Corridor has great potential to become one of Europe&rsquo;s primary trade routes and sources of energy. Recently, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Middle Corridor has received international attention, and it has become paramount to expand the capacity of these routes to lead the way in European energy diversification efforts. However, its potential is still unmet as cargo capacity must first expand before trade volumes can increase through infrastructural development and synchronization of policies of all involved parties. The event was attended by the Washington policy community, including think tanks, international organizations, and government representatives.

Assessing Important Developments on the Middle Corridor with Changing World Dynamics

<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2022/12/09/img_4362.jpeg" style="height:578px; width:800px" />

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Washington, DC- Thursday, November 8, the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) hosted a panel of experts to discuss upcoming economic opportunities and challenges in the Caspian region. Renewable energy, transit routes, regional connectivity, investment potential, Russian migrants, the digital economy, and privatization were amongst the many topics covered at this event.

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Admiral (ret.) Ron Maclaren opened the event with welcome remarks, highlighting the potential economic opportunities that have emerged since Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year, shifting the global paradigm. He posed the question on how the Caspian region can forward its economic prospects.

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Madina Zhunusbekova, the IMF&rsquo;s senior advisor for Europe and Eurasia, commented that &ldquo;Kazakhstan is implementing structural reforms and monetary policy tightening.&rdquo;

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And, &ldquo;in terms of economic growth outlook for 2023, the growth expectations are still high, despite uncertainties,&rdquo; she added.

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Aziza Umarova, a visiting fellow at Harvard University&rsquo;s Davis Center, responded to Admiral Maclaren&rsquo;s question by adding that there is great untapped potential in several Central Asian markets. To see drastic economic improvement, the United States only needs to shift 3% of its textile imports &ldquo;from the Chinese textile industry to Central Asia.&rdquo; Although a small percent, this shift &ldquo;would be enough to make substantial change in the region.&rdquo;

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The discussion also covered Central Asian energy security, which has been a major point of interest from Western companies since the war in Ukraine began earlier this year.

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Umarova stated that, &ldquo;prior to the Ukraine War, it was nearly impossible to get to the gas market in Uzbekistan, due to large presence of Russian gas servicing companies. After the war, there are more opportunities for foreign companies in Uzbekistan&rsquo;s gas sector.&rdquo;

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Richard Spooner, manager of government relations of Valmont Industries, added that to provide a quick surge in economic growth in the region &ldquo;oil and gas infrastructure can be re-tooled to transfer green hydrogen.&rdquo; As solar, wind, and nuclear energy have increasingly become more attractive in the energy field, there is great potential for the countries of the Caspian region to gain a foothold in this growing industry.

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However, he added that there are some challenges which need to be addressed: &ldquo;Only if the big global energy companies get involved, the Trans-Caspian pipeline would get built.&rdquo; The potential of the Middle Corridor transit route can only be reached if proper investment is first allocated.

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Overall, the speakers agreed that changing global dynamics have added to the region&#39;s investment attractiveness. However, regional connectivity needs to continue developing for investment projects to become more practical.

Economic Forecast for the Caspian Region

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<h2>1015 15th St NW, 11th floor conference room&nbsp;</h2>

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When the period for nomination of candidates closed in October, Kazakhstan entered the presidential election campaign period from October 21 to November 18, 2022. The January events at the beginning of this year, or &lsquo;Tragic January,&rsquo; in multiple regions of Kazakhstan have shaken and tested the system of law and order with its organized violence and destruction. Earlier in September, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, announced new constitutional amendments and snap presidential elections, with the updated presidential mandate limited to one term of seven years without the right to be re-elected. &nbsp;He said that the new presidential system would strengthen Kazakhstan&rsquo;s political stability and social structure. All institutional changes envisioned by the constitutional reforms are to be legally completed by the end of this year.

On November 17, the Caspian Policy Center is proud to host regional experts and policy officials to share and exchange valuable insights on the historical and future constitutional path, current realities, and opportunities for Kazakhstan.

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<h3>RSVP to hnelson@caspianpolicy.org</h3>

Upcoming Elections in Kazakhstan: Realities and Opportunities

The Organization of Turkic States is an international organization that has emerged as an increasingly influential platform for connecting Turkic-speaking countries, as well as fostering comprehensive cooperation between these countries and the world. This institution is made up of five member states: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, T&uuml;rkiye, and Uzbekistan, with Hungary and Turkmenistan having observer status. Previously called the Turkic Council, the organization underwent a significant transformation in the last few years following the 8th Summit in Istanbul, in which it was renamed the Organization of Turkic States. The organization has been influential in working closely to develop connectivity, harmonization of trade, and has done so in different multilateral formats. Furthermore, the organization has been involved in recent talks about security collaboration.

We invite you to join the Caspian Policy Center for a discussion with Ambassador Baghdad Amreyev, Secretary General for the Organization of Turkic States on the role of the organization in a rapidly changing world, especially as traditional power brokers face new obstacles. CPC is delighted to host Ambassador Amreyev to this discussion and we are eager to foster closer relations between our organizations, as we both share the vision of just how important this region is on a global scale.

The Organization of Turkic States’ Role in a Changing World

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host this event to bring together the best minds in business, government, and non-profits to discuss new business challenges and opportunities for the Caspian region. The forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and members of the academic community at the Yale Club to discuss the emerging business landscape across the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Events