UPCOMING

PAST

PRESS RELEASES

CONFERENCE

<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/11/14/iss070e075895_lrg-min-1.png" />

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Despite rapid responses by the EU and Britain to the energy crisis sparked by Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine, Europe will continue to face some stark energy security challenges in 2025. The risks are both technical and geopolitical, and consistency of supply cannot be taken for granted. The UK Government and the International EnergyAgency (IEA) will host an international Future of Energy Security Summit in London on 24-25 April 2025. Its aim is to assess evolving energy security challenges and consider novel approaches and actions to tackle them. This CPC event is timely preparation and will feed into a similar CPC event in Washington in February.&nbsp;

Caspian countries continue to contribute to Europe&rsquo;s energy security while facing their own climate and geopolitical challenges. For the first time a COP Climate Summit is taking place in the Region. The CPC event will bring together prominent voices from the UK Government, Caspian countries and energy and climate experts to discuss what COP29 outcomes mean for the&nbsp;Region.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>Agenda</h2>

08:30&nbsp; &ndash; 09:00&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Registration and Coffee&nbsp;

&nbsp;

09:00 &ndash; 09:10&nbsp;

Opening Remarks&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Efgan Nifti, President, Caspian Policy Center&nbsp;</li>
	<li>David Moran, Senior UK Adviser, Caspian Policy Center &nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

09:15 &ndash; 09:25&nbsp; &nbsp;

Keynote Remarks (HMG Speaker tbc)

&nbsp;

09:30 &ndash; 10:00&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ambassadorial Panel

Moderated by David Moran, Caspian Policy Center

&nbsp;

Session 1 &ndash; Energy Security Challenges &amp; Strategic Co-operation &nbsp;

The hard work of Europe including the UK to increase energy efficiency, speed the transition towards renewables and diversify sources enabled countries to cope with the last two relatively mild winters. The EU was able to meet its supply targets early: gas-storage facilities are nearly full. But 2025 could bring new difficulties. A colder winter is overdue and the implications of the likely end to Russia&rsquo;s gas deal to Central Europe via Ukraine are not clear. Gas stocks could decline quite swiftly. Demand for LNG will grow in both Europe and Asia. This panel will look at global, European and Caspian security prospects and discuss how the UK, the EU and the Caspian Region can map a sustainable path forward, areas of investment opportunities. How can countries meet short-to-medium term energy needs while getting Net Zero and global 1.5 degrees targets back on track?

&nbsp;

10:00 &ndash; 11:00&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Panel 1 Moderated Discussion&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Nicolas Ray, First Secretary Competition and Energy, EU Delegation to the UK</li>
	<li>John Roberts, Energy Security Specialist, Methinks Ltd</li>
	<li>Angus Miller, Chairman of TelosNRG</li>
	<li>Further Speaker tbc</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

11:00 &ndash; 11:15&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Coffee Break&nbsp;

 
11:15 &ndash; 11:45&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Ambassadorial Panel (Cont.)&nbsp;

Moderated by David Moran, Caspian Policy Center

&nbsp;

Session 2 &ndash; COP29 Outcomes: Implications for the Caspian Region and the World &nbsp;

UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband recently said &ldquo;In an unstable world, the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect against volatile energy price spikes is to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels to clean, homegrown energy.&rdquo; How much did Baku commitments move that transition along? Did COP29 make sufficient progress on mitigation, adaptation, inclusion and finance &ndash; in particular, the negotiations on the New Collective Quantified Goal? &nbsp;

Caspian countries suffer severely from the impact of climate change. Individually and collectively, they face a range of extreme weather events and water and food security challenges not helped by a complex regional and global geopolitical context. In recent years regional collaboration has grown rapidly but Caspian countries need more money and investment &ndash; public and private. COP29 put the Azerbaijani Presidency and the rest of the region in the spotlight &ndash; a rare opportunity to publicise their challenges, needs, achievements and potential. How did Central Asian and South Caucasus assess COP29 outcomes on the quantity and quality of climate finance, support for adaptation and just energy transitions and preparation of new Nationally Determined Contributions? Did international partners and the countries themselves make the most of the opportunity? What can they do now before Azerbaijan hands over the Presidency to Brazil at COP30?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;11:45 &ndash; 12:45&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Panel 2 Moderated Discussion&nbsp; &nbsp;

Moderated by David Moran, Caspian Policy Center

<ul>
	<li>Dr Joanna Depledge, Research Fellow, Cambridge Centre for Environment&nbsp;</li>
	<li>John Carstensen, Fellow and Climate Resilience Lead, Mott MacDonald</li>
	<li>Alexandra Barnes, Director Infrastructure, Climate and Nature, British Expertise International&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Further Speaker tbc</li>
</ul>

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12:45 &ndash; 12:55&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Closing Remarks&nbsp;

13:00 &ndash; 14:00&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Lunch&nbsp;

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<h3>4 December 2024, 9:00 &ndash; 13:00 &nbsp;</h3>

<h3>Arundel House, 6 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG &nbsp;</h3>

&nbsp;

<h1><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/energy-security-and-post-cop29-conference-registration-1082333742359?aff=oddtdtcreator">Register</a></h1>

Caspian Policy Center Energy Security and Post-COP29 Conference

The Caspian Policy Center (CPC), in conjunction with Tethys: Trans-Eurasian Gateway, collaborated on a round table on &ldquo;Mining, Infrastructure Projects and Finance in T&uuml;rkiye and Middle Corridor Countries&rdquo; held in Istanbul on 27 September.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The aim of the roundtable was to explore the opportunities for investment in critical minerals in the region, while teasing out the interlinkages and barriers, explained Leyla Keser-Berber, Chairwoman of Tethys: Trans-Eurasian Gateway. What infrastructure was needed? What were the issues around financing? Were Western governments sufficiently engaged?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The strategic stars are aligning, noted CPC Advisory Board Member James Sharp, who emphasized that geopolitical tensions, security concerns, and the fight against climate change had - perhaps belatedly - made the West realize that China dominates the production and processing of critical minerals. The growing focus on the Middle Corridor was providing an opportunity for the countries of the region to expand their export routes away from China and Russia. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in particular, he explained, were keen to diversify their economies away from oil and gas. T&uuml;rkiye itself has an important role to play, Sharp added, including by having joined the Minerals Security Partnership, as well as by its strong links with regional countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bernd Schaefer (CEO of EIT RawMaterials) reflected on the recent adoption of the EU&rsquo;s Critical Raw Materials Act as a key piece of legislation and a signal of EU intent, noting that EIT RawMaterials had been mandated by the European Commission to manage the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA). He and other speakers emphasized the need to train and deploy enough new talented miners in the short term.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A key component of Turkiye&rsquo;s investment policy on energy and natural resources is in rare earth elements and critical minerals, explained Turkish Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Ahmed Berat &Ccedil;onkar. Turkiye has identified the world&rsquo;s second largest reserves at Eskişehir.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

During discussion in the Mining and Finance session, participants emphasized the strategic importance of securing key raw materials and developing reliable regional supply chains. Western governments are aware of the urgency, signing MOUs on collaboration with countries in the region. However, not all had yet come up with comprehensive strategies that would prioritize and drive action.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The announcement earlier in the week in New York about the establishment by the Minerals Security Partnership of a finance network was welcomed; although, in general, there was a sense that finance was slow in coming. Some speakers wondered whether governments were doing enough to stimulate investment in mining projects, including through more guarantees. EBRD explained what they were doing and the tests they ran to decide whether public financing was appropriate. At the same time, miners recognized that the constant cost overruns on projects made financiers wary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There was plenty of talk about responsible mining practices. On 11 September, the UN had published a document setting out a list of principles &quot;to guide critical energy transition minerals towards equity and justice&quot;. Speakers recognized that the mining sector had reputational problems and that engagement and education were key - they had not talked enough to stakeholders. Some had concerns that holding Western companies to very high standards risked opening the door to companies from countries less concerned about the environment; the counterargument offered was that the ESG commitments made by Western manufacturers were actually driving up standards worldwide.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The session on sustainable infrastructure in the Middle Corridor raised the question of whether the location of infrastructure would drive mining investments, or vice versa. The discussion provided an opportunity to explain the Corridor&#39;s current state and the growing momentum behind it and to point to some of the synergies with the mining sector&#39;s work. The Azerbaijani trade representative gave a comprehensive overview of achievements, bottlenecks, and growing regional collaboration to iron out tariff practices. CPC Advisory Board Member David Moran talked about improving Georgia&rsquo;s Poti port and the need to prioritize work on key bottlenecks.  It would also be important to ensure that the Middle Corridor was green.&nbsp; The forthcoming COP29 in Baku was an opportunity to give this impetus, as well as to showcase the region&rsquo;s achievements, potential, and challenges.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While there were no formal conclusions, the overall sense was that:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	Much of the infrastructure will be built as a public policy priority, while there was less certainty about investment in mining projects.&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Although Western governments were improving their coordination and financing, there was still a risk that the opportunities in the region would be dominated by Chinese and Russian state-backed companies. For the West, the cost of supporting these mining projects needed to be balanced against the price of not doing so.&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Given the number of moving parts and interlinkages, it was important to continue this dialogue among miners, financiers, infrastructure specialists, and governments.&nbsp;&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

Istanbul Roundtable on Mining, Infrastructure, and Financing

`<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/08/28/cpc-caspian-business-forum-5.png" />

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<h2 style="text-align:center"><a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://caspianpolicy.org/research/press-releases/caspian-policy-center-hosts-5th-annual-business-forum-in-new-york">READ PRESS RELEASE</a></h2>

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&nbsp;

September 24, 2024

The Harvard Club in New York City&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host this annual event bringing together the best minds in business, government, and non-profits to discuss new business and energy 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 and energy landscape across the South Caucasus and Central Asia, with a focus on growing regional connectivity and the emerging COP 29 agenda.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the countries of the Caspian region, the partnership between the countries has grown to include cooperation across multiple sectors of en- gagement. In the last several years, there has been significant growth in relations and trade connectivity be- tween the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia and with the world. As the region hosts COP 29, there is similar energy to address regional and global climate concerns.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

International business has proved vital in promoting and facilitating cooperation as new global supply lines are developed across the region. To discuss the current and future of business ties between global stakeholders and the Caspian region, the Caspian Policy Center has invited senior business and government leaders with experience in the region&rsquo;s unique energy, climate and trade environment to discuss what opportunities exist for the year ahead.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h1>AGENDA</h1>

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<h2>5:00 PM &ndash; 6:00 PM &ndash; Registration and Cocktail Reception&nbsp;</h2>

&nbsp;

6:00 &ndash; 6:05&nbsp;&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Welcome Remarks

<ul>
	<li>Efgan Nifti, CEO, Caspian Policy Center</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

6:05 &ndash; 6:35&nbsp; &nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keynote Remarks

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Geoffrey Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State</li>
	<li>Helaina Matza, Acting Special Coordinator, Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI)</li>
	<li>Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General, Organization of Turkic States (OTS</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

6:35 &ndash; 7:15&nbsp; &ndash;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Regional Ministerial Keynote Addresses&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Moderator: Ambassador (ret.) Richard E. Hoagland, Senior Fellow, Caspian Policy Center

<ul>
	<li>Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Azerbaijan</li>
	<li>Lasha Darsalia, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georgia</li>
	<li>Zulfiya Suleimenova, Advisor to the President and Special Representative of the President on International Environmental Cooperation, Kazakhstan&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Berris Ekinci, Deputy Minister of ForeignAffairs, T&uuml;rkiye</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

7:15&nbsp;&ndash; 7:35&nbsp; &ndash;&nbsp;&nbsp;Networking break

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7:35 &ndash; 8:35&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Panel Discussion: Sustainable Connectivity and Investment

&nbsp;

Moderator: Dr. Marsha McGraw-Olive, Advisory Board Member, Caspian Policy Center

<ul>
	<li>Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)</li>
	<li>Robert Scher, Head of International Affairs, BP America&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Senior Representative, Wabtec Corporation&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Dr. Taleh Ziyadov, Director-General, Baku International Sea Trade Port</li>
	<li>
	Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li>
	Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board, Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

8:35 &ndash; 8:45&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Closing Remarks

<ul>
	<li>Ambassador (ret.) Richard E. Hoagland, Chairman of the Board, Caspian Policy Center</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h2><a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://caspianpolicy.org/research/press-releases/caspian-policy-center-hosts-5th-annual-business-forum-in-new-york">READ PRESS RELEASE</a></h2>

5th Caspian Business Forum: Building a sustainable future in the Caspian through connectivity and climate action

<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/08/27/what-is-next-increasing-regional-partnership-in-the-caucasus-and-central-asia-.png" />

&nbsp;

Historic developments and openings are changing the Caucasus and Central Asia regions. From the pandemic to Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine, from the development of a Middle Corridor for trade and transit to remarkable increases in foreign direct investment, the greater Caspian region is increasingly a nexus of greatly increased interest and engagement. Leaders from the five Central Asian states and Azerbaijan recently convened in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the Consultative Meetings, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing regional collaboration and integration. But where do the countries of the region see themselves headed? What is driving the intra-regional shifts and cooperation? Where will inter-regional cooperation go next?

&nbsp;

This virtual event is intended to bring together regional experts and thinkers to discuss the significant growth in economic, political, and security cooperation within the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as to look at areas of opportunity for next-level cooperation between the greater Caspian region and beyond. Building on a growing base of intraregional partnership, are there better opportunities to reach east to China, south to South Asia, and west to T&uuml;rkiye, Europe and the United States, now that Russia is distracted in Ukraine? What are the next steps?

&nbsp;

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host leading regional experts to address these questions and discuss what are the prospects for the continued evolution of this rapidly changing region.

&nbsp;

9:30 &ndash; 11:00&nbsp;&nbsp;Moderated Discussion

Moderator: Ambassador Richard E. Hoagland (ret.), Board Member, Caspian Policy Center (CPC)

<ul>
	<li>Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow, CPC</li>
	<li>Javlon Vakhabov, Managing Director, International Institute for Central Asia&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Farid Shafiyev, Chairman, Center of Analysis for International Relations&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Yerkin Tukumov, Director, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZKx65N93QESiSG8UTsLk7A#/registration">REGISTER</a>

What Is Next? Increasing Regional Partnership in the Caucasus and Central Asia

<h3 style="text-align:center">&nbsp;</h3>

<h3 style="text-align:center">Arundel House, 6 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG&nbsp;</h3>

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The Middle Corridor&rsquo;s network of routes crossing Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and T&uuml;rkiye, constitutes a multimodal transport corridor that combines road, rail and sea transportation. It represents the shortest path for goods traded from China to Europe, thousands of kilometres less than the northern route through Russia. It also provides an alternative to the Red Sea route. Transit times are shortening but will have to be more consistent.&nbsp; This requires targeted investment, expertise, and effective governance that removes bottlenecks and smooth progress. The Region &ndash; particularly Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and T&uuml;rkiye &ndash; will have to collaborate closely with each other and international partners to make the most of the Middle Corridor&rsquo;s potential commercial and socioeconomic benefits. Infrastructure improvements must be efficient, sustainable and developmentally sound from the start. This Conference will look at how to co-ordinate, prioritise and do business effectively across the&nbsp;Corridor.

&nbsp;

08:30&nbsp; &ndash; 09:00&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Registration and Coffee

&nbsp;

09:00 &ndash; 09:05&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Opening Remarks

<ul>
	<li>Efgan Nifti,&nbsp;President, Caspian Policy Center</li>
	<li>David Moran, UK Adviser, Caspian Policy Center (including COP29)</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

09:10 &ndash; 09:30&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Keynote Remarks&nbsp;

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09:30 &ndash; 10:00&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ambassadorial Panel

Moderated by David Moran, Caspian Policy Center

<ul>
	<li>Elin Suleymanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UK &middot;</li>
	<li>Sofio Katsarava, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UK &middot;</li>
	<li>Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UK &middot;</li>
	<li>Osman Koray Ertaş, Ambassaor of T&uuml;rkiye to the UK</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Session 1 &ndash; Maximising Development Impact: Prioritisation &amp; Coordination

10:00&nbsp; - 11:00&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The European Union and the EBRD have been pivotal in 2023-24 in injecting momentum into Middle Corridor planning. At part of the EU&rsquo;s Global Gateway trade network, European and international donors announced in January of this year an intention to commit 10 billion euros to support Middle Corridor connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.&nbsp; The money will be used for a wide range of projects, paralleling World Bank and other donor efforts.&nbsp;The UK and US have been active supporters of the process. What kinds of developmental coordination and prioritisation mechanisms would seem opportune, to focus investment resources and ensure appropriate planning?

&nbsp;

10:00 &ndash; 11:00&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Panel 1 Moderated Discussion

Moderated by Dr Marsha McGraw Olive, Member of CPC Advisory Board and Johns Hopkins SAIS Faculty

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Ekaterina Miroshnik, Director, Head of Infrastructure-Eurasia Team, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)</li>
	<li>Gaidar Abdikerimov - Secretary General, Team of International Association &ldquo;Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (online)</li>
	<li>Sophie Ibbotson, Development Consultant, World Bank &middot;</li>
	<li>Sean Burnage, Regional Head, Origination and Client Coverage, UK Export Finance &middot;</li>
	<li>Alexander Milne, Head, Eurasia, Middle East and Africa, TheCityUK</li>
</ul>

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11:00 &ndash; 11:15&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Coffee Break

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11:14 &ndash; 11:45&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ambassadorial Panel (Cont.)

Moderated by David Moran, Caspian Policy Center

<ul>
	<li>Varuzhan Nersesyan, Ambassador of Armenia to the UK&nbsp; (tbc)</li>
	<li>Ulan Djusupov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UK&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Rukhshona Emomali, Ambassador of Tajikistan to the UK&nbsp;(tbc)</li>
	<li>Yazmurad Seryayev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the UK&nbsp;(tbc)</li>
	<li>Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UK</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Session 2 &ndash; How to Do Business Better Along the Middle Corridor

11:45 - 12:45

&nbsp;

Though infrastructure gaps and challenges inhibit the Middle Corridor&rsquo;s potential, some business is doing well.&nbsp; Business, finance and energy experts discuss what works and what can work better in the Caspian region. &nbsp; What steps can be taken to address institutionalised 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?

&nbsp;

11:45 &ndash; 12:45&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Panel 2 Moderated Discussion

Moderated by Dr Roger Kangas, Professor of Central Asian Studies, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Marco Forgione, Director General, Institute of Export and International Trade</li>
	<li>John Patterson OBE, Chairperson, British Chamber of Commerce Azerbaijan&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Michael Denison, Senior International Adviser, BP</li>
	<li>Charles Hendry, UK Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change 2010-12</li>
</ul>

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12:45 &ndash; 12:55&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Closing Remarks

&nbsp;

13:00 &ndash; 14:00&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Lunch

&nbsp;

Location:&nbsp; Arundel House, 6 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caspian-middle-corridor-conference-tickets-910800979247?aff=oddtdtcreator">Register</a>

Caspian Middle Corridor Conference

<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/05/29/investment-screening-in-central-asia.png" />

&nbsp;

On June 6, the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) hosted a joint online webinar on &ldquo;Investment Screening in Central Asia,&rdquo; a recently published report by Roman Vakulchuk and Farrukh Irnazarov, co-founders of the Central Asia Development Institute.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Eric Hontz, Director of CIPE&#39;s Center for Accountable Investment, observed that the report is very timely for Central Asian states that are actively seeking new foreign investment in line with multi-vector foreign policies, but want to avoid potential risks of economic coercion from dependency on any given investor.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The discussion, moderated by CPC board member Dr. Marsha McGraw Olive, focused on screening mechanisms and existing practices aimed at regulating incoming investment in four countries of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.&nbsp; The authors presented a dynamic picture of how domestic decisions on foreign direct investment (FDI) intersected with a range of global initiatives such as BRI, CAREC, the EAEU, the EU&rsquo;s Global Gateway, various C5+1 initiatives, and even sanctions.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sarah Bauerle Danzman, Visiting Scholar at the Atlantic Council and Associate Professor of International Studies at Indiana University Bloomington, said the report broke new ground by devising a typology that fits the local context in countries where Western screening practices are not necessarily feasible or relevant to the nature of threats in OECD countries.&nbsp; It also contributes to the policy debate by raising awareness on the need to manage inward flows, including by leveraging local groups and associations to help monitor risks. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jennifer Miel, Vice President of the U.S Chamber of Commerce&rsquo;s Middle East, T&uuml;rkiye and Central Asia Affairs Department, noted that there is already a significant diversification of foreign partners and products in Central Asian economies.&nbsp; In addition to focusing on fundamentals in the business environment to help attract foreign investors, she supported a consultative mechanism for conventional screening to help avoid politicization of investments. &nbsp;

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Investment Screening in Central Asia

The Caspian Policy Centre hosted a roundtable discussion with Director-General of the Baku International Sea and Trade Port, Taleh Ziyadov on May 28 in London. During the discussion, which was moderated by James Sharp, CPC Advisory Board Member, Ziyadov discussed the development of sustainable infrastructure across the Middle Corridor, regional connectivity, and the improvement of trans-Caspian infrastructure. The Middle Corridor holds great potential to become one of Europe&rsquo;s primary trade routes and sources of energy. The emerging trade route offers a resolution to sanction- compliance issues, access to new markets, and new opportunities for business-to- business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) engagements in logistics, transportation, and infrastructure construction. This discussion focused on the role the Port of Baku can play in building a more sustainable Middle Corridor. Ziyadov also noted the ways in which the Middle Corridor&rsquo;s e capacity and operational efficiency can be enhanced, focusing specifically on improving transport infrastructure and regional cooperation.

&nbsp;

<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/05/28/whatsapp-image-2024-05-28-at-195652_w2hQGP5.jpeg" />

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Roundtable Discussion: Enhancing Trans-Caspian connectivity through maritime infrastructure development and coordination

<h1><img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/03/11/8th-tcf-middle-corridor.png" /></h1>

<h1>&nbsp;<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://caspianpolicy.org/research/press-releases/the-caspian-policy-center-hosts-its-8th-trans-caspian-forum-in-washington-dc">Press Release</a></h1>

&nbsp;

8:30 am- 9:00 am: Registration and breakfast

&nbsp;

Panel 1 &ndash; Building on the United States-Caspian Strategic Partnership&nbsp;&nbsp;

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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;

&nbsp;

9:00 am &ndash; 9:05 am Opening Remarks&nbsp;

Efgan Nifti,&nbsp;President, Caspian Policy Center

&nbsp;

9:05 am &ndash; 9:45 am U.S. Keynote Remarks&nbsp;

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<ul>
	<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&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia, U.S. Department of State</li>
</ul>

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9:45 am &ndash; 11:00 am Caspian Keynote&nbsp;Addresses&nbsp;

Moderator: Ambassador (Ret.) Richard Hoagland, Chairman of the Board, Caspian Policy Center&nbsp;

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<ul>
	<li>Senior Official, Armenia&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim, Azerbaijan&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Beka Chkheidze,&nbsp;Director of International Relations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Georgia (Invited)</li>
	<li>Rauan Tleulin,&nbsp;Deputy Chief of Mission, Kazakhstan&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ambassador Bakyt Amanbaev,&nbsp;Kyrgyz Republic</li>
	<li>Senior Official, Tajikistan&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ambassador Sedat &Ouml;nal,&nbsp;T&uuml;rkiye&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ambassador Meret Orazov, Turkmenistan (Invited)</li>
	<li>Ambassador Furqat Sidiqov,&nbsp;Uzbekistan</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;

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>Henrik Hololei, Hors Classe Adviser, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission</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>Agnes Dasewicz, Chief Operating Officer, DFC (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;

Experts Discuss Needs and Opportunities&nbsp;

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;

Moderator: Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Caspian Policy Center Board Member&nbsp;

<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>Eugene Seah, Chief Operating Officer, Baku International Sea Trade Port</li>
	<li>Carolyn Lamm, Chairman of the Board, American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (Invited)</li>
</ul>

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&nbsp;<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://caspianpolicy.org/research/press-releases/the-caspian-policy-center-hosts-its-8th-trans-caspian-forum-in-washington-dc">Press Release</a>

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&nbsp;<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://caspianpolicy.org/events/upcoming">Upcoming Events</a>

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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

<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/05/20/img_9717-min.jpg" />

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On May 16, the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) organized a discussion in collaboration with the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA Center) of the U.S. National Defense University. This event, conducted as a part of the Silk Road Future Leaders Seminar initiative led by the NESA Center, brought together young military officers, diplomats, and academics from the South Caucasus, South Asia, and Central Asia. The discussion, moderated by Roger Kangas, focused on climate change and regional connectivity in the Caspian Region. Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Ambassador (ret.) Richard Hoagland, and Efgan Nifti addressed the unprecedented climate, water, and other policy issues facing the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The event also served as an opportunity to discuss the risks and challenges of climate change, and ways that the region can take affective action.

Discussion on Climate Change and Regional Connectivity

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

&nbsp;

<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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<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/02/28/image001-1_f6HpIKG.png" />

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<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/02/27/image002_xQz8Y17.png" />

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<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/02/27/image003_HchLbzV.png" />

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.

<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/02/28/image003-1.jpg" />

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<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/02/27/image001.jpg" />

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<img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2024/02/27/image002.jpg" />

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. 

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

<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>

Events