As the United States and Central Asia celebrate over three decades of diplomatic engagement, the focus of discussions has evolved from primarily geopolitical and security concerns to a stronger emphasis on trade and investment. This shift reflects the growing appreciation for American brands and their increasing influence in the region.

This event aims to explore the expanding commercial ties between the United States and Central Asia, underscoring their critical role in strengthening bilateral relations. It will highlight how trade and investment serve as a foundation for broader partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities. The program will address the challenges and opportunities businesses face in the region and consider the future of economic engagement, paving the way for deeper collaboration and shared success.

Keynote Remarks:

Carolyn Lamm, Partner, White & Case LLP, is Chair of International Arbitration of the Americas. Lead Counsel in international arbitrations in ICSID, ICC, and other related litigation in US courts for foreign states, foreign state-owned companies, and foreign corporate entities. She is Past President of the American Bar Association, the DC Bar, and the American Bar Endowment, and is a member of the Advisory Council and previously Governing Board of the ICCA, the Council of the American Law Institute (elected 1999; Emeritus). She is Chairman of the Board of the American-Uzbekistan US Chamber of Commerce.

Speakers:

J. P. Natkin has worked in Russia, the CIS, and the Eurasia region for over three decades. He previously served as Managing Director, Head of Client Services, and Head of Emerging Markets for Crédit Agricole Cheuvreux; Managing Director and Co-Head of International business for Uralsib; Head of the Institutional Client Group at Troika Dialog; Director for Global Emerging Markets for ING Barings; and Vice President at Renaissance Capital. Prior to moving to the investment banking industry, J. P. led the natural resource practice for Central Europe Trust in London, where he advised multinational firms on market entry and corporate finance strategy throughout the CEEMEA region.

Elena V. Son is the Executive Director of the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC), the US-Kyrgyzstan Business Council (USKGZBC), the US-Tajikistan Business Council (USTJBC), and the US-Afghanistan Business Initiative (USABI). Her strategic vision focuses on building strong, sustainable partnerships with large US corporations, governments in the US and Central Asia, and international financial institutions.

Matt Edwards has served as Director of the Office of Russia, Ukraine & Eurasia in the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration since 2012. His office is responsible for assisting US companies and industries in reducing market barriers and promoting American exports in Eurasia. He previously served as an attaché in the Commercial Section of the American Embassy in Moscow, where he served as acting deputy section chief.

Moderator: 

Sebastien Peyrouse is Director of the Central Asia Program and Research Professor, IERES, The George Washington University. His main areas of expertise are political systems in Central Asia, economic and social issues, Islam and religious minorities, and Central Asia’s geopolitical positioning toward China, India, and South Asia.