AmChams Eurasian Economic Summit

The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce in Türkiye, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria successfully co-organized the inaugural AmChams Eurasian Economic Summit on October 24-25, 2024, at the Hilton Bosphorus in Istanbul. This milestone event, certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with the American Chambers of Commerce across nine key countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Romania, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan in a joint effort to enhance economic cooperation and drive cross-regional business development.

Bringing together more than 200 senior-level participants from diverse sectors, the Summit fostered a dynamic environment for dialogue, networking, and strategic partnerships. State officials, economic development agencies, industry leaders, and investors collaborated to explore new pathways for economic growth, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to strengthening economic ties across Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Serving as a hub for the exchange of insights, the Summit advanced shared goals in trade, investment, and innovation, strengthening links between the U.S. and Eurasian business communities.

October 24-Welcoming Remarks and Opening Session

The Summit opened with welcoming remarks from the AmCham Chairs of the participating countries, each highlighting the vast investment potential and the multitude of business opportunities within the Eurasian region. Mr. Nikolaos Bakatselos, President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the Summit’s role as a vital platform for catalyzing cross-border investment and collaboration. As he stated, “We are thrilled to gather in Istanbul, where we can collectively explore the promising opportunities ahead as we navigate these challenging times together.”

Ministerial Session and Strategic Insights

A key highlight of the Summit was the Ministerial Session, featuring a keynote address by Mr. Kostas Fragkogiannis, Deputy Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Openness of the Hellenic Republic. Minister Fragkogiannis outlined Greece’s strategic geographic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia and discussed government initiatives aimed at strengthening trade linkages and expanding investment through pivotal trade corridors. Additionally, Hilda Alisandratou, Director of Investment Promotion for Tourism, Real Estate, and Creative Industries at Enterprise Greece, presented the investment opportunities of Greece’s tourism sector. Participants then had the unique opportunity to attend an exclusive luncheon with Ambassador Selim Yenel, President of the Global Relations Forum, where they engaged in discussions about global relations and international collaboration.

AmCham Greece Business Mission and B2B/B2G Engagements

AmCham Greece organized a dedicated business mission as part of the Summit, allowing participating companies to attend B2B and B2G meetings with prominent regional stakeholders. These one-on-one sessions enabled our businesses to explore potential partnerships, gain valuable market insights, and discover growth opportunities tailored to their specific sectors. Complementary industry workshops organized by Bain and Company, Straife and USTDA among others, further enriched participants’ understanding of the region’s evolving market landscape, offering practical strategies for increasing their regional presence.

October 25 – Planning the Future of Eurasian Collaboration

On the Summit’s second day, the Presidents of the AmChams and representatives from Investment Promotion Agencies led a session focused on charting future investment opportunities and fostering deeper regional collaboration. This discussion reviewed the Summit’s key takeaways, gathered participant feedback, and established a strategic roadmap for continued growth across Eurasia.

The Summit concluded with a networking reception at the U.S. Consulate Residence, hosted by U.S. Consul General Ms. Julie A. Eadeh, where attendees connected against the stunning backdrop of the Bosporus. During the reception, the Consul General led an award ceremony, honoring the Presidents of the AmChams for their pioneering vision and initiative in launching the Summit.

Outcomes and Future Vision

The AmChams Eurasian Economic Summit set a new platform for regional collaboration, laying a strong foundation for the U.S., Eurasian, and Central Asian business communities to advance shared economic goals. By fostering mutual economic objectives, the Summit encouraged innovation, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable growth across these regions. We express our sincere gratitude to the AmCham Türkiye team for their exceptional hosting and to all participants for their engagement and contributions, which were instrumental to the Summit’s success.

Building on the success of this inaugural event, plans are already underway for the next AmChams Eurasian Economic Summit, scheduled to take place in Greece, next fall. The upcoming Summit promises to deepen the collaborative spirit cultivated in Istanbul, as the AmCham network continues to promote trade and economic integration across Eurasia. This next gathering will further reinforce the AmCham commitment to building strategic partnerships and fostering sustainable development across the region. Stay tuned!