Greater Caspian Region Forum 2023, Ticino edition

“The Greater Caspian Region – A  Corridor for Energy, Logistics and Trade Flows between Asia and Europe”

For the first time, the flagship conference of the Joint Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus (JCC) will have a Ticino edition, jointly organized with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Canton Ticino (Cc-Ti) and in partnership with the Greater Caspian Association

Background

The Trans-Caspian Trade and Transit Corridor is a key block of European and Asian connectivity. Comprised of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, and Turkey to the west, and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan to the east of the Caspian Sea, the corridor serves as an essential overland route linking the European Union, China, India, and the Middle East.

The Corridor encompasses both rail and road routes, with key maritime ports on the Caspian Sea serving as pivotal hubs. The Baku International Sea Trade Port in Azerbaijan, Aktau and Kuryk Ports in Kazakhstan and the Turkmenbashi port in Turkmenistan provide crucial access to the Caspian Sea and enable connectivity between Central Asia and Europe.

There is a growing demand in Europe for energy sources. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, along with other Central Asian countries are looking to expand their energy industry, including green energy, and can win big by becoming energy suppliers to Europe.

In 2018, the legal status of the Caspian Sea was close to being resolved. At the time this was seen as an alternative westward corridor that could help Caspian States diversify the countries to which they export. While the corridor has not yet reached its full potential, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the proliferation of sanctions, once again highlights the importance of the region as an alternative energy, logistics and trade hub, linking East and West.

Forum focus

The Greater Caspian Region Forum will examine the following topics:

• The Greater Caspian Region as a source of traditional and renewable energy, multi-modal logistical linkages and trade flows between Europe and Asia;
• The Trans-Caspian Trade and Transit Corridor (TCIT) as a route for transporting cargo and energy;
• The potential for significant development in the next few years and business opportunities for Swiss and international companies.

Program 

16:00-16:30 | REGISTRATION

16:30-16:40 | WELCOME STATEMENTS
Luca Albertoni, Managing Director, Camera di commercio, dell’industria, dell’artigianato e dei servizi del Cantone Ticino (Cc-Ti)
Dorit Sallis, Managing Director, Joint Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus (JCC)

16:40-16:55 | SETTING THE SCENE: CURRENT CONDITIONS, FUTURE TRENDS IN THE GREAT CASPIAN REGION
Murat Seitnepesov, President, Greater Caspian Region Association; Chairman, Integral Group

16:55-17:10  | IMPACT OF SANCTIONS ON THE TRANS-CASPIAN CORRIDOR AS ROUTES FOR ENERGY AND TRADE
Ambassador Matthew Bryza, Former White House and Senior State Department Official for Europe and Eurasia

17:10-17:25  | HOW TO DEVELOP THE TRANS-CASPIAN CORRIDOR MORE RAPIDLY AND EFFICIENTLY?
Leila Batyrbekova, Founder and Secretary General, Europe and Central Asia Transport and Trade Association ECATA

17:30-18:30 | MODERATED PANEL DISCUSSION
Leila Batyrbekova, Founder & Secretary General, ECATA
Ambassador Matthew Bryza, Former White House and Senior State Department Official for Europe and Eurasia
Mihnea Marinescu, Regional Sales Director, Burckhardt Compression AG
Marco Passalia, Partner, ENET Energy SA
Pier Giorgio Pintus, Logistics Section Manager, Casale SA
Moderator: Murat Seitnepesov, President, Greater Caspian Region Association

18:30-19:30 | NETWORKING RECEPTION