JCC Annual Central Asia/South Caucasus Conference

“Trade and Investment in Central Asia and the South Caucasus: Business Opportunities in a Realigning World”
Date: September 11, 2025 14:00 – 18:30
Venue: Everllence Schweiz AG (formerly MAN Energy Solutions), Hardstrasse 319, Zurich 8005

Central Asia and the South Caucasus are increasingly affected by a multipolar global order where the strategic interests of powers such as China, Russia, the EU, and the United States intersect and sometimes clash. The conflict in the Middle East adds further complexity to the region’s economic environment. Amid these challenges, Central Asia & the South Caucasus remain a crucial hub for interregional trade, energy transit, and infrastructure development, with major corridors linking east, west, north and south. This conference will examine how countries in the region are advancing integration and cooperation to leverage these opportunities, strengthen resilience, and navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape marked by great power competition.

Program

14:00 – 14:30     Registration and Coffee

14:30 – 14:35     Introduction
Dorit Sallis, Managing Director, Joint Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus (JCC)

14:35 – 14:45     Welcome Statement
Mathias Scherer André, International Sales Leader, Everllence AG

14:45 – 15:00     “Central Asia & the South Caucasus in an Era of Great Power Rivalry: Managing Multipolar Competition in an Unpredictable Environment”
An overview of how Central Asian states are navigating growing global power competition, with a focus on regional diplomacy, security risks, and shifting alliances.
Christopher J. Weafer, CEO, Macro-Advisory Ltd.

15:00 – 15:15     “Switzerland’s Economic Policy and Program with Central Asia and the South Caucasus in 2025”
A look at Switzerland’s economic engagement in the region, including trade, investment and development cooperation.
Ambassador Andrea Rauber-Saxer, Head, Bilateral Economic Relations Divisions, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

15:15 – 15:30     Taking the Region’s Business Pulse: Where Do Central Asia & South Caucasus Stand in 2025?”
An economic snapshot of the region in 2025, focusing on growth, trade, investment, private sector trends, and priorities in digital and green development.
Murat Seitnepesov, President, Greater Caspian Association

15:30 – 15:50     Coffee Break

15:50 – 16:05     “Energy Linkages in 2025: Developments, Prospects Opportunities in Renewables”
An update on the region’s renewable energy transition, highlighting new projects, cross-border cooperation, and prospects for sustainable energy growth.
Ravshan Adilov, Partner, Centil Law Firm (Central Asia’s Emerging Markets Law Firm)

16:05 – 16:20     “Logistics Linkages in 2025: Developments, Prospects, Opportunities in Rail and Road”
A review of key rail and road initiatives, regional trade corridors, and efforts to improve connectivity, logistics efficiency, and integration into global supply chains.
Nikolas Kohler, Regional Managing Director ME /Central Asia, M&M Militzer & Münch AG

16:30 – 17:30     Panel Discussion: “Regional Resilience and Economic Opportunity in a Multipolar World”
This session will examine how Central Asia and the South Caucasus manage business and geopolitical challenges amid great power competition. Using Afghanistan and Turkmenistan as case studies, panelists will explore investment, connectivity, and regional cooperation, while also discussing future trends and prospects shaping the region.
Panelists
Christopher J. Weafer, CEO, Macro-Advisory Ltd.
Murat Seitnepesov, President, Greater Caspian Association
Ravshan Adilov, Partner, Centil Law (Centril Asia’s Emerging Markets Law Firm)
Nikolaus Kohler, Regional Managing Director ME /Central Asia, M&M Militzer & Münch AG
Iurie Moraru, Founding Partner, Prosperity Circle; Vice President, JCC
Abdul Qadir Rahman, Founder & Managing Director, Afghanistan Business Council France

17:30 – 18:30     Networking Reception

Registration

JCC Member: CHF 30
Non Member: CHF 90

Please register by filling out the form on this page. The participation fee can be paid on registration.