2019 CAMCA REGIONAL FORUM – – - FORUM REPORT TASHKENT, | JUNE 13th-14th, 2019

Dr. S. Frederick Starr introducing keynote speaker, Dr. Arthur Laffer

Two days of dialogue on the CAMCA region organized by the CAMCA Network, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and Rumsfeld Foundation 2019 IN NUMBERS THEME: “CAMCA: Shared Interests, Shared Aspirations” SPEAKERS AND PARTICIPANTS: International leaders and professionals 300+ ATTENDEES from the 10 CAMCA countries, , Canada, China, Germany, Israel, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, Sweden and the United States 6 5+ SPEAKERS FOCUS AREAS: Intraregional trade, transport and transit, regional business and investments, economic development, entrepreneurship and innovation, human capital 18 SESSIONS and education

PREVIOUS FORUMS: Baku, - 2018; Dushanbe, Tajikistan - 2017; 20 COUNTRIES , - 2016; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - 2015; Astana, Kazakhstan - 2014 REPRESENTED

ABOUT THE CAMCA REGIONAL FORUM The Forum is a premier annual convening of rising leaders from - Established in 2014, there have been the CAMCA (Central Asia – Mongolia – Caucasus – Afghanistan) region as well as top professionals and stakeholders from the 6 CAMCA Regional Forums. broader international community. The Forum was founded and is - Attendance for all Forums totals more organized by the CAMCA Network, the Central Asia-Caucasus than 1,000 participants. Institute and the Rumsfeld Foundation with the support of local - Attendees have represented more partners and sponsors. than 25 countries. The Forum’s mission is to serve as a platform to connect top - Over 200 speakers have contributed to Forum conversations. professionals across all sectors for region-wide discussions on means of advancing economic growth and social development in - The Forum location travels each year Greater Central Asia. across the CAMCA region. “In our fast growing and challenging world, the annual 2019 FORUM SESSIONS CAMCA Regional Forum is the best platform for young leaders from our region to come together to freely share KEYNOTE ADDRESSES & INTERVIEWS: ideas and enhance relationships.” - Senator Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of HAMROKHON ZARIFI FORMER MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF TAJIKISTAN the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan “The CAMCA Regional Forum represents a unique platform for nurturing valuable ties among young leaders - Dr. Arthur Laffer, Founder and Chairman of Laffer from the CAMCA countries. It brings together outstanding Associates individuals that have the potential to take the development of the region to a new level. It was truly inspiring to observe participants of the Forum discussing topics that -“State Building and Reforms in Uzbekistan: Driving will shape the economics and politics of the region. The Force for Regionalism?” - Ruslanbek Davletov, Forum is a driver for regional initiatives, numerous Minister of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan collaborations and innovative solutions to common challenges. It is a place where new ideas, new projects and new friendships are born, which only grow stronger with -“CAMCA: Whole vs. Sum of the Parts” - every Forum.” Giorgi Kvirikashvili, EBRD International Advisor RUSUDAN MAMATSASHVILI and Former Prime Minister of Georgia FIRST DEPUTY HEAD, GEORGIAN NATIONAL TOURISM ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL PRESENTATION: -“Prospects of Inclusive Economic Growth in the CAMCA Region” - Tigran Poghosyan, IMF Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic

PLENARY SESSIONS: - Intraregional Trade within CAMCA: Signs of Progress? - Intraregional Finance: A Growth Industry? - Transport: Opening Windows to West, South and Keynote Interview with Giorgi Kvirikashvili Southeast - Culture and Tourism: Regional Project? “The Forum was very useful both in terms of understanding - CAMCA Spotlights: Meet the CAMCA Network the local context of Uzbekistan and Central Asia more broadly, as well as for developing necessary networking links with experts and peers which will be useful in future BREAKOUT SESSIONS: years. I was very impressed by the reforms in Uzbekistan - What Attracts Quality Investment in the CAMCA and overall it was easy to witness the enormous potential for regional cooperation which we’ve underutilized so Countries? What Doesn’t? much thus far. The Forum will help us further think about - Models of Regional Coordination creative ways for integration and cooperation for the sake of peace and prosperity.” - Building Modern CAMCA Skills: Innovation, Education and Training FARIZ ISMAILZADE EXECUTIVE VICE RECTOR, ADA UNIVERSITY, AZERBAIJAN - Afghanistan: A New Factor in Intraregional Trade and Investments? “I think the most important reason to attend the CAMCA - Is Digital Transformation Happening in CAMCA? Forum is networking – networking with a group of professionals and with a group of people who are making - Will there be Regional Media? decisions about aspects of improving the day-to-day life of their people. That is the most important reason – to FEATURED BREAKOUT SESSION: know the policy decision-makers and how to connect with them in order to improve our relationships – whether we - Meet Some CAMCA Entrepreneurs – are working in the government or the private sector.” Featuring pitches by nine entrepreneurs from ASSADULLAH ZAMIR across the region FORMER MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, IRRIGATION AND LIVESTOCK OF AFGHANISTAN; CAMCA NETWORK MEMBER View the full agenda online.

2019 CAMCA Forum Report | p. 2 SPEAKERS & PANELISTS Bobur Abdullaev, Head, Department of Strategic Fariz Ismailzade, Vice-Rector, ADA University Zuhursho Rahmatulloev, Co-Founder, Development, Ministry for Development of Amb. Tedo Japaridze, Vice-Chairman, Alif Capital* Information Technologies and Communications, International Relations, Anaklia Development Sen. Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Uzbekistan Consortium Chairman of the Senate of Oliy Majlis Habib Abdullayev, Director of the Navoi Free Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the of the Republic of Uzbekistan Economic Zone Board of Trustees, University of Central Asia Barry Salaam, Chairman, Independent Hikmat Abdurahmanov, Co-founder, HUMO Shigeo Katsu, President, Nazarbayev University Joint Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Partners* Khusan Khasanov, Islamic Development Bank Evaluation Committee, Afghanistan * Timur Abushkin, Head of Markets, Astana Field Representative for Uzbekistan Michael Sellman, Co-CEO, Calatrava International Exchange Zafar Khashimov, Founder, Supermarket Chain Grace Corporation Laziz Adkhamov, Director of SAP Uzbekistan Korzinka.uz Najibullah Sharifi, CEO, Rumi Saidakbarkhon Akbarov, Acting Deputy Jamshid Khodjaev, Minister of Agriculture of the Consultancy Chairman, State Committee of the Republic of Republic of Uzbekistan Omaid Sharifi, Co-Founder & President, Uzbekistan on Development of Tourism Laziz Kudratov, Deputy Minister of Investment Art Lords* Azamat Akeleev, Owner, Olive Eco Ethno Hotel and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan* Omar Sharifi, Director and Senior Fellow, and Resort Chain* Amb. Daniyar Kurbanov, Director, Center for American Institute of Afghanistan Hiroyuki Akita, Senior Staff Writer, Nikkei Asian International Relations Studies Studies* Review, Japan Sen. Alisher Kurmanov, Chairman of the Paul Shultz, Managing Director, Head of Iskander Akylbayev, Executive Director, Committee on Foreign Affairs, International Investment Banking and Corporate Kazakhstan Council on International Relations* Economic Relations, Investments and Tourism of Finance, First Heartland Securities Amb. Irakli Alasania, Senior Partner, SP the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Kamila Sidiqi, CEO and Founder, Consulting Uzbekistan Kaweyan Group Arevik Anapiosyan, Deputy Minister of Education Giorgi Kvirikashvili, EBRD International Advisor Dr. S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia* and former Prime Minister of Georgia Asia-Caucasus Institute Dr. Kaush Arha, Senior Adviser for Strategic Jenny Jenish kyzy, Chairperson, Association of Ravshan Sobirzoda, Central Asia Engagement, USAID Social Entrepreneurs of * Economic Adviser, UK Department for Botir Arifdjanov, Founder, Bilim Onlayn Dr. Arthur Laffer, Founder and Chairman, Laffer International Development, Tajikistan* Umid Aripjanov, Founding Partner, CENTIL Law* Associates Talant Sultanov, Chair of the Internet Bokhodir Ayupov, Country Representative, Mariam Lashkhi, Deputy Chairperson, Georgia’s Society Kyrgyz Chapter* Kazakh Export, Uzbekistan* Innovation and Technology Agency* Amb. Ingrid Tersman, Amb. of Sweden Dulguun Baasandavaa, CEO, BGB Peak LLC* Rusudan Mamatsashvili, First Deputy Head, to Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Sarvar Babahodjaev, Deputy Minister of Public Georgian National Tourism Administration and Uzbekistan Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aibek Mambetaliev, CEO, Euro Unternehmen Sarah Tonucci, Executive Director, John Batchelor, Host, The John Batchelor Show Anatoly Motkin, President, StrategEast Rumsfeld Foundation Nazira Beishenalieva, Board of Trustees, Sardor Mukhamedaliev, Chief Business Dr. Mamuka Tsereteli, Senior Fellow, American University of Central Asia* Development Officer, Zoodmall Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Nargiza Bobomuradova, Head of International Malik Mukhitdinov, Program Officer, Japan Aziza Umarova, Co-Founder, SmartGov Department, National Association of Electronic International Cooperation Agency, Uzbekistan* Consulting* Media of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Head of the Institute for Dr. Roman Vakulchuk, Co-Founder, Mukhtar Bubeyev, CEO, Astana Financial Strategic and Regional Studies, Uzbekistan Central Asian Development Institute* Services Authority Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu, Adviser to the Emin Vali, Co-Founder, Keepface* Dr. Svante Cornell, Director, Central Asia- Executive Director, State Oil Fund of Amb. Wahidullah Waissi, Amb. of Caucasus Institute Azerbaijan* Afghanistan to Australia* Edward Cox, Attorney and Secretary of The Atabek Nazirov, Chairman, Capital Market Enders Wimbush, President, StrateVarious Economic Club of New York Development Agency of Uzbekistan Asset Yerali, CEO, Odyssey Investments Jargalsaikhan Dambadarjaa, Executive Director, Gauhar Nurgalieva, Head of Eurasian Studies, Group* DeFacto Institute Skolkovo Institute of Emerging Markets Studies* Assadullah Zamir, CEO and Partner, Ruslanbek Davletov, Minister of Justice of the Akmal Payziev, CEO, MyTaxi and Express24 Sabzwar Agribusiness and Food Republic of Uzbekistan Dr. Jacopo Maria Pepe, Research Fellow, Services* Marat Djanbaev, CEO, Taza Bio Systems* German Council on Foreign Relations Hamrokhan Zarifi, Former Foreign Sarkhan Hashimov, Director-General of Microsoft Tigran Poghosyan, IMF Resident Representative, Minister of Tajikistan for Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan* Kyrgyz Republic Zabiullah Ziarmal, First Vice Chairman, Anvar Irchaev, Director, Orient Capital Bayarmagnai Puntsag, Deputy Director, International Chamber of Commerce of Management Department of Public Diplomacy and Cultural Afghanistan Farrukh Irnazarov, Co-Founder, Central Asian Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of *CAMCA Network Member Development Institute* Mongolia

2019 CAMCA Forum Report | p. 3 FORUM EVENTS & HIGHLIGHTS CAMCA Expo of regional businesses and entrepreneurs Keynote remarks from Senator Sodyq Safoev

CAMCA FORUM MEMORANDUM SIGNING At the Forum, representatives of the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CAMCA Forum organizers officially recognizing the Forum as an important regional platform and outlining areas of future cooperation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with these countries in support of the Forum’s mission.

(Pictured from left to right: Amb. Hafiz Pashayev, ADA Rector and Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan; Dr. S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute; Tamar Kekenadze, CAMCA Network; Alexander Khvtisiashvili, Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia; Dr. Starr; Sarah Tonucci, Executive Director, Rumsfeld Foundation; and Darkhan Satybaldy, Kazakh Ambassador to Uzbekistan)

Art displayed by Omaid Sharifi, President of ArtLords and “CAMCA Spotlights: Meet the CAMCA Network” session CAMCA Network Member, Afghanistan with presenters from six countries

2019 CAMCA Forum Report | p. 4 MEDIA

#CAMCA2019 REGIONAL FORUM WAS AN AMAZING EVENT BRINGING TOGETHER BRILLIANT PROFESSIONALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. Review #CAMCA2019 conversations on @RUMSFELDFOUNDTN HAS CREATED A UNIQUE NETWORK OF OVER 200 PROFS Twitter & Facebook. FROM 10 COUNTRIES. WHO HAVE NOT ONLY BECOME FRIENDS, BUT ALSO View photo coverage on Flickr. SHAPERS OF OUR COUNTRIES’ FUTURES. - AREVIK ANAPOSIYAN, DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE, CULTURE AND Video session coverage will be available on SPORTS OF ARMENIA the CAMCA Regional Forum YouTube Channel. Review the official press release, full agenda #CAMCA2019 HAPPENED WITH #AFG HIGH REP – THEMES VARY FROM TRADE and all press mentions online. TO INVESTMENT, HISTORY TO ARTS, & MEDIA TO REGIONAL EXPANSIONS. - PARWIZ KAWA, FORMER EDITOR IN CHIEF OF HASHT E SUBH DAILY, AFGHANISTAN PODCAST FEATURE Renowned American radio host, John Batchelor, “DO NOT PAY PEOPLE TO BE POOR, TEACH THEM TO BE RICH, BECAUSE THE LATTER hosted the John Batchelor Show from the 2019 PAY GOOD TAXES,” – ARTHUR #LAFFER SPEAKING ABOUT GOVERNMENT CAMCA Forum. Find several informative interviews TAXATION POLICIES AT #CAMCA2019 FORUM IN TASHKENT THIS MORNING. in his “On the Road to Tashkent” episodes with - SANJARBEK TOSHBAEV, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION COUNTRY Forum organizers and attendees online. MANAGER FOR UZBEKISTAN MEDIA CONTACTS THREE WEEKS AGO WE GOT TOGETHER IN #TASHKENT TO DISCUSS OUR COMMON Sarah Tonucci, Rumsfeld Foundation OPPORTUNITIES AS NATIONS SURROUNDED BY COMMON CHALLENGES. I SPOKE [email protected] ABOUT #CAMCA CONNECTIVITY THAT OFFERS MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTION OF THE TALENTED, LIKEMINDED & ENTREPRENEUR David Soumbadze, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute [email protected] GENERATION OF OUR REGION! - AMB. WAHIDULLAH WAISSI, AMBASSADOR OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN TO Malik Mukhitdinov, CAMCA Network THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, AND THE REPUBLIC OF [email protected]

FOUNDING ORGANIZERS

To learn more about the 2020 CAMCA Regional Forum contact [email protected].

Forum Participants

2019 CAMCA Forum Report | p. 5