2019 CAMCA Regional Forum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Jun 12-14, 2019

The 2019 CAMCA Regional Forum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan brought together over 300 international participants to discuss issues and trends central to the region. Conversations centered around the Forum theme, “CAMCA: Shared Interests, Shared Aspirations.”

Key Forum Events  

Main Forum events included plenary sessions, roundtables, keynote interviews, breakout sessions and more. Beyond the formal sessions, the Forum provided opportunities for guests to further network throughout receptions and dinners highlighting the culture and traditions of the once-center of the ancient Silk Road.

Forum sessions included: Keynote Welcoming Address from First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Oliy Majilis of Uzbekistan Senator Sodyq Safoev; Interview with Founder and Chairman of Laffer Associates Dr. Arthur Laffer; Interview with Minister of Justice of Uzbekistan Ruslanbek Davletov on “State Building and Reforms in Uzbekistan: Driving Force for Regionalism?”; Interview with EBRD International Advisor and former Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili on “CAMCA: Whole vs. Sum of the Parts;” a special presentation on “Prospects of Inclusive Economic Growth in the CAMCA Region” by Tigran Pogoshyan, IMF Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic; and much more.


Forum Speakers

Forum speakers included distinguished professionals from a variety of sectors representing more than 20 countries including the 10 CAMCA countries, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Israel, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, Sweden and the United States.

Forum speakers included: Senator Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Oliy Majilis of Uzbekistan; Dr. Arthur Laffer, Founder and Chairman of Laffer Associates; Ruslanbek Davletov, Minister of Justice of Uzbekistan; Jamshid Khodjaev, Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan; Giorgi Kvirikashvili, EBRD International Advisor and former Prime Minister of Georgia; Dr. S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute; Rusudan Mamatsashvili, First Deputy Head, Georgian National Tourism Administration; Tigran Pogoshyan, IMF Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic; Michael Sellman, Co-CEO, Calatrava Grace Corporation and more.


Forum Topics

The Forum discussions focused on timely themes and issues including intraregional trade, transport and transit, regional business and investments, economic development, entrepreneurship and innovation, human capital and education. Session topics included: 

• Intraregional Trade within CAMCA: Signs of Progress?

• Intraregional Finance: A Growth Industry?

• Transport: Opening Windows to West, South and Southeast

• Culture and Tourism: Regional Project?

• CAMCA Spotlights: Meet the CAMCA Network

• What Attracts Quality Investments in the CAMCA countries? What Doesn’t?

• Models of Regional Coordination; Meet Some CAMCA Entrepreneurs

• Building Modern CAMCA Skills: Innovation, Education and Training

• Afghanistan: A New Factor in Intraregional Trade and Investments?

• Is Digital Transformation Happening in CAMCA?

• Will There be Regional Media?


  1. Rusudan Mamatsashvili

    Georgian National Tourism Administration

    The Forum is a driver for regional initiatives, numerous 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 every Forum.

  2. Assadullah Zamir

    CAMCA Network Member, Afghanistan

    I think the most important reason to attend the CAMCA Forum is networking with a group of professionals and with a group of people who are making decisions about aspects of improving the day-to-day life of their people. 

  3. Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha

    Chairman, University of Central Asia

    I was particularly impressed that the Fellows were either moderating or participating as experts at several sessions of the Forum. This is a credit to the level of talent in the CAMCA Network. 

  4. Fariz Ismailzade

    Executive Vice Rector, ADA University

    The Forum will help us further think about creative ways for integration and cooperation in the CAMCA Region for the sake of peace and prosperity. 

  5. Omaid Sharifi

    CAMCA Network Member, Afghanistan

    More than anything else in today’s unpredictable world, we need to treat each other with empathy and respect. The CAMCA Regional Forum serves as a stage to come together to grow our mutual understanding and acceptance. 

  6. Hiroyki Akita

    Nikkei Asian Review, Japan

    I attended the CAMCA Forum in 2018 and again in 2019. It gave me deep insights into the future direction of the Central Asia and Caucasus regions and their relations with rest of the world

  7. Zuhursho Rahmatulloev

    CAMCA Network Member, Tajikistan

    The CAMCA Forum brings together all the members and friends of the CAMCA Network and serves as the ultimate platform to kick start important conversations about shaping the direction of the region. 

  8. Arevik Anapiosyan,

    CAMCA Network Member, Armenia

    The CAMCA Network has developed into a unique network of over 200 professionals from 10 countries who have not only become friends and colleagues, but also shapers of our countries’ futures.

  9. Hamrokhon Zarifi

    Former Foreign Minister of Tajikistan

    In our fast-growing and challenging world, the annual CAMCA Regional Forum is the best platform for young leaders from our region to come together to freely share ideas and enhance relationships. 

Videos

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Booklet

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Program

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Report

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