Background: The Middle Corridor is an emerging transit route connecting economies from Central Asia to the South Caucasus and on into Eastern Europe. Azerbaijan’s key geographical location, coupled with well-developed logistics infrastructure and state-of-the-art port and air cargo facilities, are crucial to this new opportunity for transiting goods and services between Europe and Asia. “Middle Corridor: Connecting economies through ports and air freight connectivity” is an industry-based conference that will discuss air cargo connectivity and port development in Azerbaijan, the Central Eurasia region, and beyond. This platform will allow importers, exporters, shippers, consignees, freight forwarders, and other industry players to exchange ideas and learn from one another about how to seize this important opportunity. OPENING SESSION Reza Vaziri Chairman of the Board of Directors, USACC Amb. Erin Elizabeth McKee Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, USAID Asset Assavbayev Secretary-General, Permanent Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Commission, Transport Corridor Europe–Caucasus–Asia (TRACECA) Amb. Khazar Ibrahim Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States of America AIR CARGO SESSION Fadi Nahas Vice-President for Americas, Silk Way West Airlines Monte Fraizer (invited) Vice president, Boeing Panelist TBA Panelist TBA Moderator: Evan Johnson, International Trade Specialist- Office of Russia, Ukraine & Eurasia, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce PORTS AND FTZ INDUSTRY SESSION Taleh Ziyadov Director-General, Baku International Sea Trade Port Nicholas Porter Beneficial Cargo Owner, Account Representative, Maryland Port Authority Melissa Irmen Senior Vise President, ISCM, Inc. Tarun Chopra CEO and President, Clements Worldwide Insurance in cargo and fleet management Moderator: Benjamin Todd, Principal, Business Development, North America, European Bank For Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) CLOSING REMARKS Natig Bakhishov Executive Director, the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce Mi Jeong Hibbitts Executive Director, Global Chamber Baltimore/Washington D.C. NETWORKING & LUNCHEON For the latest agenda updates, please check the USACC webpage by clicking here. |