1st AmChams Eurasian Economic Summit begins in Istanbul

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) – The 1st AmChams Eurasian Economic Summit, co-organized by the American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) in Türkiye, Greece, and Bulgaria, began in Istanbul on Thursday.

The two-day event is serving as a dynamic platform for networking, dialogue, and the exploration of new business development prospects, strengthening ties between the US and regional business communities in the Southeast Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia regions, according to AmChams.

The summit is hosting around 200 senior-level participants from various sectors throughout the organizing regions.

Tankut Turnaoglu, chair of AmCham Türkiye, said the Eurasia region accounts for a significant portion of the global economy and has the potential for huge growth in the coming years.

From energy resources to technology innovation, the opportunities for trade and reinvestment are abundant, he stressed.

He said the countries represented at the summit constitute a region with a combined GDP of around $2 trillion.

It connects even a wider area of five billion people across Europe and Asia, where it houses diverse markets and a rich variety of resources, he noted.

- 'Istanbul serves as platform for partnership'

Nikolaos Bakatselos, president of AmCham Greece, said the event will explore regional finance opportunities, tourism, development, manufacturing and supply chain advancements, and construction and real estate projects.

Each of these areas offers immense potential for collaboration and growth, he stressed, adding: "And I am confident that our discussions will lead to tangible outcomes that will shape the future of our region."

Dayanat Sadullayev, president of AmChams in Azerbaijan, said the summit in Istanbul, a dynamic city at the crossroads of cultures, ideas, and common interests, to engage in discussions that will shape the trajectory of economic growth across Eurasia.

"Over the course of the summit, we will dive into themes such as regional cooperation, trade, development, energy strategies, finance and innovation," he noted.

Julie Eadeh, US consul general in Istanbul, said Istanbul is really not just a bridge between Europe and Asia, but it is a platform for partnership, and seeing such a distinguished audience is extremely powerful.

In Eurasia, Türkiye, especially Istanbul, has played such an important role as a hub and crossroad, she stressed.