JCC Flagship Conference 2026 – Geneva

Programme 

14:00 – 14:05 Opening 

Welcome by JCC leadership, including Nikolaus Kohler, President of the JCC

14:05 – 14:15 Short Keynote Address 

Gina Schmied, SECO, Head of Section, Europe and Central Asia, Bilateral Economic Relations – “The Strategic Importance of the Greater Caspian Region for Switzerland”

14:15 – 15:15 Session 1: Investment climate, regulatory environment 

“Navigating Regulatory Frameworks and Market Access”

Keynote address: 
Nabi Abdullaev, Partner, Control Risks, London: From Strategic Crossroads to Strategic Partners: Central Asia and the Caucasus Through the Eyes of International Business

Panel discussion, moderated by Nabi Abdullaev, Partner, Control Risks, London
Panelists:

• Ramunas Macius, Vice President Central Asia, Caucasus & Eastern Europe, JTI
• Nikolaus Kohler, President of the JCC and CEO Central Asia and South Caucasus, Militzer & Münch
• Dr Pierre Helg, Partner and Attorney at Law, Quorus
• Christophe Lachat, International Sales MEA&I, Central Asia

15:15 – 15:45 Coffee break 

15:45 – 16:45 Session 2: Risk Landscape and Emerging Opportunities
This session will explore the evolving risk landscape in the Greater Caspian Region and the new opportunities arising from the conflicts to the north and south of the region. 

Moderated by:

Franz Marty, Fellow & Business Advisor, Swiss Institute for Global Affairs

Panelists:

• Kairat Sarzhanov, Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Switzerland
• Irakli Mezurnishvili, Member of the Parliament of Georgia and Deputy Head of the Economic Committee
• Resul Nazarov, Chargé d'affaires of Turkmenistan to Switzerland
• Eldiyor Toshmatov, Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations

16:45 – 16:50 Closing Remarks

By Nikolaus Kohler – President of the JCC, CEO Central Asia and South Caucasus, Militzer & Münch.

Key takeaways, a call for continued dialogue and collaboration, and a reaffirmation of the JCC as an ongoing platform for exchange.

17:00 – 19:00 Networking Reception

Why to participate? 

This conference will provide strategic insights into:

• Risk Landscape & Opportunities - Understanding Regional Risks and Opportunities
  Strategic Importance - What do Central Asia and South Caucasus mean to Switzerland and Swiss Business?
  Regional Business - Central Asia and South Caucasus Through the Eyes of Business
  Regulatory Environment & Investment Climate - Practical Perspectives on Regulation & Doing Business in Central Asia and the South Caucasus

Whether you're active in energy, infrastructure, finance, engineering, technology or any other industry sector, this event is designed to help you evaluate opportunities and build valuable partnerships in a strategically positioned and rapidly evolving region.