Washington, D.C., March 12, 2026 — The U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) marked its 30th anniversary with a high-level conference in Washington, D.C., bringing together senior government officials, industry leaders, and policy experts to celebrate three decades of advancing economic cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan.
The event highlighted the Chamber’s long-standing role in strengthening bilateral commercial ties and fostering collaboration between businesses and policymakers in both countries, while also exploring new opportunities in trade, energy, technology, and sustainable development.
Opening the conference, Natig Bakhishov, Executive Director of USACC, reflected on the Chamber’s achievements and outlined its vision for the future of U.S.-Azerbaijan economic cooperation.
“Today is not only a moment to celebrate the past, but also an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have achieved together and to look ahead to the future we are building,” Bakhishov said. “Over the past three decades, the Chamber has helped American companies enter Azerbaijan’s dynamic market while supporting Azerbaijani partners in establishing meaningful connections in the United States. From the early development of Azerbaijan’s energy sector and major international infrastructure projects to expanding cooperation in finance, technology, and services, USACC has served as a trusted platform for business engagement.”
The conference featured keynote remarks and panel discussions with senior government officials and private sector leaders. Distinguished participants included Jeffrey I. Kessler, Under Secretary for Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce; Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States; Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan; Bill Guidera, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce; Reggie Singh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State; Orkhan Zeynalov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan; and Rovshan Najaf, President of SOCAR.
During his remarks, Under Secretary Jeffrey I. Kessler emphasized the importance of expanding commercial cooperation in emerging sectors.
“I want to thank USACC for advancing engagement in industries such as critical minerals, information and communications technology, and services sectors represented here today. These industries are vital to economic growth, energy security, and broader strategic cooperation,” Kessler said.
The conference also highlighted the growing partnership between USACC and the U.S. Department of Commerce. During the event, Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Guidera, together with USACC Executive Director Natig Bakhishov, announced the intent of the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) and USACC to pursue a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening regional trade and productivity across the South Caucasus.
Panel discussions throughout the day focused on key pillars of U.S.-Azerbaijan economic cooperation, including energy and infrastructure development, technology and digital innovation, and financial sector collaboration. Speakers also addressed opportunities related to the global energy transition, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and green finance.
Industry leaders participating in the discussions represented major international companies, including AECOM, Bechtel, NEQSOL Holding, SOCAR, Honeywell, bp America, Noble Energy Americas, GL Group and others.
The conference concluded with an evening reception honoring USACC’s partners, members, and supporters who have contributed to three decades of successful U.S.-Azerbaijan business cooperation.
About the USACC
The U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce is a leading business association dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan. Since 1995, USACC has served as a bridge between governments and the private sector, supporting commercial partnerships and economic development initiatives across key industries.
Source: USACC
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