The America Georgia Business Council (AGBC) hosted its 19th Annual Conference in Washington, DC on Dec 7th 2016. The conference venue was generously donated by the premier global law firm, Baker & McKenzie. 

Dr. Mamuka Tsereteli, President of the AGBC, gives opening remarks.
Dr. Mamuka Tsereteli, President of the AGBC, gives opening remarks.
Judith Pryor, VP of External Affairs for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) of the United States gives an overview of OPIC's successes and projects in Georgia. 
Judith Pryor, VP of External Affairs for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) of the United States gives an overview of OPIC's successes and projects in Georgia. 
(From left to right) Enders Wimbush, Founder of the AGBC moderates a panel with Greg Saunders of BP America, Ivo Konstantinov of the Embassy of Bulgaria and Kevin Cullen of Conti / the Anaklia Consortium.&nbsp
(From left to right) Enders Wimbush, Founder of the AGBC moderates a panel with Greg Saunders of BP America, Ivo Konstantinov of the Embassy of Bulgaria and Kevin Cullen of Conti / the Anaklia Consortium.&nbsp
Mr. Konstantinov, Economic and Trade Counselor of the Bulgarian Embassy demonstrates potential trade flows via the New Silk Road.&nbsp
Mr. Konstantinov, Economic and Trade Counselor of the Bulgarian Embassy demonstrates potential trade flows via the New Silk Road.&nbsp
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bridget Brink answers questions on policy from the audience. 
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bridget Brink answers questions on policy from the audience. 
More than 100 distinguished guests attended to hear from a speakers and panelists on a range of topics at the 19th annual AGBC conference
More than 100 distinguished guests attended to hear from a speakers and panelists on a range of topics at the 19th annual AGBC conference
(From Left to Right) Kenneth Angell of OPIC moderates a panel with Mercedes Vera-Martin of the IMF, George Tsikolia, Chargé D'affaires of the Georgian Embassy to the USA, Danica Starks of the Department of Commerce and Jonathan Nelms of Ba
(From Left to Right) Kenneth Angell of OPIC moderates a panel with Mercedes Vera-Martin of the IMF, George Tsikolia, Chargé D'affaires of the Georgian Embassy to the USA, Danica Starks of the Department of Commerce and Jonathan Nelms of Ba
Dr. Tvildiani announces the new American Hospital Tbilisi to be operated in cooperation with Inova Health of Northern Virginia.
Dr. Tvildiani announces the new American Hospital Tbilisi to be operated in cooperation with Inova Health of Northern Virginia.
The audience breaks after the conference for a wine reception.&nbsp
The audience breaks after the conference for a wine reception.&nbsp
(From Left to Right) Georgian Minister of Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili gives a toast to the friendship between Georgia and the United States with Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews.
(From Left to Right) Georgian Minister of Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili gives a toast to the friendship between Georgia and the United States with Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews.

The conference marked a turning point in Georgia’s development with the focus of the conference principally being spent on private sector development and Georgia’s role as an ever more important global transit hub. 

Participants heard from panelists including representatives of the Georgian and US government’s, experts from International Financial Institutions (IMF and OPIC), and representatives of private industry. Guests Keynote address were given by:

  • Bruce Andrew, US Deputy Secretary of Commerce
  • Levan Davitashvili, Georgian Ministry of Agriculture
  • Bridget Brink, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
  • Judith Pryo, Vice President of External Affairs of OPIC

Additionally, two important project announcements were made. Famed Georgian Doctor, Dimitri Tvildiani and Dr. Bill Lang of Inova Health, announced a recently signed MOU to develop a world class oncology and cardiology clinic to be named the ‘American Hospital Tbilisi.’ Ms. Stephanie Komsa, the COO of Gazelle Finance, announced a new $26mm SME focused fund to enhance access to capital to rapidly growing Georgian businesses.  

Some of the presentations shown at the conference have been made available below: