2nd AmChams Regional Economic Summit (ARES) | June 12–13, 2025
The second ARES convened over 150 senior representatives from business, government, and NGOs, and facilitated 120 targeted B2B meetings. Held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the summit built on the success of the inaugural 2024 AmChams Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul. This year’s ARES expanded participation to include AmChams from Armenia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
The 2nd ARES continued the successful track record of bringing businesses from the region together and fostering trade, investment, and innovation across Southeast Europe, Eurasia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. AmCham Bulgaria will host the 3rd ARES in 2026.
Key Highlights
- Energy Security & Green Transition
Experts underscored the need for cross-border collaboration to meet climate and energy targets. Discussions focused on scalable solutions for cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy systems across the region. - Regional Investment Opportunities
The session showcased Southeast Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Eurasia as high-potential investment hubs with strong institutional backing, resilient economies, and skilled labor. A dedicated segment highlighted opportunities in Non-EU countries. - Economic Outlook: Growth, Inflation & Stability
Panelists examined macroeconomic trends and real-world projects—from digital banking to green logistics—demonstrating how regional cooperation and sustainable strategies can drive inclusive growth. - Digital Transformation & AI
Centered on the accelerating pace of change, this session explored how emerging technologies—AI, automation, and cloud—are reshaping industries. Emphasis was placed on ethical, strategic, and human-centered innovation. - Infrastructure Fireside Chat
A candid conversation between Toni Karanfilovski (Rapid Bild) and Jelena Arsovska (AmCham North Macedonia) focused on the region’s infrastructure priorities and investment needs. - Keynote: “To Win With AI, Leaders Must Put Humans First”
Fahed Bizzari (Bellamy Alden AI Consulting) challenged the “AI First” mindset, advocating for leadership that prioritizes human capital to unlock true transformation. - Leadership for the Future
Addressing the evolving nature of leadership amid global uncertainty and rapid technological change, panelists called for adaptive, people-centric approaches to organizational resilience and innovation.
Core Goals of the Summitt included:
- Promote regional trade and investment through targeted business engagement
- Advance policy dialogue to strengthen cooperation frameworks
- Support cross-border business growth via strategic B2B matchmaking
The summit served as a platform for dialogue among public and private stakeholders to shape the region’s economic future.
About the Organizers
- AmCham Greece (est. 1932) represents 800+ member companies and is a leading voice in U.S.–Greece economic relations.
- AmCham Bulgaria represents 350+ members and plays a key role in advancing regional cooperation and digital transformation.
- AmCham Türkiye advocates for 140+ U.S. companies with $60B in investments, strengthening U.S.–Türkiye economic ties.
More Information
Contact ARES 2025 Team: ares@amcham.gr
Venue Location
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
