USACC Hosts Roundtable on TRIPP and U.S. Engagement in Central Eurasia

Strategic Initiative Aims to Transform Central Eurasian Connectivity

Washington, D.C., December 22, 2025 — A significant diplomatic gathering organized by the United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) has brought attention to the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). This initiative is a vital component of the United States’ strategic efforts to enhance engagement in Central Eurasia.

The event, held behind closed doors, featured discussions among ambassadors from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, pivotal U.S. government officials, and influential private-sector leaders. Their focus was on leveraging TRIPP to boost infrastructure development, improve regional connectivity, and solidify a sustainable U.S. economic footprint along the Middle Corridor.

"The August peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and facilitated by this Administration, created a historic opening. TRIPP is how we make that peace durable—by transforming a transit route into an engine of shared prosperity," stated Vinay Chawla, Director and Special Envoy for Peace Missions at the U.S. Department of State. "American companies and capital are essential to that vision, and this Administration is committed to ensuring they have a seat at the table."

Participants highlighted TRIPP as a novel regional connectivity initiative, characterized by its public-private partnership, business-driven approach, and emphasis on commercial sustainability over the long term.

Natig Bakhishov, Executive Director of USACC, emphasized that TRIPP advances beyond conventional transit models by blending infrastructure investment, regulatory alignment, and private-sector involvement into a cohesive strategic framework. He remarked that TRIPP is a cornerstone of the United States' revived engagement in the region, introducing market-based solutions to regional integration for the first time in over a decade.

Diplomats from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan shared insights on how TRIPP could enhance development strategies, unlock cross-border collaborations, and enhance the competitiveness of regional transit pathways.

"The August Summit played a historic role in advancing the regional peace process," said Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United States. "The principles of connectivity and cooperation have long been promoted by Azerbaijan, which has already established strong partnerships with Türkiye, Georgia, and Central Asian countries, providing a solid foundation to build upon. This momentum is real, and we must move swiftly. Ensuring the success of TRIPP as a core component of the Middle Corridor is essential."

"It is thanks to President Trump’s leadership that we have been able to generate this momentum for peace and position TRIPP as a key element of our regional strategy," commented Narek Mkrtchyan, Ambassador of Armenia to the United States. He added, "U.S. engagement will help translate this initiative into tangible benefits for the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. I welcome the constructive engagement with our Azerbaijani colleagues and the fact that discussions are now advancing toward concrete development projects. This kind of practical cooperation is essential to delivering real economic and social outcomes."

The dialogue also touched on the involvement of U.S. institutions like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in aiding project financing, trade promotion, and investment risk reduction.

Among the private-sector participants were companies such as Google, Bechtel, and Tetra Tech, alongside regional trade associations. They shared their perspectives on the expanding interest of American companies in trade and investment prospects offered by TRIPP and related regional initiatives.

The roundtable concluded with a collective view that TRIPP presents a unique opportunity to align U.S. strategic objectives with regional economic integration, offering a scalable and commercially feasible connectivity model for the South Caucasus and Central Asia. USACC has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering dialogue among governments, U.S. agencies, and the private sector to ensure TRIPP's successful implementation and enduring impact.

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Source: USACC