Nightingale Int. at the Atlantic Council: Turkey, Business Connectivity, and US Policy in Central Asia

Our International Development Expert & Fellow, Sobir Kurbanov, was invited to speak at the Atlantic Council’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., for a high-level panel discussion titled “Turkish presence in Central Asia and its implications for US policy.”

Joined by experts from the National Defense University and former diplomatic officials, Sobir provided critical on-the-ground insights into how business dynamics and economic connectivity are reshaping the region.

In his remarks, Sobir engaged with the complexities of doing business in the region and offered a roadmap for how US and Turkish interests can align:

• The “Turkish Model” of Success: He explained that Turkish businesses have succeeded where others have struggled by mastering “localization.” While Western firms often face implementation gaps despite high standards, Sobir noted that Turkish companies effectively bridge the gap between OECD-compliant corporate governance and local social norms, building deep networks and trust.
• Digital Connectivity as the New Frontier: Beyond traditional infrastructure, Sobir highlighted the booming IT and e-commerce sectors in Central Asia. He argued that harmonizing trade regulations and “soft infrastructure” is just as critical as physical pipelines, pointing to Turkey’s role in integrating the region into the global digital economy.
• Navigating Great Power Competition: Addressing the influence of China and Russia, Sobir argued that the most effective US strategy is not rhetorical opposition, but the support of open, transparent, and fair markets. He emphasized that creating a “level playing field” is the only way for US and Western investors to compete sustainably in the region.

We are proud to see Nightingale Int. represented in this vital conversation regarding multi-vector diplomacy, the Middle Corridor, and the evolving economic landscape of Eurasia.

Find it in full here.