Navigating the business landscapes of the CIS region requires more than just a map – it calls for strategic planning and deep local understanding.
As global economic dynamics shift, new regions stand out as areas of growing strategic importance and opportunity. Central Asia is experiencing strong growth fueled by industrial development, increasing consumer demand and large-scale infrastructure projects. This expansion is supported by rising foreign investments, digital transformation and improved regional connectivity. At the same time, Eastern European markets continue to be significant yet complex markets. Despite geopolitical challenges, they remain key players in energy, manufacturing and trade sectors.
Join industry experts to explore current market trends, risks and opportunities. The program will offer a special focus on Central Asia alongside broader perspectives on the CIS region, tailored for international companies.
Welcome Speech
Global Business Outlook. Big Risks. Best Markets in 2026. Where Does CIS Fit In?
Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Caucasus - the New Tiger States?
Future of the Middle Corridor
Coffee break
Practical Experience: Expanding Investments in Central Asia
Market Entry and Business Expansion in Kazakhstan
Market Entry and Business Expansion in Uzbekistan
Q&A
Christopher joined the company in 2016 and is currently responsible for interim management services, temporary provision of managerial resources, performance of the General Director functions as well as other sole executive bodies. His area also includes Employer-of Record / Outstaffing functions.
Prior to joining SCHNEIDER GROUP, Christopher worked for 7 years as financial manager for an Austrian engineering and construction company in Moscow, where he was responsible for commercial management and supervision of subsidiaries, branches and construction projects.
Christopher also handled operatively wind-down projects and liquidation of legal entities. He has in-depth knowledge in budgeting, financial planning and controlling, as well as in personnel management.
He graduated from the University of Applied Sciences in Eisenstadt (Austria) with a master's degree in International Business Relations and also studied International Relations at ESCE (Paris). He is an ACCA-member (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and PHD-student in International Economics.
Christopher speaks German, English, and Russian.
Nilufar Khamidova joined SCHNEIDER GROUP in June 2025. She has over 17 years of professional experience in accounting and taxation, including in the energy, auto industry, consulting, and FMCG sectors.
Before joining the company, she held senior roles at leading firms such as KPMG and AKSA Enerji, specializing in tax risk assessment, transaction support, and corporate restructuring. Nilufar is a certified tax consultant in the Republic of Uzbekistan and a member of the Chamber of Tax Consultants of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with extensive experience advising both local and international clients.
She has rich experience in conducting tax due diligence for M&A transactions, supporting investors throughout all deal stages — from pre-transaction planning to post-deal integration.
Nilufar holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the Tashkent State University of Economics. She is fluent in Russian, English, and Uzbek.