Nazarbayev University and HKUST to Host the Inaugural Silk Road Empirical Trade Conference

The Graduate School of Business at Nazarbayev University, in collaboration with the Department of Economics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), will host the inaugural Silk Road Empirical Trade Conference on August 28–29, 2026, at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The conference will bring together leading economists and researchers specializing in empirical studies of international trade and investment. Participants will present and discuss their latest research, fostering academic exchange and advancing understanding of trade-related issues across regions connected by the historic Silk Road.

The event will feature a keynote address by Professor Wolfgang Keller of the University of Colorado and HKUST, a distinguished scholar whose research has significantly contributed to the fields of international economics, economic growth, and technological change.

In addition to presenters, the conference welcomes other attendees interested in the latest developments in empirical trade research. Due to limited capacity, participation for attendees whose papers are not included in the program will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Date: August 28–29, 2026
Location: Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Keynote Speaker: Wolfgang Keller, University of Colorado and HKUST
Visit the conference webpage: https://freit.org/SRET/sret.html