Economic Diplomacy: Why U.S.-Balkan and International Partnerships Matter More Than Ever

By: Gloria Starr Kins

From left to right: Charles Moxley - Vice President, Eliza Prendzov - President, Lenard Moxley - Vice President

In the twenty-first century, we recognize the value in melding together traditional diplomacy with corporate know-how to catalyze growth in the world’s underdeveloped economic communities. There is a need for more investment in agriculture, waste management, housing, healthcare, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.

A much-needed organization is the American Balkan Global Chamber of Commerce (ABGCC), founded by Eliza Prendzov, a long-time activist in elite New York diplomatic and business circles, and Charles and Lenard Moxley, investment professionals from New York. The Balkans have arrived and SDR invites you to be part of the action. 

Today, Southeastern Europe holds great potential. Our focus at the moment is on the Balkans.  The Balkans have an abundance of talented, driven entrepreneurs, a robust sustainable agriculture sector, and gifted mathematicians and engineers, as well as world-class sports talent. This group of talented, erudite, educated Balkanites should be recognized as valuable additions to the world’s most advanced economies. Savvy investors are eying the Balkans. The region has much to offer with respect to trade and foreign direct investment in fast-growing, innovative areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. 

The diplomatic and business communities now have an established go-to organization for comprehensive information, trade introductions, and cultural cross-collaboration between and within the United States, the Balkans, and globally. ABGCC, based in New York, is being sought out by colleagues in the world of Chambers of Commerce. 

ABGCC is an exciting, dynamic, and unique platform, founded by highly regarded investment professionals Eliza Prendzov, Charles, and Lenard Moxley. A hub for commercial activity, ABGCC convenes investors, executives, and innovators to identify commercial opportunities and bring unexpected financial rewards to investors. ABGCC is the bridge between the United States’, the Balkans’, and the world’s financial leaders and experts. 

The genesis of ABGCC lies in the founders’ formative years in government and on Wall Street. The Chamber is well-fortified by experience in this arena. Prendzov’s early years at The Permanent Mission of North Macedonia to the UN during the country’s formative years, combined with her work at Merrill Lynch’s world headquarters in New York, have given her the expertise and economic battle procedures to interpret ambiguous information with incomplete data, act decisively, and create winners. Moreover, Charles and Lenard Moxley’s experiences analyzing companies and renewable energy projects under leading portfolio managers and energy investors inspired them to leverage their financial acumen and subject-matter knowledge to bridge Balkan talent with American and global resources. 

Recent events include a post-concert VIP reception honoring world-recognized pianist Simon Trpčeski, attended by elite concert-goers; a week-long high-ranking business delegation in New York and Chicago, and regular curated B2B and networking events in New York. ABGCC is honored to include (in alphabetical order) Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey, and the United States.  

The founders realize the potential for the Balkans of a strong Chamber of Commerce for the region. If they unite in their joint efforts to enrich their economies, that strength could create wealth. If there is interest in collaborating with the Chamber on international projects, please contact Charles and Lenard Moxley for more information.

To reach ABGCC, contact info@abgcc.org; follow ABGCC on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/abgchamber and on Instagram at @abgchamber.