The Middle East Association, in partnership with the International Bank of Azerbaijan, is delighted to invite you to register for ‘Britain in Azerbaijan - A Trade  Investment Forum’. This high level conference will be held at the prestigious Mansion House, on Monday 8 March 2010.

The conference will feature keynote addresses delivered by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Nick Anstee, and Ministers from both the British and Azeri Government, under the chairmanship of Lord Howell of Guildford. The four panel sessions, led by regional and UK experts, will provide the opportunity for interactive dialogue and discussion.

For too long, Azerbaijan has remained unknown to Business developers. With substantial oil reserves, a population of 8.8 million and the country’s strategic location as an import/export gateway for trade and oil in and out of the region, this new and exciting market holds huge potential for UK companies. The UK Government and the Britain Azerbaijan Business Council are supporting trade development initiatives between the UK and Azerbaijan and total UK exports to Azerbaijan in 2008 increased by 27% to £304million. Azerbaijan was consistently ranked the fastest growing country in the World in 2005, 2006 and 2008 and has one of the highest GDP growth rates (2008 - GDP 78 Billion).

Key Sectors in Azerbaijan:

• Energy (including renewable and power generation)
• Financial Services and Insurance
• Education & Training
• Infrastructure
• Agriculture
• Retailing
• Tourism

The conference follows the highly successful MEA trade mission to Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2009 and the visit by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, in July 2009.  It follows the successful launch of the Britain Azerbaijan Business Council in September 2009, set up jointly by the Middle East Association and the International Bank of Azerbaijan. We are also delighted to be hosting Azpromo at this event, Azerbaijan’s government-based trade and investment promotion agency.

Azerbaijan has made the UK one of its primary targets for developing relations with the EU and this market represents a truly unique opportunity for developing trade and investment in a country where relationships matter and competition is relatively low.