The Middle East Association will be leading a Trade Mission to Baku, Azerbaijan from 27 June - 1 July 2010. This follows the highly successful ‘Britain in Azerbaijan’ conference, organised by the Middle East Association at Mansion House in March 2010, as well as two previous missions to Azerbaijan, in 2008 and 2009.

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).

There is huge scope for British companies to develop their business links in this important market in the Caspian region for not only direct, but also regional transit, trade and for establishing agencies and joint ventures. 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.

This mission is being kindly supported by The International Bank of Azerbaijan and the British Embassy in Baku.

The trade mission will be led by Michael Thomas, Director General of the MEA, who has excellent links with Azerbaijan and will be received at the highest level by members of the Azeri business community. 

The deadline for registration for this mission is 7th May 2010. For further information contact our mission managers, CT Group Travel, for a full prospectus, programme and travel/accommodation costs (Tel: 01892 673435;  E-mail: