OREANDA-NEWS. January, 2010. A major business forum promoting trade and investment between the UK and Azerbaijan is to be held at Mansion House in London on 8 March 2010.

The conference, which will be chaired by Lord Howell of Guildford, will feature keynote addresses by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of The City of London, Alderman Nick Anstee and ministers from both the British and Azeri governments.

Azerbaijan boasts substantial oil reserves and a relatively small population of only 8.8 million. Its strategic location makes Azerbaijan an import/export gateway for trade and oil in and out of the region. It was ranked the fastest growing country in the world in 2005, 2006 and 2008 and UK exports to Azerbaijan increased by 27% in 2008. Key sectors for UK investors include: energy (including renewable and power generation), financial services, education & training, infrastructure, agriculture, retailing and tourism.

The forum is being organised by the Middle East Association and follows two high-level trade missions to Azerbaijan over the last two years. The Middle East Association together with the International Bank of Azerbaijan also jointly set up the Britain Azerbaijan Buisness Council, launched in September 2009.