As part of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) International Trade Week, 6 to 10 November, RIBA will be hosting an online seminar regarding opportunities and challenges of doing business in Azerbaijan.
About the event
The UK is the largest investor in Azerbaijan, with more than 450 UK companies doing business in Azerbaijan. In addition to oil and gas, UK companies have been successful in areas such as construction management and design, waste management, retail and education.
There are many opportunities in Azerbaijan including master planning, restoration and preservation of cultural buildings, smart cities/villages, telecommunications infrastructure and tourism projects in Karabakh.
British architects and master planners have been present in Azerbaijan for some time, with companies such as Chapman Taylor already having had success with securing the tender for masterplans of new urban centres.
There is a potential to offer UK architecture and construction-related expertise to specific infrastructure initiatives planned in Azerbaijan
In this session, attendees will receive an insight into building relationships, doing business, exploring opportunities and dealing with challenges. We will also hear from architects who are already working in the country, specifically about Chapman Taylor's Baku projects and Returned Territories masterplans.
Speakers
Adrian Griffiths - Group Board Director, Chapman Taylor
Adrian joined Chapman Taylor in 1986 and was promoted to the Group Board in 1998. As an architect and urban design specialist, he is recognised internationally for his expertise in the master planning of major complex mixed-use developments which are key drivers in the regeneration of town and city centres.
Adrian is conscious of the fact that the developments we build today create the societies of tomorrow, recognising the responsibility the profession has in influencing the quality of people’s lives. He regularly speaks at conferences and prepares papers which promote the benefits of mixed-use developments as a sustainable model for the long term.
Eden Clayton - Deputy Country Director, Azerbaijan DBT, British Embassy Baku
Eden joined the British Embassy in Baku in December 2022, having previously worked in Angola, Jordan, and Rwanda.
His role is to provide support for UK exporters and investors in Azerbaijan, leading and overseeing the team’s activities in the Recovered Territories as well as infrastructure and construction opportunities. When not working, Eden is a Rugby League fan and has developed a fondness for Azerbaijani tea.
Elvin Raziyev - Infrastructure lead, Azerbaijan DBT, British Embassy Baku
With over 10 years’ experience working in Aviation and the Private Sector in Azerbaijan, Elvin leads the British Embassy Baku’s trade activities in infrastructure, aviation, and aerospace.
He leads on third country collaboration with Turkish firms operating in the market and knows all the best kebab shops in Baku.
Download the full event programme (PDF)
Please note: This session will be recorded and the recording will be available at a later date.
