Chairperson of British Chamber of Commerce: Azerbaijan could become a key regional hub for renewables - INTERVIEW
Kieran Reddington, Chairperson of the British Chamber of Commerce Azerbaijan, shared his insights on the prospects for trade cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UK, energy transition and other priority areas of the activity of the Chamber of Commerce. AZERTAC presents the interview on this topic.
-You’ve recently taken on the role of Chairperson of the British Chamber of Commerce Azerbaijan. What motivated you to accept this position?
-Over the past couple of years, the Chamber of Commerce has graduated from a business group to an organisation that is key to linking grassroots companies with all stakeholders, including the various government organisations in both Azerbaijan and the UK. We have an energetic, highly capable and motivated board of directors, an engaged business community and extensive support from the wider business and governmental organisations. We are establishing the BCCA as a key enabler, forum and collaboration platform for bilateral cooperation; it's such an exciting organisation to be a part of right now, and I feel honoured to serve the board and our members as we implement our strategy refresh and expansion.
-You recently attended the 7th Meeting of the UK-Azerbaijan Joint Intergovernmental Commission in London. What were your key takeaways from this important event?
-It was very encouraging to see the level of good-will, support and engagement during the JIC and the ambitious intentions from both parties to work together over the coming years. My key takeaway was that there is a strong overlap in value on both sides, and huge potential for collaboration in areas of energy transition, education and simplification of cooperation on both sides.
-The meeting highlighted strengthened collaboration in energy, infrastructure, and education. From the Chamber’s perspective, which of these sectors offers the most immediate opportunities for UK-Azerbaijan business cooperation?
-I believe there is a depth and breadth of know-how in the UK that can be leveraged to fast-track energy transition projects in Azerbaijan. The UK is a bit further along the development curve and infrastructure journey, and there is valuable capability and lessons that can be used to rapidly enable high value-add projects in Azerbaijan. This effort traverses most of the themes of the JIC, where know-how, national skills development and infrastructure upgrades all play a central role.
-How does the Chamber support British businesses looking to invest or expand into the Azerbaijani market?
-We have over 100 member companies including a high content of UK and Azerbaijani businesses with a vast combined experience of operating in Azerbaijan. We have members across all sectors including the 'big 4' accountancy firms, local start-up businesses, and international British businesses with significant operations in Azerbaijan. For me, the Chamber's experience in this area is unparalleled and we are here to enable investment and expansion into the Azerbaijan market.
-Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a regional hub for green energy. How do you see British companies contributing to the country’s renewable energy transition?
-This was a key topic during the JIC, and one I answered alongside Minister Thomas. The expertise of British companies in identifying and enabling projects, bringing strategy to life (e.g. infrastructure) and a skill-up of Azerbaijan's workforce are all key areas. With longer term vision, commitment, and volume of projects, it is easy to envisage a future where Azerbaijan is a key regional hub for renewables.
-How can the Chamber further enhance economic ties and people-to-people links between the UK and Azerbaijan?
-We are establishing the Chamber as the premier platform for collaboration, sandboxing of ideas and enablement of projects. We aspire to acting as the leading link between grassroots businesses right through to government. We are establishing working groups in the areas of sustainability & energy, education, and tax & customs. We feel these are the key areas for enhancing economic ties and ease of doing business on both sides. We have ambitious plans on how the Chamber can bring businesses and other stakeholders together in the UK and Azerbaijan - both as an enabler for businesses, and to showcase investment opportunities on both sides - you will see more on this in the coming months.
-How does the Chamber engage with Azerbaijani businesses seeking opportunities in the UK market?
-Our organisation regularly engages with our community of members on business opportunities and this is accelerating as we speak. If Azerbaijani (or UK) businesses want to be a part of our journey, I would advise them to sign up to the Chamber, actively contribute, and help us to further build on this momentum!
Ayten Abbasli
Special correspondent
