Business Delegation to Azerbaijan April 2014

Transcription

1 Business Delegation to Azerbaijan April 2014 Working together for better global management

2 Business Delegation to Azerbaijan April 2014 Join us and explore the opportunities for doing business with Azerbaijan, one of the world s most dynamic economies. We will depart on 22 April for the bustling capital city of Baku, on the shores of the Caspian Sea. In collaboration with the ADA School of Business and major players in the country s business sector such as SOCAR, SOFAZ and Azpromo. Maastricht School of Management has put together a program that will enable you to meet business and government leaders, representatives of business associations, parastatal organizations as well as research and educational institutions. SHARE LEARN BENEFIT SUPPORT

3 Developing Azerbaijan as an expanded transportation hub, as a center for high value-added food processing industries and other light manufacturing, and even as a regional tourist destination, are all part of the vision. The World Bank Business in Bustling Baku Beacons This trip will be your chance to broaden your understanding of the business and legal environment in Azerbaijan and to network with potential future business Azeri partners and entrepreneurs, including, but not limited to, the important energy sector. Closing off with a King s Day celebration reception, we will return to the Netherlands on 26 April. In this document we provide a short description of the business opportunities in Azerbaijan, the draft program, and information on the registration procedure. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. The delegation will be led by Senator René van der Linden, chairman of MsM and energy envoy of the Dutch government to the Caucasus. US $ 144 billion, of which 60% were made in the non-oil economy. Significant foreign investors in 2012 hailed from the UK (51%), the USA (14%) and Japan (10%). A stable political environment, security, good infrastructure and close proximity to both Europe and Asia are contributing factors to the attractiveness of Azerbaijan as a trade and investment destination. 63,4 69,2 51, ,2 7,3 8, In 2006 and 2007 Azerbaijan topped the world GDP real growth rate table. Azerbaijan: Opportunities in the Land of Fire Azerbaijan, the most competitive economy in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) is a rapidly growing market of almost 10 million consumers with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of around US $ 70 billion per annum (in 2012). Between 2001 and 2010 it boasted the second fastest growing economy out of 179 countries in terms of GDP per capita. Although oil and gas are the central pillars of the economy (the country s oil fields are the oldest in the world) the non-oil economy has been growing in excess of 10% per annum since The country s strong growth has been boosted by substantial fixed investments since 1995, exceeding GDP per capita, USD * Source of data for this section: Azerbaijan Country Presentation, a talk by Azpromo at Maastricht School of Management on 24 May 2013, and available at 2 nd fastest growing economy among 179 countries for GDP per capita growth in The Economist

4 Shall I do business in Azerbaijan again?: Yes! Mr. Andre Kwitowski, Akadis BV Trade and investment between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands is also growing. In 2012 total trade topped US $ 160 billion, an increase of 9% on the previous year. Most notably, Azerbaijan is becoming an attractive export destination for Dutch companies. In 2012 Dutch exports to Azerbaijan exceeded US $ 10 million - amounting to a 50% growth. There are already 84 Dutch companies with fixed investments in Azerbaijan, in sectors such as banking and insurance, industry, construction, services, trade, agriculture, transport, logistics and communications. For instance Royal Haskoning is currently building the Baku International Sea Trade Port in Alat that will trade and investment between their countries, the two governments signed an investment treaty in September 2012 in become the largest seaport on the Caspian Sea and a major trade hub, including a free economic zone and logistics hub. Recognizing the growing importance of the rising level of Baku. There are many opportunities for Dutch companies in Azerbaijan, from the historic oil and gas industry to sustainable/bio-energy, agriculture and food processing, to ICT, chemicals, and tourism, among others. The time to expand your company s horizons is now. Join us in this delegation and establish your footprint in this centrally located market. In May 2011 The Friesian went to Azerbaijan with the trade mission organized for Dutch companies (as one of the organizers and also as a participant). During the trade mission, The Friesian came in contact with an investor who was willing to build a turn-key dairy farm in Azerbaijan. In May 2012 The Friesian returned to Azerbaijan and signed a contract to develop a modern turn-key dairy complex for 600 dairy cows and a processing line (in hard cheese) in Azerbaijan. Mr. Siebren van der Zwaag, Director of The Friesian

5 Draft Program 22 April 2014 Departure from the Netherlands Arrival in Baku (Hotel: JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel) Target Group This business-to-business mission is intended for companies based in The Netherlands, Euregion and elsewhere that are operating in energy and energy-related sectors, logistics and trade, financial services, agriculture and agribusiness, tourism, business services, education, healthcare, construction, etc. It will present a most useful occasion for such companies that wish to meet potential partners as well as key decision makers in the Azerbaijani government, energy sectors and elsewhere; engage directly with Azpromo, the Azerbaijan investment promotion company; explore the Azeri business culture, infrastructure, and environment first-hand. Importers, exporters and direct investors will find this trip stimulating and a potentially rewarding investment. Reasons to Go Experience the hustle and bustle of the growing city of Baku - a key player in European energy security. Meet potential business partners. Enhance your understanding of the economic and business drivers in Azerbaijan, the potential demand for your company s goods and services, and find out why Dutch-Azerbaijani trade and investment is growing so fast. Meet key decision-makers and business facilitators in government, parastatal organizations, the oil industry and in think tanks. Obtain first-hand information on the ease of doing business, business regulations, tax and investment codes and cultural dimensions of business. AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC BAKU 23 April :00 Meeting with Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev at ADA, introduction to ADA 11:00 Overview of the economy of Azerbaijan by Azpromo 12:30 Lunch with SOCAR Vice President, Mr. Elshad Nasirov (tbc) 14:00 Parallel B2B meetings: Sessions on agriculture and agri-business; transportation and Logistics; Energy; ICT; Construction Services; Tourism and Hospitality; Finance and Insurance. 19:00 Dinner with Amcham (American Chamber of Business) Board Members 24 April :00 Meeting with the Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. ShahinMustafayev (tbc) 11:30 Meeting with SOFAZ Executive Director, Mr. Shahmar Movsumov (tbc) 13:00 Lunch 14:30 Meeting with the Confederation of Azerbaijani Entrepreneurs (held at ADA) 16:00 Business to Business Meeting Opportunities: Sessions on agriculture and agri-business; transportation and Logistics; Energy; ICT; Construction Services; Tourism and Hospitality; Finance and Insurance. 20:00 Traditional dinner, hosted by the Caspian Center for Energy and Environment (CCEE) - in conjunction with music performance by Dutch musician (tbc) Networking. 25 April 2014 Morning: Meeting with the Agricultural Ministry Business to Business meeting opportunities continues (Possibility for a short guided tour of the Old City of Baku). Evening: King s Day reception organized by the Dutch Embassy; Meeting with MsM alumni and current ADA-MsM MBA participants. 26 April 2014 Departure to the Netherlands. Note: Mr. Shahmar Movsumov, the Executive Director of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan, may be available in the Netherlands for a pre-mission meeting in March Updates will follow.

6 Establishing Key Business Contacts Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) Founded in 2006, ADA has quickly emerged as a leader in innovation in education in the whole region. Having moved into its new green and smart campus in downtown Baku, ADA has expanded its activities and programs within its four new schools: School of Public and International Affairs, School of Business, School of Humanities and Sciences, and School of Engineering and Information Technologies. ADA s main goal is to become a regional leader in education, cultivate new generation of global leaders with a strong sense of civic activeness and social responsibility. Faculty and students are coming from more than 35 countries. With Maastricht School of Management, ADA has launched a joint Executive MBA Program in American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan is a private, non-profit business association supporting and promoting the interests of business in Azerbaijan. Established in 1996, AmCham is composed of over 250 members and associates active in every sector of the Azerbaijani economy. It represents 80% of all foreign investment in Azerbaijan, as well as a significant portion of local investment. Azpromo Azpromo is the official investment and trade promotion agency in Azerbaijan. It provides guidance to foreign investors in their negotiations with all relevant government agencies and local entrepreneurs. The Confederation of Azerbaijani Entrepreneurs (ASK) ASK is a non-commercial, non-governmental, self-managing organization coordinating activities of the juridical and physical persons dealing with the entrepreneurial activity not-dependent on their property and organization-legal form (excluding state financed organizations) on voluntary basis. One of its aims is to assist local entrepreneurs in search of domestic and foreign partners. More than 5000 entrepreneurial entities as well as about 50 economic and social oriented Associations, Unions are currently members. Caspian Center for Energy and Environment (CCEE) CCEE is a joint venture between ADA and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR). It focuses on teaching, research and outreach activities, such as conferences, workshops and round-table discussions. It conducts the Baku Summer Energy School for two weeks in July. It is a source of information about sustainable energy in the Caspian region. Maastricht School of Management (MsM) Established in 1952, MsM is one of the oldest business schools in the Netherlands. With more than 20 partner institutions worldwide, it is also one of the most international business schools. Its internationally accredited MBA, MSc, MBM, DBA and Executive Programs are offered across the world. In collaboration with ADA, a new Executive MBA in Energy Management and an Executive MBA in International Business successfully started in September MsM is the Dutch-based (if not European) business school with the most extensive involvement in Azerbaijan. Ministry of Economic Development, Azerbaijan The Azerbaijan Ministry of Economic Development is the central executive authority for socio-economic development and international cooperation, including trade and investment, foreign economic and trade relations, investment activity, and attraction of investments to Azerbaijan. Sangachal Oil Terminal Sangachal Oil Terminal is one of the world s largest oil and gas terminals, located 55 km south of Baku. It receives, processes, stores and exports crude oil and gas produced from Azerbaijan s offshore oilfields in the Caspian Sea and pumps crude oil and gas to export pipelines. The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) SOCAR explores oil and gas fields in Azerbaijan. Its activities cover the production, processing, and transport of oil, gas, and gas condensate, the marketing of petroleum and petrochemical products in domestic and international markets, and the supply of natural gas to industry and the public in Azerbaijan. Its revenue is in excess of US $ 10 billion per annum. The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) SOFAZ is a sovereign wealth fund valued at more than US $ 34 billion. Its mission is to manage the oil revenues of Azerbaijan efficiently and equitably. It finances major national development projects such as the construction of an Oil, Gas Processing and Petrochemical Complex, and projects in water management and water supply including the reconstruction of the Samur-Absheron irrigation system. Greenport Venlo Greenport Venlo is a progressive, sustainable region in fresh, food, flowers, agro industry and logistics. Situated in the south of the Netherlands, it s the most versatile horticultural region in Europe and a logistic hotspot of the Netherlands. Greenport Venlo combines, connects and facilitates activities and parties relating to fresh, food & flowers, agro industry and logistics in the region. Entrepreneurs, government authorities, research and education establishments are united to develop activities to achieve an even stronger economic region.

7 Registration and Costs Registration for this business mission closes on 20 March The number of participants is limited, on a first-comefirst-served basis. Register early to avoid disappointment. The participation fee is 2,650 per person (excl VAT). Travel costs and other items are not included. MSM and ADA School of Business will assist in logistical arrangements in Baku. The hotel venue recommended for the delegation is the JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel. MSM and ADA School of Business will make reservation for all delegation members in this hotel for the duration of official program. The room rate is included in the participation fee. Please register by sending an with your details and motivation to Azerbaijan@msm.nl Upon receipt of your registration, we will contact you to start the preparations for the trip, as well as to obtain further information that will help us to identify potential business matches in Baku for your organization. More Information For more information contact: Prof. Wim Naudé, Dean-Director MsM, E: naude@msm.nl T: Also supported by Greenport Venlo

8 Maastricht School of Management Endepolsdomein 150, 6229 EP Maastricht, The Netherlands T: E: