Duke of York's Visit Highlights Opportunities in Azerbaijan

His Royal Highness The Duke of York, the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, made an official visit to Azerbaijan on 2-3 June 2009. During his visit, His Royal Highness learnt more about opportunities for UK companies both in the oil sector and in other areas of the Azerbaijani economy.

His Royal Highness attended the official opening of the 16th Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition, where he delivered a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Gordon Brown.  The Duke also met senior Government figures including HE President Aliyev, the President of SOCAR, the Chairman of the Central Bank and the President of the International Bank of Azerbaijan to promote trade links between the UK and Azerbaijan.

On Wednesday 3 June, His Royal Highness visited akuelektrikShabaka where he was given a presentation by UK company Landis+Gyr, formerly known as Ampy Metering. Landis+Gyr is a world-leader in the design and manufacture of electricity and gas meters. Landis+Gyr has sold nearly 300,000 UK-manufactured electricity meters in Azerbaijan in the last two years, making BakuelektrikShabaka one of its largest customers. His Royal Highness learnt bout the cutting-edge technology that will enable Azerbaijani households to pay their bills by SMS text message, and about Landis+Gyr’s plans to open an assembly line in Baku, creating new jobs in Azerbaijan.

The Duke of York said:

“British companies are keen to work in all areas within Azerbaijan, not only the oil sector. Landis+Gyr is an excellent example of the sort of high-technology and world-leading expertise that British companies can bring to Azerbaijan. I would like to see more UK businesses working alongside Azerbaijani partners - creating new jobs and opportunities for both countries.”

Richard Wiles, International Business Development Manager for Landis+Gyr, said:

"We are delighted to have formed such a good relationship with BakuelektrikShabaka, one of our biggest customers anywhere in Europe, the Middle East or Africa. Working together with BakuelektrikShabaka we can help install the latest technology in people’s homes, allowing customers to monitor how much power they are using at home. This lets customers be more efficient and helps them save money on their electricity bills."