On November 5, business forum on "Strengthening the competitiveness and the business environment in Azerbaijan" was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS), Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), Cambridge Centre and the Asian Forum in London.
In her opening speech Vanessa Raine, business coordinator of TEAS,  noted that Azerbaijan has infrastructure meeting modern requirements, and spoke about economic development in recent years, improvement of people's living standards, as well as successes in strengthening of cooperation between the state and the private sector. Vanessa Raine stressed that this organization contributes to the further development of relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Fakhraddin Gurbanov highlighted successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and the developed countries of Europe. It was noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the expansion of cooperation with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the political relations between the two countries are at a high level. Ambassador, noting the rapid development of non-oil sector, along with the oil sector, spoke about domestic investment in the country. F.Gurbanov speaking about the potential of the Azerbaijani gas exports, informed the participants of the forum on the TANAP project. The Ambassador noted that the project, which can provide the European markets with natural gas from "Shah Deniz" fully meet the interests of Azerbaijan and Europe. The Ambassador also presented details of the Concept of "Azerbaijan 2020: vision into the future".
Head of the Department of Interstate Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Economy and Industry Orkhan Mammadov noted that the expansion of cooperation with the EU is a priority in the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. It was noted that economic development of Azerbaijan has paved the way for investment to the EU countries into Azerbaijan. A number of companies have already invested in European countries, and successfully participated in the implementation of various projects.
Chairman of the European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) Tale Heydarov noted the importance of the business forum in presenting business opportunities of the two countries, as well as discussing concrete business projects and cooperation proposals. Tale Heydarov expressed confidence that the forum would pave the way for the consideration of business relations in a broader plane, the expansion of ties in all spheres and planning new projects.
Head of AZPROMO Rufat Mammadov made presentation on investment climate and business opportunities of Azerbaijan, as well as highlighted the role of business forums, business meetings and other events in the development of economic relations. Rufat Mammadov spoke about business and investment environment of Azerbaijan, large-scale regional projects implemented in Azerbaijan. Furthermore he stressed that Azerbaijan has become an attractive country for foreign investments and has turned into exporter of investment.
British Ambassador on trade with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Charles Hendry told the forum participants about the trade relations between the UK and Azerbaijan, noting that the relationship is getting wider and wider. Charles Hendry praised the preference of the Azerbaijani youth to study at British universities.
MP Javanshir Feyziyev, said that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of the private sector and complex measures are carried out for the enlightenment of entrepreneurs and the development of business relations. It was noted that a special share of the private sector increased in the socio-economic development and in GDP.
Deputy Executive Director of Azerbaijan Investment Company Ilham Aliyev in his speech also touched on investment ties between the UK and Azerbaijan. Aliyev said that businessmen from both countries are active in mutual investments.
Forum continued its work in the sessions.