USACC to Host Major Business and Investment Conference in Baku

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2011

Media Contact: Fettah Anadol: (202) 333-8702 and [email protected]

Washington, D.C. – The US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) is pleased to announce it will host a major business and investment conference in Baku, "Business Opportunities for America and Azerbaijan," on June 3, 2011.

The conference, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baku, will bring together top business leaders from the United States and Azerbaijan. The gathering is made possible with the sponsorship of the International Bank of Azerbaijan and Azercell (Platinum Sponsors); Chevron (Gold Sponsor); and BP (Silver Sponsor).

The conference comes as Azerbaijan's economy continues its path of vigorous growth. Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings both recently raised their investment ratings for Azerbaijan. Growth and development throughout the country in areas such as infrastructure, transportation, construction, IT and telecommunications, banking, and alternative energy, all present unique opportunities for American and Azerbaijani companies alike.

The numbers illustrate Azerbaijan's rapid and exciting pace: Azerbaijan's non-oil sector grew 5.9 percent in 2010; The country's trade surplus reached more than $12 billion; Exports rose to more than $21 billion, an increase of 45.1% compared with 2009, while imports rose to $6.6 billion; and in spite of the world financial crisis, Azerbaijan's GDP in 2009 grew 9.3%.

"This is an exciting time in Azerbaijan's history, and one that calls for a conference with specific outcomes," said Mahir Iskender, USACC's Executive Director. "We aim to help forge real, tangible business connections, and to explore new partnerships. This event will be singularly focused on actionable business intelligence and high-level contacts that can result in promising new business ties between the United States and Azerbaijan."

The conference consists of six major sessions covering topics to include: a look beyond oil exports; tourism; IT and telecommunications; investment and untapped sources of American capital; new energy realities of Azerbaijan; and franchising opportunities.

The conference will end with a high-level reception and gala dinner with entertainment. Space is limited. To register for this conference or for more information, please visit www.usacc.org, or contact Fettah Anadol at +1.202.333.8702 or [email protected].

About the USACC: The United States - Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization that seeks to promote trade and investments between the United States and Azerbaijan by rendering various business services. The USACC actively seeks U.S. and international investments and companies whose products and strategic interests can be advanced in the Azerbaijani market. It also serves as a liaison between foreign companies and Azerbaijani businesses and government officials. To learn more about the USACC, please visit www.usacc.org.

Source: USACC