BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. The UK will send to COP29 a large delegation and trade mission, which is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding during the event in Baku, John Patterson, chairperson of the British Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with TurkicWorld
"On the first Friday of COP29 we have organised a frontrunner's dinner for which we would like to welcome senior Azerbaijani businessmen, ministers and diplomats. On the Saturday we want to do more of a networking event," he explained.
Patterson noted that the UK would have perhaps about 1,300 Brits in Baku for COP29.
"Some of them will be working here in the green zone, blue zone and innovation zone. It's a large number, which includes the media as well. As for our trade mission, there'll probably be about 50-60 Brits coming here specifically looking for business, which is a good number," he said.
Patterson highlighted the strong potential for green energy cooperation, emphasizing the UK’s global leadership in climate technology and expertise.
"Our leading companies are at the forefront of climate solutions," he said. "These firms are well-positioned to work with Azerbaijan on achieving net-zero targets and maintaining the ESG standards that are in demand worldwide. I believe we’re uniquely suited to serve as a bridge, connecting Azerbaijani companies with top-tier British expertise."
He further noted that the British Chamber of Commerce has already partnered with the British Standards Institute to organize training on carbon markets and carbon credits, offering insight into how these systems operate.
"We aim to introduce companies that can educate, train, and support businesses here in meeting their ESG commitments and achieving net-zero targets," Patterson said. "For example, VCMI—the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative—collaborates closely with the British Standards Institute. Through our network, we can connect these key players with Azerbaijani companies, bringing valuable expertise and resources to the table."
Speaking about trade between the two countries, he pointed out that there’s significant room for growth, especially outside the oil sector.
"This is a common challenge globally, but with the right focus—particularly in climate initiatives—we have a real opportunity to strengthen our trade relationship. The UK’s expertise and knowledge in this area could be a strong asset in achieving that," he said.
Patterson emphasized the importance of building on the strong relationships the UK has developed with Azerbaijan through collaborations with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC), bp, and government partnerships. "These relationships have been highly effective, and we’re optimistic they will continue to grow," he said. "As Azerbaijan’s market continues to liberalize, we expect to see more British companies entering the market. Azerbaijan has both the capability and ambition to leverage advanced technology and expertise from the UK to support its development goals."
"There is a significant opportunity for everyone in the reconstruction and development of Azerbaijan’s recently liberated territories," Patterson remarked. "This includes not only investment but also expanding cooperation in education. The UK and Azerbaijan already have a strong academic partnership, with many Azerbaijani students pursuing foundation courses in the UK. This is a promising area that can be developed even further."
Patterson highlighted the UK’s extensive expertise beyond the oil and gas sector.
"We have built strong relationships with key Azerbaijani partners, including the Azerbaijan Investment Company, Azpromo, and the Ministry of Ecology," Patterson said. "Through the British Embassy, we’re able to introduce British companies to these important stakeholders. When we bring the companies, they're usually quality companies. When they come through us, we seem to add value. Partly because we've been here so long," he said.
"We’re aiming to organize an Azerbaijani business mission to the UK," Patterson noted. "In September, we hosted a business forum in Baku, and in February, we held a ‘Welcome to COP’ event in London, introducing Azerbaijan to the global climate and environmental community. Both events were highly successful and strengthened our collaborative ties."
