Today exhibitions and conferences are the main platform for industry leaders from all over the world to gather, drawing the world community’s attention to Azerbaijan. The exhibition industry in Azerbaijan has already become a part of the economic life. It is the information platform that fosters progress and promotes the investment activity in different economic sectors. Obviously, the care of the country’s leadership to the exhibition industry along with the economic upturn and sustainable business environment contribute much to boost such performance. ITE Group and Iteca Caspian stood at the origins of the exhibition business in Azerbaijan. They are also the organisers of the largest regional exhibition and conference, Caspian Oil & Gas, which this year will be hosted on June 3-6. Over the years, the exhibition and conference has developed into a main branch forum. We requested Farid Mammadov, Executive Director of Iteca Caspian, to tell us about the future prospects of the exhibition industry in Azerbaijan and what new features we would enjoy at Caspian Oil & Gas 2014.

Caspian Energy (CE): How has the exhibition industry changed over the 10-15-year period? 

Farid Mammadov, Executive Director, Iteca Caspian LLC: The exhibition industry of Azerbaijan is very young. It has existed for a bit over 20 years. However, we were able to achieve a great success over this time. A lot of things have changed. Almost all the participants of the exhibition processes, including exhibitors, organisers and visitors, changed much.       

Local companies take more active part in exhibitions now, undoubtedly due to the economic reforms in the country. Many players of the local market, which at that time just started their business, matured and entered the group of leaders of not only domestic business but also the global business on a number of positions. Azerbaijan companies more often participate in exhibitions abroad. Foreign companies more and more often come here as national groups. For example, just last year national groups from 37 countries visited the exhibitions hosted by Iteca Caspian. Big changes occurred  in the exhibition business after the Baku Expo Center was opened in 2010. The modern exhibition complex meets all international standards to host exhibitions. The local exhibition company, Iteca Caspian, was established in Azerbaijan 15 years ago. Participation of the local office in the exhibition process of any country always gives a bright individuality to an exhibition. There are projects that have become the “face of Baku” in the exhibition world. The exhibitions like Caspian Oil & Gas, BakuBuild, BakuTel, AITF and others are known well far outside the country. Thanks to the Baku Expo Center and such projects Baku has become the recognized regional exhibition center.