BCCA Baku Energy Week Reception

The British Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (BCCA) proudly hosted BCCA Reception dedicated to Baku Energy Week on June 4th, 2025, bringing together key players and thought leaders from the energy sector.

The event featured keynote addresses from three prominent industry speakers in partnership with BP, and Wood Nobel Energy.

Distinguished Speakers

The official part of the evening featured thought-provoking remarks from three esteemed speakers representing major players in the energy industry:

• Murad Heydarov - Head of SOCAR Representative Office in the Balkan Region
• Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli - Vice President of BP
• Stuart Shaw - Vice President of BP

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Zibar Huseynova, the Executive Director of BCCA. In her opening address, Zibar Huseynova highlighted the long-standing partnership, emphasizing the vital role British companies have played in the development of the country's energy sector.

She noted that this year's reception holds special significance, marking the traditional anniversary of 30 years of Baku Energy Week, a celebration of three decades of impactful British participation in Azerbaijan's energy landscape. 

Kieran Reddington, Chairperson of BCCA, took the stage to share recent updates on the Chamber's activities. He highlighted the Chamber's growing impact through strategic engagements, including a recent visit to the London Stock Exchange, which underscored the strengthening of UK-Azerbaijan business ties. Kieran Reddington expressed appreciation for the continued support of the British Embassy in Azerbaijan, whose collaboration has been key in advancing shared economic interests.  He announced the upcoming events of newly established working groups: Tax and Customs, Education, and Sustainability and Energy.  

Kieran Reddington concluded his remarks by introducing the evening's distinguished speakers and extending his gratitude to partners and Hillside.

Alexander Tyrrell, Country Director of the UK Department for Business and Trade at the British Embassy, addressed the audience with a message of continued strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan. He referenced a statement from Minister Miliband, issued earlier in the week, affirming the UK’s strong support for COP29 and its commitment to long-term renewable energy goals.

The Minister emphasized that the UK is prioritizing its partnership with Azerbaijan, marking a new chapter in energy cooperation between the two countries.

The Guest speaker Murad Heydarov, Head of SOCAR’s Representative Office in the Balkan Region, to deliver his remarks. Mr. Heydarov expressed pride in celebrating the 30th anniversary of Baku Energy Week, highlighting its significance as a milestone in Azerbaijan’s energy journey.

He also marked the 5th anniversary of the Southern Gas Corridor, sharing his perspective on the project’s strategic importance and his personal involvement in its progress.  

He emphasized that the success of this initiative is rooted in the trust, reliability, and stability that define the UK–Azerbaijan energy partnership.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Vice President of BP, delivered a speech commemorating the 30th anniversary of Baku Energy Week.

He emphasized the transformative journey of the country’s energy industry and reaffirmed BP’s long-standing partnership with Azerbaijan.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli announced the signing of six significant agreements during Baku Energy Week, signaling a strong commitment to both current operations and future sustainability. These projects collectively represent an investment of $5.8 billion, aimed at supporting Azerbaijan’s energy transition and enhancing regional energy security:

Stuart Shaw, Vice President of BP, concluded the speaker segment with personal reflections on his recent experience in Azerbaijan. Having arrived in Baku just five months ago, Mr. Shaw shared how impressed he has been by the country’s progressive mindset, favorable business environment, and strong support for innovation in the energy sector.

He spoke about the ways innovation and sustainability are being actively implemented in Azerbaijan, citing key examples from BP’s operations. Mr. Shaw highlighted developments at the Sangachal Terminal, shared insights on future operational strategies, and discussed the importance of the Shah Deniz Compression project in advancing both energy efficiency and long-term regional supply reliability.

The event concluded with a networking dinner, offering guests the chance to connect and exchange ideas.