In her new role as UK Trade Envoy for Azerbaijan Baroness Nicholson, who is also Trade Envoy for Iraq and Turkmenistan, gave a speech at the opening of the 23 International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition. Many of the 400 British companies working in Azerbaijan are also active in Iraq and some are members of the Iraq Britain Business Council. In her speech Baroness Nicholson lauded Britain as single biggest investor into the country and invited more British companies to establish themselves there.

Later in the day Baroness Nicholson visited the offices of the international drilling company KCA Deutag in Baku. Azerbaijan is one of the most prominent markets for the Aberdeen based company. During the visit Baroness Nicholson met with KCA Deutag’s CEO Norrie McKay. KCA Deutag is a long standing member and supporter of IBBC.