Following the launch of CASCA, the Central Asian and South Caspian Association business forum, a Pathfinder initiative, a busy programme of events focusing on the tiger economies of the region has and is taking place. VIP lunches have been held for the Ambassadors of Mongolia and Azerbaijan in association with the British Azerbaijan Business Council, well attended business briefings and country seminars on Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have taken place. Pathfinder supported the recent Uzbekistan Business Council and Conference held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Westminster as well as the Mongolian Investment Conference where Michael Thomas was a speaker.
Our Pathfinder High level trade delegation leaves for Tashkent on 20 March and applications are now invited.
We are working with the British Azerbaijan Business Council and last year jointly led a highly successful BABC trade mission to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is of huge strategic importance to Europe as the gateway to Central Asia, rich in oil and gas and minerals and like all countries in the region offers good opportunities beyond oil and gas for financial services, education and agriculture, and remains a priority market for Pathfinder. A trade mission is planned for later this year.