Caspian Energy (CE): Over the past years, CzechTrade in Baku has worked to bring Czech companies into Azerbaijan. Which sectors do you currently see as most promising for Czech companies entering or expanding in the Azerbaijani market?
Antonín Marčík, Head of the CzechTrade Office in Azerbaijan: Today, we see several of the most promising areas for Czech companies that are entering or expanding their presence in the Azerbaijani market.
Oil and gas sector. Azerbaijan has traditionally been a major player in the extraction and processing of oil and natural gas, and the state company SOCAR remains a key partner for us. For this reason, we organized a petrochemicals-focused business mission for Czech companies this year, which drew strong interest.
Engineering and manufacturing. Azerbaijan seeks to diversify its economy and invests in industrial development, creating demand for advanced engineering equipment and modern technologies.
Agriculture and food industry. The country aims to increase agricultural production and modernize the agrarian sector. This opens opportunities for Czech suppliers of agricultural machinery, equipment, and food industry technologies.
Water management and environmental technologies. Following the COP29 climate conference in Baku and the growing focus on sustainable development, interest is increasing in Czech solutions and technologies for water, waste and environmental management. These areas currently offer the greatest potential for Czech companies.
CE: What trends have you observed in the profile or type of Czech companies showing interest in Azerbaijan — are they more in construction, energy, technology, or other fields?
Antonín Marčík: Czech companies show interest in Azerbaijan across almost all sectors. We help them identify which areas have the greatest potential for their business here. For this reson, our agency in the Czech Republic organizes free consultations for companies three times a year — the so-called “Meeting Points.” These one- or two-day events bring together the heads of our foreign offices from around the world. Currently, the CzechTrade network includes 65 such offices worldwide.
CE: At trade events like Aquatherm Baku, Czech firms such as RAVAK and LICON HEAT have showcased energy and efficiency solutions. How do you see the role of Czech green technology companies in Azerbaijan’s infrastructure development?
Antonín Marčík: Although many companies in the Czech Republic offer high-quality, efficient green technology solutions, their successful implementation in Azerbaijan often requires not only technological expertise, but also competitive financial conditions and a willingness to make long-term investments.
The current market for large-scale energy projects, such as solar and wind power plants, is largely dominated by capital-intensive players, both regional (for example, SOCAR) and international giants, including BP. Companies from Arab countries are also actively present in this sector.
Nevertheless, opportunities arise for Czech companies in other, often smaller and more flexible projects, primarily related to improving the energy efficiency of industrial facilities and buildings. Czech technologies have traditionally been applied in the construction of small hydropower plants and local renewable energy sources, and they can also be in demand for small solar projects, including facilities on liberated or reclaimed lands.
Beyond technology supply, Azerbaijan can gain from our expertise in integrating renewable energy sources, experience sharing, know-how transfer, and training programs.
CE: What kinds of support does the CzechTrade Baku office provide to Czech companies that want to establish operations here - for example, identifying local partners, regulatory advice, or business matchmaking?
Antonín Marčík: The CzechTrade Azerbaijan office offers full support to Czech exporters, from market entry to the subsequent development of their activities.
Market analysis and consultations. We provide initial guidance on the local market environment and assess market potential and prospects, taking into account the company’s specific industry.
Partner and distributor search. We actively assist in identifying and establishing contacts with relevant local partners and distributors.
Organization of trade fair participation. We facilitate collective participation of Czech companies in key exhibitions and trade fairs in Azerbaijan, enhancing their visibility and easing the establishment of business contacts.
Organizing sector-specific business missions. The most effective form of our support is sector-specific missions, as they provide the greatest added value to our clients. As part of these missions, we arrange meetings with the top management of Azerbaijani companies and organize personal visits to their offices and production facilities.
This format allows for the most effective establishment and strengthening of business relationships at the highest level.
Our experience, knowledge of the local market, and understanding of the business environment help Czech companies save time and resources, while also minimizing risks.
Thank you for the interview.
