International Business Forum: New Business Opportunities in Azerbaijan

The International Business Forum brings together business leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the Central Baltic region to explore the rapidly evolving economic landscape of Azerbaijan. The event aims to strengthen regional partnerships, highlight emerging sectors, and showcase concrete opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation. The Forum will be moderated by Mike Southon.

TIME AND PLACE

25 November 2025 14.00-17.00 at Estonian Business School, A. Lauteri 3, Tallinn

13.30	Registration, Coffee and Networking
14.00	Introduction of the day by Moderator
14.05	Greeting by Mart Habakuk, Chancellor of Estonian Business School Greeting by Mait Palts, Director General of Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
14.15	Welcome Speeches Ahti Kuningas, Secretary General of Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications H.E. Anar Abel Maharramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Estonia H.E. Väino Reinart, Estonian Ambassador in Azerbaijan
14.35	Keynote Speech: Business environment in Azerbaijan. Rasim Mahmudov, First Deputy CEO and CFO Caspian Energy Club
14.55	LEF Network Azerbaijan – project results. Līga Sičeva, Director of the EU Projects Department of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce
15.10	Panel Discussion: New Business Opportunities between Central Baltic Countries and Azerbaijan. Success stories and tips for cooperation Panel Moderator: Mikko Pakkasela, Head of Research at SAMK Karim Ali, Business Development Director of GMM Finland Oy Lauri Haav, CEO of //Kood Līga Sičeva, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. Shabnam Nuriyeva, Head of Career Center at the Azerbaijan State Customs Committee (ASCCA)
15:50	Short overview of Market Research on ICT sector in Azerbaijan by Jonas Prien, Market Studies Project Lead, SCHNEIDER GROUP GmbH
16.00	Panel Discussion: AI as a tool to increase international cooperation Panel moderator: Vattan PS Imants Bergs, CEO of Business University “Turība” Otto Mättas, AI expert, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia Pekka Suominen, PhD (Physics), Chief Researcher at RoboAI research center, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. Ilkin Huseynov, Head of Strategic Development and Economic Analysis Department of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan
16.50	Wrap up of the day by Moderator
17.00	End of the Forum
Until 18:00	Networking and snacks

speakers

Mike Southon

Mike is a serially successful entrepreneur, best-selling business author and highly experienced conference moderator, keynote speaker and event organiser.

in 1984 he co-founded a UNIX consultancy and helped build it to 150 people in five years, before its trade sale to Cap Gemini

Since then he has done a wide range of start-ups, including two that had public floatations

In 2002 he co-authoredThe Beermat Entrepreneur, which has sold over 100,000 copies in many languages

Mike has been visiting Estonia since 2008, when he interviewed the then President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, for the Financial Times

Today, he is very busy helping Estonian companies become Unicorns (billion dollar valuation), and promoting them worldwide

He is currently very active in several technologies, including CleanTech, e-commerce, education, defence, cyber security and embedded systems, all now involving leading-edge Artificial Intelligence

www.mikesouthon.com

Mikko Pakkasela

Mikko Pakkasela, M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management and Head of Research at Business Intelligence Center in Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. Also a member of Pori City Council and Certified Board Member.

He is helping SMEs to develop their business towards full potential by analyzing data and utilizing knowledge. The aim is to support companies improve their efficiency, productivity, competitiveness and well-being. His areas of expertise covers a wide range of industries (printing, process technology, software and machining) including entrepreneurship, project management, RDI and administration/board work.

Vattan PS

Vattan PS is a visionary entrepreneur and ecosystem builder with over two decades of experience driving innovation at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and AI. He is the founder of Founderly, a global operating system designed to empower entrepreneurs with the support, resources, and connections they need to succeed.

He also leads V, a pioneering initiative redefining human–AI collaboration through Agency.AI and augmented intelligence tools, demonstrating how humans and AI together can achieve the impossible.

Originally from India and based in Estonia, Mr. Vattan has been instrumental in shaping the region’s AI ecosystem through initiatives such as New Nordics AI Week, EstoniAI Meetups, and the AI/ML Forum. His work focuses on building the infrastructure for the next generation of innovation.