Baku, March 13 (AZERTAC). Baku has hosted the 10th jubilee Caspian Energy Integration Award -2014 ceremony.

Partnering the ceremony were Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, Bank Technique OJSC and SOCAR FUGRO LLC.

Caspian Energy Integration Award-2014 international prize is awarded to politicians, state officials, heads of diplomatic missions and state and private companies for their achievements during the year in the Caspian, Black Sea and Baltic regions according to the results of the Internet poll carried out in 50 countries.

Caspian Energy Integration Award-2014 international ceremony is hosted under support of Caspian European Club and Caspian Energy International Media Group, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

Addressing the ceremony, Ali Hasanov, the Head of the Department of Public and Political Issues of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said the signing of the Contract of the Century, involvement of western companies in the development of Caspian energy resources, creation of alternative export routes and transport & communication lines from the Caspian region, including Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum Natural Gas Pipeline, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, have actually changed geopolitics and economies of the Southern Caucasus countries and the entire Caspian-Black Sea region. “With full confidence, one can say that Shah Deniz 2 will create new conditions for ensuring energy security of Europe and go down in history as the project of the ХХI century. The energy policy of Azerbaijan is not only fulfillment of the strategic objectives of the state, but also the important aspect for our region and the entire world in general,” he emphasized.

“We do support the development of information projects in the energy sector and consider Caspian Energy to be one of the active participants of this process,” Ali Hasanov continued.

Ziyad Samedzade, Chairman of the Committee for Economic Policy of Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized the conclusion of the Contract of the Century on September 20, 1994 has opened up colossal possibilities for Azerbaijan in the process of Azerbaijan’s involvement in global integration processes.

“Conclusion of the contract with large foreign investors, adoption of the relevant legislation, the measures taken to improve the investment climate and creation of the regulatory framework for efficient functioning of the young sovereign state have produced positive results.

“In general, construction of several pipelines and construction of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia transport corridor created the most favourable conditions for protecting the national interests and ensuring economic security of the state,” Ziyad Samedzade said.

He also congratulated the staff of the Caspian Energy journal, which informs business circles and world community about the development of the oil-gas industry, on the 15th anniversary.

Addressing the event, Iltimas Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Communication and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized the significance of conduction of the Caspian Energy Integration Award - 2012 ceremony. He noted that among nominees there are companies, representing different sectors of the economy including ICT. It is very important for Azerbaijan since the development of ICT is one of the priority directions of economic development of Azerbaijan.

He also stressed particular role of the Caspian European Club in setting of the government-to-business dialogue.

Suleyman Gasimov, Vice President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized that SOCAR is actively involved in the work of the CEIBC and is content with the level of cooperation with the Club. According to him, CEIBC managed to set the government-to-business dialogue that promotes economic projects.

“We are proud that the oilmen of Azerbaijan have the internationally recognized journal that highlights our achievements and reflects our potential,” Suleyman Gasimov said.

Hardijs Baumanis, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized that Latvia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners. “We will keep making efforts for deepening our strategic partnership,” Hardijs Baumanis said and congratulated the Caspian Energy journal on the 15th jubilee.

“The CEIBC was established in June 2002 with active participation of Caspian Energy International Media Group and under support of major oil and gas companies working in the Caspian-Black Sea region. His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, has been the CEIBC Chairman since the very establishment of the Club up to now,” Telman Aliyev, Chief Executive Officer of Caspian European Club (CEIBC), said during the Caspian Energy Integration Award-2014 ceremony. He also emphasized that at present the Club brings together more than 500 companies and organizations from 50 countries.

In his speech Telman Aliyev also said: “This year is a remarkable year for Azerbaijan and the entire region. This year is the year of the 20th anniversary of the Contract of the Century signed between Azerbaijan and foreign oil companies on September 20, this year the team, which 15 years ago formed the staff of Caspian Energy journal intended to highlight the oil and gas strategy of Azerbaijan across the globe, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its professional activity.

“Due to the support of the Club Chairman, President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev the Caspian European Club has turned into one of the largest influential and international organizations that work in the Caspian, Black Sea and Baltic regions,” Telman Aliyev stressed.

In conclusion, Telman Aliyev thanked all heads of government agencies, companies and organizations for their support to the activities of the Club for many years and the fruitful cooperation, and congratulated all the winning nominees. He wished them successes in their future activity.

Caspian Energy Integration Award - 2014 winners on the following nominations:

1. Ali Hasanov, Head of the Public and Political Issues Department, Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan

For special contribution to strengthening Azerbaijan's positions in the international arena

2. Ziyad Samedzade, Chairman, the Committee for Economic Policy of Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan

For contributing to the development of the national economy

3. Suleyman Gasimov, SOCAR, Vice-President on Economic Issues

For contributing to the development of the oil-gas industry

4. H.E. Mr. Hardijs Baumanis, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Azerbaijan

For contributing to the development of the Azerbaijan-Latvia relations

5. “BANK TECHNİQUE” ASC

Bank of the year

6. SOCAR - FUGRO LLC Birgə Müəssisəsi

Company of the year for geophysical, geotechnical, subsea inspection and subsea construction support services

7. “AZƏRBAYCAN DƏMİR YOLLARI” QSC

Railway Company of the year

8. “Azərsu” ASC

For wide-scale development of the water economy

9. “Bakı Taksi” MMC

For achievements in the field of transportation services

10. AXA MBASK SŞ ASC

Company of the year for high quality service

11.“ATENA” Süd Məhsulları

For achievements in the development of the non-oil sector

12. İdeal Dizayn Ofis Mebeli Şirkəti

Office Furniture Company of the year

13. R.I.S.K. Company

Best it systems integrator of the year

14.DELTA TELECOM LTD

IT and telecommunication company of the year

15. BAKCELL LTD

Mobile operator of the year

16. SOCAR "Azəriqaz" İstehsalat Birliyi

For provision of gas supply to the regions

17.“NEFTQAZTİKİNTİ” TRESTİ

Construction Company of the year in the oil-gas sector

18. Global Energy Azerbaijan

Oil Company of the year in the field of onshore operations

19. Azpetrol Ltd

Filling station network of the year

20. Cross Caspian Oil and Gas Logistics LLC

Oil and oil products transportation company of the year

21. ASE ASIA AFRIKA HIZLI CARGO A.Ş.

Transportation Company of the year in the Black Sea region

22. ITECA CASPIAN LLC

Exhibition Company of the year

23. ORLI

Event Management Company of the year

A concert program was arranged during the ceremony.