Penki Kontinentai Ties with Azerbaijan: Business and Beyond

This February 12 the applied art exhibition from the Azerbaijani Qabala region was opened at the Vilnius ISM University of Management and Economics. Delegates from other Azerbaijan regions, now exploring Lithuanian tourism possibilities, attended the ceremony. The guests were offered local delicacies and wines; the Lithuanian opera singer Judita Leitaitė performed works by the famous Azerbaijani composer Qara Qarayev and Lithuanian folk songs.

"This year Azerbaijan, like Lithuania, celebrates its independence centennial; with this regard we plan to offer many cultural events. It was especially pleasant to hear the music of Qara Qarayev, whose birth centenary was celebrated earlier this year – in an arrangement for the Lithuanian folk instruments, it sounded like new”, Atash Girkhiyev, charge d'affaires of Azerbaijan to Lithuania, said.

The diplomat told that the Qabala district is often called "Azerbaijani Switzerland", where the mountain air is crystal, rivers are beautiful, and waterfalls and lakes are pleasing to the eye. Here, too, are the ruins of ancient Gabala, and archaeological finds are exhibited in the local museum. In addition, an international music festival is held each year.

The Embassy of Azerbaijan to Lithuania organized the party, and the Penki Kontinentai was invited. "The Penki Kontinentai group of companies has long-standing and close business links with Azerbaijan. We have successfully cooperated with this country’s enterprises for more than a quarter of a century – and have implemented many joint projects. People of Azerbaijani origin work with us – first of all, it is the group’s CEO Idrakas Dadašovas, who, according to the Azerbaijanis themselves, perfectly represents Lithuania in Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan in Lithuania. Azerbaijan is one of our priorities”, said Germanas Kavalskis, the Penki Kontinentai Public Relations Manager.

According to statistics, in 2017, exports from Lithuania to Azerbaijan amounted to € 32.6 million, while imports from Azerbaijan to Lithuania – €2.2 million. Azerbaijan ranks 58th by trade turnover among 204 Lithuania‘s trade partners: 48th by exports and 84th by imports.