Doing Business in Azerbaijan 2009 - Azerbaijan Export ...

the day arrives. The animal is then slaughtered and the meat
distributed among the family, neighbours and the poor. The festival
is more widely celebrated in the regions than in Baku, and in the
outskirts of the city rather than the city centre.
Ramazan ends with the festival known as Ramazan Bayram.
Families would visit each other and children would receive
presents, sweets or money.
Business communication
Azerbaijan’s official language is Azerbaijani (Azeri) and all state
documentation is in the Azeri language. Russian is widely known
and spoken but most official meetings will be conducted in Azeri.
Many Azerbaijani businesspeople have a good command of English
and the vast majority of young people speak English to some level,
especially those who work in foreign companies. In general, the
knowledge of the English language is proficient. Other international
languages spoken include French, Italian and German, but more
usually by those in businesses that are specifically oriented to a
particular country. If you are unsure as to your counterpart’s
linguistic capability, it is may be worth investing in an interpreter
so as not to appear to take it for granted that the person you are
visiting will be able to communicate in your language or provide an
interpreter. Remember to slow your speech down and to speak
clearly. Always confirm meanings, conclusions and agreements.
Rather than ‘get straight down to business’, engage in some small
talk and always wait for the other to initiate the change in topic.
At most meetings the person you are visiting will offer you tea or
sometimes coffee. Often tea (Chai) will be served automatically by
an assistant and delivered to the meeting table. It will usually be
served in tulip shaped glasses with lemon slices and wrapped
GENERAL INFORMATION
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