Robert Cekuta, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan, attended a port briefing Nov. 16 at the Port Authority Executive Building. Azerbijan is working to complete new port construction, and the visit was an opportunity for both organizations to connect regarding future trade and operations synergies.

Azerbijan’s port is envisioned as a hub connecting raw materials and goods to China traveling through Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan across the Caspian Sea to the Republic, and then onward to Europe. Their port is the main marine gateway to Azerbaijan and has played an important role in the Caspian trade for many years.

Chief Operating Officer Tom Heidt welcomed the Ambassador and his staff, noting that Houston has the second largest petrochemical facility in the world and one of the largest regional economies in the U.S.

Senior Trade Development Manager Will Whitehouse provided a commercial presentation on the port, with cargo and operational highlights. Other topics discussed throughout the meeting included market share development, breakdown of commodities and how these commodities provide for a balanced port overall, and the complete ocean carrier mix within Port Houston.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Port of Houston Turning Basin.