Islamabad: Pakistan and Azerbaijan are poised to enhance their economic partnership following a pivotal meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Khazar Farhadov. The talks, which centered on preparations for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Azerbaijan, underscored the importance of fostering trade and investment through people-to-people connections.

According to a statement by Press Information Department, the meeting highlighted the necessity for the timely implementation of agreements and discussed the establishment of an Azerbaijan Trade House in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Minister Khan proposed the organization of a business-to-business forum during the Prime Minister’s visit, with a subsequent single-country exhibition in Azerbaijan anticipated later this year. Ambassador Farhadov affirmed Azerbaijan’s support for a business delegation and suggested the announcement of a Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The dialogue also explored potential trade opportunities, including the import of cotton from Azerbaijan for processing in Pakistan, with plans to export garments to Cambodia. Ambassador Farhadov offered to connect Pakistan with Azerbaijan’s leading cotton producers and highlighted mutual opportunities in agriculture and technology sectors. Both parties celebrated the doubling of trade volume over the past year and stressed the importance of maintaining this momentum.

Minister Khan extended an invitation to Azerbaijan to participate in the upcoming Foodag exhibition in Lahore, while Ambassador Farhadov reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering strong trade links by sharing contacts of prominent businesses. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to achieving successful outcomes, prioritizing the establishment of the Trade House and Chamber of Commerce as key components of bilateral trade relations.

This collaboration signifies a substantial step toward deepening economic ties, with both nations eager to create enduring partnerships and explore new avenues for trade and investment.