BAKU ( WNAM REPORT ): Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Qasim Moinuddin, said that the friendship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan must now be transformed into strong economic cooperation. He stated that Azerbaijan, with its modern infrastructure and railway links, can play an important role in promoting Pakistani businesses. He urged Pakistani companies to participate in exhibitions, trade fairs, and government tenders so they can establish their presence in the Azerbaijani market.
He expressed these views while speaking to a delegation of the Azerbaijan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (APJCCI), led by its Patron-in-Chief, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari. During the meeting, opportunities for promoting bilateral trade and investment cooperation were discussed.
Bakhtawari thanked the Ambassador for hosting a dinner in honor of the delegation, adding that the purpose of APJCCI’s visit was to understand the Azerbaijani market and explore new avenues for trade and investment. The delegation included representatives from various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, beauty care products, construction, education, aircraft maintenance, textiles and garments, IT, and livestock. He mentioned that the delegation had several productive meetings with both public and private sector institutions in Baku, and positive outcomes are expected.
He further said that Azerbaijan is an attractive country for investment and can serve as a gateway for exporting Pakistani products to regional markets. Describing Azerbaijan as an emerging economy full of opportunities, he said APJCCI will ensure more exchanges of business delegations in the future.
Ambassador Qasim Moinuddin highlighted the special investment opportunities in the liberated Karabakh region, where the Azerbaijani government is establishing new industrial zones, including the Aghdam Industrial Park and the Araz Valley Economic Zone Industrial Park. These projects offer attractive incentives for foreign investors, including tax exemptions, customs facilities, and ready infrastructure. He added that Karabakh also offers excellent prospects for agriculture and the food processing industry, where rice and meat processing plants can be established. He noted that Pakistani rice, especially Sella rice, is already well recognized in Azerbaijan, and further investment in this sector could be highly profitable.
The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of branding and building a strong market identity. He suggested that Pakistani food brands should open restaurants and food outlets in Azerbaijan to further strengthen cultural and trade relations.
During the meeting, Babak Huseynli, Coordinator of Azerbaijan–Pakistan Trade Facilitation, highlighted opportunities in meat exports and farming projects in Azerbaijan. He assured full support in connecting businesses from both countries for mutually beneficial ventures.
