WNAM REPORT: Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Patron-in-Chief Azerbaijan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (APJCCI), along with Zafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General United Business Group (UBG) and Chairman APJCCI, called on Abdul Salam Shah, newly appointed Director General, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Islamabad, and congratulated him on assuming his new responsibilities.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that Azerbaijan is an emerging and promising market for Pakistani exporters, and there is a need to convert the excellent diplomatic relations between the two countries into meaningful trade and investment outcomes.
He proposed that APJCCI and TDAP may jointly organize a Pakistan Single Country Exhibition or Made in Pakistan Expo in Baku to showcase Pakistani products and services. He said that such an exhibition could provide a practical platform for Pakistani exporters to explore business opportunities in Azerbaijan and connect directly with buyers, distributors, and relevant business organizations.
Ahsan informed to the Director General TDAP that APJCCI has already organized two business delegations to Azerbaijan, which were self-sponsored by the private sector. He requested TDAP’s support for the upcoming business delegation to Azerbaijan, adding that official facilitation would encourage greater participation from serious exporters and investors.
He further emphasized that Pakistani businessmen are keen to learn more about trade opportunities in Azerbaijan. In this regard, he proposed that a Commercial Counsellor or Trade Officer may be appointed in Azerbaijan at the earliest to provide market intelligence, trade data, regulatory guidance, and business matchmaking support to Pakistani companies.
He stated that high-value and export-oriented products should be considered for inclusion in the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Preferential Trade Agreement framework, as this would create greater opportunities for Pakistani exporters and help increase bilateral trade volume.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Salam Shah appreciated the proposals and advised APJCCI to submit formal recommendations for holding an exhibition in Azerbaijan. He stated that TDAP prepares its annual calendar of events and exhibitions, and proposals relating to Azerbaijan could be examined for possible inclusion in TDAP’s future trade promotion activities.
He also encouraged APJCCI to send concrete proposals for increasing trade and economic activity between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. He said that TDAP is ready to facilitate meaningful initiatives that can help exporters explore new markets and increase Pakistan’s export footprint. He said that a list of Pakistani products that have export potential in Azerbaijan shall be shared with APJCCI, so that the business community can focus on realistic and high-potential opportunities.
The meeting also discussed opportunities for increasing Pakistan’s exports to African markets, particularly in nutraceuticals, skincare products, and related value-added sectors. It was noted that while these products have potential, market entry and distribution in African countries require proper strategy, local partners, and institutional support. Mr. Abdul Salam Shah suggested that APJCCI may also submit proposals in this regard so that relevant stakeholders could be engaged.
The Director General TDAP further proposed that meetings may be arranged with relevant officials and stakeholders, to discuss market access issues, export promotion strategies, and practical steps for increasing Pakistan’s exports to Azerbaijan and African countries.
Zafar Bakhtawari appreciated the growing connectivity between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, particularly the availability of direct flights, and said that increasing flight frequency would further facilitate business travel, tourism, and people-to-people contact.
He also proposed that representatives of APJCCI may be included in official government and business delegations to Azerbaijan, including any high-level visit, so that the private sector can actively contribute to follow-up and trade promotion.
