ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan has expressed confidence that ongoing discussions on its planned investments in Pakistan’s energy sector will soon translate into concrete projects, reflecting the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two countries.
The assurance came during a meeting between Azerbaijan’s outgoing Ambassador Khazar Farhadov and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan at the Ministry of Commerce, where both sides reviewed the progress achieved in Pakistan–Azerbaijan relations during the ambassador’s tenure.
Jam Kamal praised Ambassador Farhadov for his significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and noted that the close understanding between the leadership of both countries had successfully transformed political goodwill into meaningful economic cooperation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding collaboration in trade, investment, energy, tourism, transport, infrastructure and industrial development, emphasizing that the government remains focused on fostering stronger economic ties with Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, both sides highlighted key milestones in bilateral cooperation, including the successful convening of the 8th Session of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Joint Commission and the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). They noted that continued progress toward implementing the PTA would further facilitate bilateral trade and strengthen institutional mechanisms for economic cooperation, joint ventures and commercial partnerships.
The commerce minister also referred to the signing of 15 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during recent high-level exchanges between the two countries. These agreements cover a wide range of sectors, including trade and commerce, investment, information technology, tourism, science and technology, civil aviation, media cooperation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cultural exchanges and consular affairs.
According to Jam Kamal, these agreements have laid a solid foundation for broader strategic collaboration and a long-term economic partnership.
Both sides welcomed ongoing efforts to establish Azerbaijan Trade Houses in Pakistan, launch the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organize regular business-to-business (B2B) forums and enhance institutional engagement between the private sectors of both countries. They agreed that these initiatives would help convert the strong political relationship into tangible economic benefits.
Ambassador Farhadov highlighted the significant progress achieved during his diplomatic tenure, including increased leadership exchanges, expanded direct air connectivity, enhanced institutional cooperation and growing commercial engagement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
He said the strong political relationship had created new opportunities for businesses and investors and encouraged both countries to maintain the current momentum.
The ambassador also urged Pakistan to facilitate regular visits by Azerbaijani investors, chambers of commerce and business delegations to Special Economic Zones (SEZs), industrial clusters and export-oriented industries, allowing them to witness the country’s manufacturing capabilities and investment potential firsthand.
He noted that Pakistan offers substantial investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism and logistics, adding that the country has the potential to attract investors not only from Azerbaijan but also from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Japan and other friendly nations.
Referring to Azerbaijan’s planned investments in Pakistan, Ambassador Farhadov expressed confidence that discussions on priority projects—particularly in the energy sector—would soon materialize into practical outcomes.
He emphasized that while governments play a vital role in creating enabling policies and facilitating cooperation, sustainable investment ultimately depends on commercially viable opportunities led by the private sector.
The two sides also discussed the importance of improving regional connectivity, expressing optimism that favorable regional conditions would facilitate land transport and trade corridors linking Pakistan with Azerbaijan through the wider region, thereby creating new opportunities for commerce, logistics and regional economic integration.
Concluding the meeting, Jam Kamal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing a transparent, investor-friendly business environment and assured that the Ministry of Commerce would continue extending full support to initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, investment and private-sector collaboration.
