Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, expressed a commitment to enhance air connectivity and economic integration between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on boosting trade and investment through the private sector.
Speaking at an awareness session titled “Online Trade Platform for Doing Business with Azerbaijan” at the Chamber House in Islamabad, Ambassador Farhadov emphasized the importance of strengthening connections with key markets in China, Turkey, and Central Asian States. He underscored the historic 300-year trade relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, dating back to the Multan trades, which has laid a strong foundation for modern economic collaboration.
The Ambassador highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve connectivity, noting the five weekly flights from Lahore and two from Islamabad. He assured that the frequency of these flights would soon increase, aiming to boost the current $100 million bilateral trade volume between the two nations.
Ambassador Farhadov also expressed his gratitude to Pakistan’s government, people, and media for their diplomatic and moral support during Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia.
The event, which was attended by officials from both countries, also featured remarks from Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), who stressed the importance of translating political goodwill into tangible economic partnerships. He discussed the potential impact of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Online Trade & Investment Platform, which is designed to facilitate B2B matchmaking, e-contracting, secure payment systems, and virtual exhibitions, thereby overcoming physical barriers and reducing transaction costs.
Waqar Zafar Bakhtawari, President of the Azerbaijan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry, also spoke on the vital role of the Chamber in strengthening the commercial and cultural ties between the two countries. He called for continued business engagements and sector-specific collaborations to unlock further potential.
Tariq Sadiq, Chairman of the ICCI Founder Group, emphasized Azerbaijan’s consistent support for Pakistan and the importance of the session in opening new avenues for economic cooperation.
Babak Huseynli, Trade Facilitation Coordinator for Pakistan–Azerbaijan, expressed confidence that the two countries’ bilateral ties would continue to strengthen.
Agha Haider Zain, Chief Coordinating Officer of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Technology Hub, presented on the role of digital platforms in fostering trade and investment between the two nations.
In his concluding remarks, ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub reiterated the chamber’s commitment to advancing Pakistan–Azerbaijan relations and fast-tracking the establishment of the Online Trade & Investment Platform, which he described as a landmark initiative for regional connectivity and trade expansion.
The session concluded with a shared resolve to accelerate efforts to deepen economic linkages and promote mutual prosperity.
