Lahore / Islamabad : 12 Feb 2025 – Azerbaijan Pakistan trade cooperation had two leaps forward in two days with the inauguration of Azerbaijan Trade House in Lahore, the second-largest city of Pakistan and the capital of Punjab province and launch of Azerbaijan Pakistan Chamber of Commerce in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.
Lahore ceremony was attended by diplomats, distinguished dignitaries, and prominent business leaders, underscoring the significance of the initiative in bolstering economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman was the chief guest. He inaugurated the Trade House. The minister emphasized that the establishment of the Azerbaijan Trade House would significantly enhance bilateral trade and cultural relations. He reaffirmed the Punjab government’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment, promoting trade, and attracting global investments.
“The Punjab government is making substantial investments to facilitate industrial growth and improve the ease of doing business across the province,” Minister Shuja-ur-Rehman stated.
He highlighted the trade platform’s potential in creating new business and investment opportunities, enabling traders and entrepreneurs from both countries to expand their networks, increase trade volumes, and forge long-term economic partnerships.
The Finance Minister also extended an invitation to Azerbaijani investors to explore Punjab’s rapidly growing market, emphasizing lucrative opportunities in key sectors such as textiles, agriculture, information technology, and energy.
Expressing optimism about the initiative, he noted that the Azerbaijan Trade House would serve as a cornerstone for strengthening economic cooperation and reinforcing the historically close ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
The establishment of the Trade House in Lahore is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing trade and investment relations between the two nations.
In Islamabad, Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI), Privatization,and Communication, Abdul Aleem Khan inaugurated the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (APCCI) as the foundation for a stronger economic alliance.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, President Federation Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, Secretary General of FPCCI, Zafar Bakhtawari and were also present at the occasion. Former President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, son of Mr. Zafar Bakhtawari is the Chairman of APCCI.
Minister said “We stand at the threshold of a new and dynamic chapter in our bilateral relations, with unwavering optimism, I am confident that this Chamber will evolve into a cornerstone of our economic cooperation, ushering in a new era of trade, innovation, and mutual success.”
Aleem Khan said the APCCI stands as a testament to that enduring friendship, transforming goodwill into tangible economic opportunities.This Chamber is more than an institution and it is a catalyst for innovation, a bridge between ambition and achievement, he said.
The Minister said that with ongoing economic reforms, Pakistan is committed to creating a business-friendly environment for Azerbaijani investors. The responsibility now lies with government bodies, business leaders, and industry stakeholders to transform this potential into tangible economic progress.
He said the path ahead is full of promise, but realizing its full potential demands our collective commitment, strategic collaboration, and unwavering confidence in the limitless opportunities that await us. Today, as “We chart a new course, we are reaffirming our commitment to expanding economic horizons and unlocking new avenues of trade and investment.
Today, it is not just about the unveiling of an institution; it is about cementing an economic partnership that is poised to redefine the trajectory of our bilateral relations. Pakistan and Azerbaijan share a bond that extends beyond formal diplomacy; it is rooted in history, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to shared prosperity.
“I would like to take this moment to extend my deepest appreciation to Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, whose relentless efforts in strengthening the Azerbaijan-Pakistan partnership have been instrumental in bringing us to this milestone’’ he said.
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov expressed his deep fraternal sentiments towards Abdul Aleem Khan and mentioned that both countries were taking steps to enhance bilateral cooperation. He expressed confidence that APCCI would further increase the trade volume between two countries.
Chairman APCCI , Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari pointed out the volume of annual bilateral trade at $ 100 million (10 Karor Dollar) and said it is not according to the potential. He said, efforts are needed to enhance the bilateral trade up to $1 billion in next five years.
He said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Azerbaijan proved to be a catalyst in bilateral economic and trade ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
Here it is worth mentioning that President Ilham Aliyev pledged $ 2 Billion investments in Pakistani energy sector in his last visit to Islamabad and PM Sharif is due in Baku now to mature the deals in the same regard. Trade in between the private sectors through chambers of commerce is another matter.
