ISLAMABAD: “Azerbaijan and Pakistan share a profound bond of friendship, strategic partnership, and mutual respect,” said Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) as he addressed the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Business Forum held in Baku on 16 Sep 2024.
According to him, this year has been particularly notable for business engagements between the two countries.
“During a recent state visit by the President of Azerbaijan to Pakistan our MoU with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) of Pakistan was signed. We also expect to expand partnership with Chamber of Small Business and Industrialists of Islamabad and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry to get mutual benefit on institutional level and for the interests of our business communities,” Orkhan Mammadov noted.
“We also expect to expand partnership with Chamber of Small Business and Industrialists of Islamabad and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry to get mutual benefit on institutional level and for the interests of our business communities. As KOBIA, we are also willing to see more Pakistani companies in Azerbaijan,” Mammadov underlined.
“In addition, there is great potential for the implementation of business initiatives in the liberated areas and the Agency is ready to consider and coordinate new initiatives,” he emphasized.
The KOBIA Chairman of Board also noted that Azerbaijan would host the first Halal Business Forum on October 8-9 this year, inviting the Pakistani companies to attend the event.
Earlier on 13 Sep 2024, Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Privatization, and Communications of Pakistan, Abdul Aleem Khan met with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Khazar Farhadov at the National Assembly Chamber.
He said that the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Business Forum in Baku is a positive development for enhancing business relations between Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian nations. He expressed optimism that the forum would foster closer ties between investors from both countries, strengthen relations, and boost bilateral trade.
Aleem Khan highlighted Pakistan’s intention to expand its trade with Azerbaijan and Central Asia, noting Pakistan’s strong rice export industry, particularly in Basmati rice.
During the meeting, Azerbaijani business representatives called Pakistan their second home, praising the business environment. The minister also assured Azerbaijan’s business community of full support through the Board of Investment.
Pakistan in the World – May/June 2024
