Pakistan, Azerbaijan agree on joint projects

KARACHI: Pakistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to deepen their bilateral ties through joint projects and enhanced trade partnerships, with practical measures set to commence soon. The commitment was made during a meeting between Federal Minister for Privatization, Board of Investment, and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov.

Welcoming the Azerbaijani ambassador, Khan mentioned the importance of translating Pakistan’s friendly diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan into tangible economic outcomes. “Pakistan can further enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, and turn mutual relations into strong business and trade ties,” the federal minister remarked.

He invited Azerbaijani companies to invest in Pakistan, particularly in the motorways sector. Highlighting the current opportunities for foreign investment, he proposed a government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) model for potential projects.

Khan specifically suggested Azerbaijani investment in the M6 and M9 Motorways, connecting Karachi to Sukkur and Sukkur to Hyderabad. He underscored the vast opportunities available across multiple sectors in Pakistan, calling on foreign investors to take full advantage.

Ambassador Khazar Farhadov assured full cooperation from Azerbaijan, expressing his country’s willingness to collaborate with Pakistan on joint ventures and investment initiatives. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan and fostering mutual economic growth.

The meeting also touched upon trilateral cooperation involving Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye. To ensure seamless coordination, the federal minister directed the Board of Investment to appoint a focal person to maintain close liaison with the Azerbaijani government.

This development follows months of intensified diplomatic exchanges and Pakistan’s active participation in the COP29 conference held in Baku, which have laid the groundwork for stronger bilateral relations between the two countries.