Trade ties with Azerbaijan growing: Shafay

LAHORE : Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain attended a ceremony held at the Azerbaijan Trade House to mark the Youm-e-Takbeer and Azerbaijan’s Independence Day as chief guest.

The minister hoisted the flag and a cake was cut on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day. The minister congratulated the government and people of Azerbaijan on their National Day.

Talking to the media on this occasion, he said that the armed forces of Pakistan gave a befitting reply to India's aggression. The bravery and courage of the armed forces of Pakistan have reawakened the spirit of the people of Pakistan.

He said that May 28 is an important day in the history of Pakistan and on this day Pakistan became the first Islamic nuclear power.

The minister said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have deep friendly and economic relations.

An agreement has been signed with the government of Pakistan regarding investment of $2 billion of Azerbaijan in Pakistan.

A trade delegation from Azerbaijan will soon visit Pakistan and a trade delegation from Pakistan will visit Azerbaijan.

There are vast opportunities for cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in tourism, oil refineries and other sectors.

He said that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, is implementing a comprehensive programme to develop tourist sites. Cooperation between Punjab and Azerbaijan in tourism and other sectors will be increased.

The provincial minister said that the Azeri government has reduced duty on rice imported from Pakistan.

Economic relations between the two countries will further improve in the coming days, he added.

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that Pakistan fully supported Azerbaijan in its war with Armenia.

The people of Azerbaijan can never forget the cooperation of Pakistan's forces in the war with Armenia.

During the recent Pakistan-India tensions, Azerbaijan strongly supported Pakistan.

The friendship and economic cooperation between the two countries is growing with every passing moment, he concluded.

President of Azerbaijan Trade House Adeel Shuja Butt, CEO Irfan Shuja Butt, Patron in Chief Adnan Shuja Butt, Hafiz Usman, Afzal Khan, Mian Imtiaz and others were also present on the occasion.