Azerbaijan Envoy Urges Private Sector to Strengthen Pakistan–Azerbaijan Trade Ties

ICCI Organizes Awareness Session on Online Trade Platform with Azerbaijan

Islamabad: Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, has said the private sector can play a pivotal role in transforming the deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan into strong economic and trade partnerships. He was addressing an awareness session on “Online Digital Trade” held at the S.M. Munir Auditorium, Chamber House Islamabad.

The event was attended by ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, Founder Group Chairman Tariq Sadiq, APJCCI President Waqar Zafar Bakhtawari, ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, UBG Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari, Council Members Mian Akram Farid, Shaukat Masud and Chaudhry Masood, along with executive members Mohsin Khalid, Zulqarnain Abbasi, and leading figures of the business community.

Ambassador Farhadov said both countries are determined to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, with trade and investment as key priorities. He noted that direct air connectivity has improved with five weekly flights from Lahore and two from Islamabad, strengthening business and people-to-people contacts. Plans are underway to further increase flights to boost the current $100 million trade volume. He expressed gratitude to the government, people, and media of Pakistan for their support during Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia, and appreciated the Bakhtawari family for their role in establishing the Joint Chamber to promote bilateral trade and investment.

In his remarks, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said Pakistan values its friendship with Azerbaijan and called for translating political goodwill into stronger economic ties. He said the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Online Trade & Investment Platform would provide exporters, importers, investors, and service providers with B2B matchmaking, e-contracting, secure payment gateways, logistics integration, and virtual exhibitions, thereby lowering transaction costs and removing barriers. He assured ICCI’s full cooperation in mobilizing delegations, exhibitions, and partnerships.

APJCCI President Waqar Zafar Bakhtawari termed the Joint Chamber an “economic bridge” between the two countries and stressed the importance of regular B2B meetings, joint trade exhibitions, and sectoral collaborations. He also praised Ambassador Farhadov’s proactive diplomacy in strengthening both trade and cultural ties.

Founder Group Chairman Tariq Sadiq highlighted Azerbaijan’s consistent diplomatic and moral support for Pakistan and said such sessions would help open new avenues of economic cooperation. He credited Zafar Bakhtawari’s efforts for bringing the business communities of both countries closer.

Babak Huseynli, Trade Facilitation Coordinator for Pakistan–Azerbaijan, expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to grow, enhancing Pakistan’s exports.

Agha Haider Zain, Chief Coordinating Officer of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Technology Hub, gave a presentation on the role of digital platforms in boosting bilateral trade and investment.

In his vote of thanks, ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub reaffirmed commitment to elevate Pakistan–Azerbaijan relations, saying the Online Trade & Investment Platform would be fast-tracked as a landmark initiative for regional connectivity, trade expansion, and shared prosperity.

The event concluded with a joint resolve to intensify efforts for stronger economic linkages between the two brotherly nations.