Baku, 1 April 2023 (TDI): Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, Bilal Haye, met with the Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Lt-Gen of the Customs Service, Shahin Bakarov, to discuss bilateral ties and customs issues.
Amb @BilalHayee called on Mr. Shahin Bagirov, Chairman of State Customs Committee of 🇦🇿 today
Both sides resolved to continue fruitful co-op in the field of Customs & provide necessary facilitation for increasing of bilateral trade turnover@tdap_official @mincompk @Pak_Customs pic.twitter.com/lxJbzcXArd
— Pakistan Embassy Azerbaijan (@PakinAzerbaijan) March 31, 2023
One of the main subjects discussed at the meeting was the improvement of customs cooperation. Customs are an essential part of international trade.
Both delegates emphasized the significance of streamlining customs procedures to ease exchange and lower transaction costs.
The discussion concentrated on the beneficial influence of strategic and fraternal connections on the growth of economic and commercial ties and the possibilities to enhance customs cooperation.
Both representatives stressed the need for ongoing initiatives to streamline customs processes, align customs laws, and enhance border management to ease cross-border trade between the two nations.
They reviewed the challenges both countries’ customs sectors face. They acknowledged that the customs sector faced several issues, including corruption, smuggling, and ineffective border management.
Envoy stressed the necessity of the two countries’ ongoing collaboration and coordination in addressing these challenges to ensure that the customs system operates efficiently and effectively.
Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee has been working to modernize and streamline its operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing processing times for import and export activity.
In this regard, there are prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan to exchange best practices and create collaborative projects to promote trade between the two nations.
Another critical component of the conversation was the discussion of concepts about trade and export operations.
Both diplomats also acknowledged Pakistan’s importance as a valuable ally for Azerbaijan. They agreed that a deep brotherhood and a shared history and culture unite both nations.
Ambassador Haye stated that these historical and cultural ties provide a solid platform for further boosting Azerbaijan-Pakistan economic and trade cooperation.
The two countries have substantial economic development and diversification potential. There is a need to seek new trade and investment opportunities.
The meeting between Bakarov and Haye empowers both countries to discover areas of mutual interest and work toward mutual benefits.
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Pakistan is one of Azerbaijan’s most important commercial partners in the South Asian region, with recent bilateral trade topping $25 million.
Yet, there is still space for expansion and growth, especially in the energy, agricultural, and tourist sectors.
Azerbaijan is well-known for its oil and gas deposits. Pakistan has a growing demand for energy resources to sustain its economic development.
The two countries can collaborate to investigate prospects for energy cooperation, such as pipeline development and other infrastructure projects.
Collaboration potential exists in the agricultural sector in addition to energy. Azerbaijan has a rich and fertile agricultural industry with substantial potential for exporting fruits and vegetables to Pakistan.
In contrast, Pakistan’s robust textile sector may supply raw materials to Azerbaijan to produce textiles and other commodities.
According to the Customs office press release, Lieutenant-General Shahin Bakarov and Ambassador Bilal Haye’s meeting is evidence of the close and successful ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
The historical and cultural relations between the two nations serve as a basis for their economic and commercial growth.
The meeting between Bakarov and Haye emphasizes the significance of Azerbaijan-Pakistan diplomatic relations.
Building on the long history of friendship and cooperation between the two nations is essential to improve economic and cultural connections further.
Azerbaijan and Pakistan, as regional powers, will collaborate to promote peace and stability in the South Asian and Caspian areas and contribute to global efforts toward sustainable development and prosperity.
