Baku (TDI): The Azerbaijan-Pakistan Business Forum, held in Baku, remained an important milestone in the deepening economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The event, attended by prominent business leaders and government officials from both countries, was addressed by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan.
President Aliyev stated that the current trade turnover level does not reflect the strength of these political ties.
“We regret that trade turnover does not match the political standards and the level of political interaction.”
President Aliyev focused on the need for enhanced business-to-business contacts, mutual investments, and increased trade.
He highlighted the importance of forums like this in bridging information gaps and providing a platform for businesses to explore opportunities in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and transportation.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the Azerbaijan Pakistan Business Forum in Baku.
February 24, 2025. pic.twitter.com/6hHgvhVAeb— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) February 25, 2025
The Azerbaijani leader also revealed that his country plans to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s economy, a commitment initially announced during his state visit to Pakistan last summer.
He disclosed that concrete proposals and projects are currently under evaluation, and a delegation from Azerbaijan will soon visit Pakistan to finalize agreements.
“We have agreed to determine the timeframe for our teams to agree within one month,” he added
Both leaders underlined the importance of improving connectivity and transportation links to facilitate trade and economic cooperation.
President Aliyev pointed to Azerbaijan’s active role in international transportation corridors, including the North-South and East-West routes.
At the same time, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the strategic significance of Pakistan’s Gwadar Port in increasing regional trade.
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“Unless we have an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective transportation system and connectivity, I don’t think we will be able to achieve our targets,” the Prime Minister added.
The forum also held discussions on expanding cooperation in the defense and pharmaceutical industries.
President Aliyev proposed joint manufacturing initiatives in both sectors, noting Pakistan’s advanced pharmaceutical industry and Azerbaijan’s growing defense capabilities.
Shehbaz Sharif welcomed these proposals, suggesting that a joint defense manufacturing facility could be established, with further discussions planned during his upcoming visit to Pakistan in April.
Moreover, facilitating the smoother business interactions, both leaders announced the establishment of a permanent Information Bureau to provide data on trade and investment opportunities.
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Prime Minister Sharif described this as a “game-changer” that would help bridge the information gap between the two countries’ business communities.
Additionally, the creation of chambers of commerce in both nations was highlighted as a step toward strengthening closer economic ties.
The Azerbaijan-Pakistan Business Forum not only stressed the strong political and economic bonds between the two nations but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
With both leaders expressing a shared commitment to translating their vision into actionable outcomes, the forum signalled a new chapter in the bilateral relationship characterized by mutual growth and prosperity.
A dedicated writer and avid observer of the evolving world of international relations. My passion for geopolitics was ignited during my academic journey, where I excelled in competitive exams, and it has since become the cornerstone of my writing career. I am driven by an insatiable curiosity about the complex interplay of global forces that shape our world.
