Enhancing trade with Azerbaijan

(Amna Malik, Islamabad)

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have same ideas on many international issues as they have many things in common. Azerbaijan has always supported Pakistan in its difficult times. Similarly, Pakistan too had supported Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Also, Pakistan was one of the countries which first recognized Azerbaijan as an independent country. Commonality in religious practices also strengthens ties between both countries. On political and strategic front both countries find several complementarities of concerns. The recent visit of the Pakistani President to Azerbaijan has great significance in multiple ways. It not only serves to enhance the country to country ties between both nations but also aimed to broaden the business and economic scope between the two countries people especially the business community. Further steps were taken that showed Pakistan’s deep trust and interest in the Azerbaijan leadership by acknowledging their contribution towards Pakistan’s uplift.

During the visit, the two presidents heldca tete-a-tete that was followed by delegation-level talks that focused on the need to review bilateral relations, including economic, trade and commerce, education, defense, science and technology, culture and exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Various MoUs and agreements were signed during the visit.

The President of Pakistan was accompanied by a business delegation from Pakistan that visited Azerbaijan during which various MOUs were signed between two the countries. This was done in order to create an atmosphere of mutual attraction thus providing an incentive for investors. Any investor coming to Pakistan would have the right to invest 100 percent of equity of his own and repatriate 100 percent of profit into his own country. The Federations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Pakistan and Azerbaijan agreed to establish a joint council to promote business activities between the two countries. An MoU to this effect was signed at the end of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum in Baku, which was also addressed by President Mamnoon Hussain.

Further, B2B meetings were arranged for the business community to enhance trade and commerce between two countries. I was honored to be the part of the business delegation and represented my country as a women entrepreneur and attended business conferences. It is believed by both the countries that youth are the assets and by motivating this segment of the society will create a long term avenues for cooperation between the countries. The President of Azerbaijan displayed his pleasure at the prospect of trade between both countries. The large delegation comprising of experts from all fields was welcomed. He expressed that the cooperation format such as a business forum, which envisages meetings between representatives of the business community, is very effective and can yield good results. Talks aimed at raising the level of bilateral trade and about what can be imported from both countries. With the government acting as facilitator, it is said that both countries ought to look at trade potentials. This will resultantly strengthen the economy of both.

Further, Pakistani companies were asked to review opportunities in Azerbaijan. In particular, this applies to the import-dependent sectors of Azerbaijan’s economy, because the market is growing. Azerbaijan was interested in seeing Pakistani companies as contractors. There were presentations of infrastructure projects that were being implemented, mainly in Baku and the regions. Due to the development of these regions they have opened new opportunities in the countryside and have already implemented two programs. Also, a third program had been initiated, thus the requirement of foreign investors. This, however, offers a broad and lucrative agenda for foreign investors in Azerbaijan, that both countries can accomplish together. They can also consider establishing joint ventures in important sectors of the economies both in Pakistan and Azerbaijan. This way both countries can appreciate mutual investment programs. I want to say again that we have to make the best use of the excellent political relations to create good business opportunities.

After the visit of Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain to Azerbaijan, the exchange will be further enhanced. Pakistan and Azerbaijani youth are bonded through this initiative to have shared objective of joining hands together to enhance their cooperation in various fields and at all levels. Since I am carrying additional portfolio of being Vice President PML N Youth Wing Punjab I was invited to celebrate Nuroz by the Minister of Culture and was presented with a silver Medal by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs. This shows a great compassion between both nations to appreciate and promote the unique culture that both nations are a part of. Further, insightful discussions over cultural exchange program between the two countries resulted in fruitful outcome.

I also attended the dinner at the Royal Palace and met the First Lady and I found her an angel who has done a lot for humanity and who wants to work for the people of Pakistan. The president will also confer Pakistan’s highest civil award of Hilal-e-Pakistan upon the First Lady of Azerbaijan, Madam Mehriban Aliyeva, in recognition of her services to the people of Pakistan and continuous humanitarian work, spanning over a decade. The visit of President Mamnoon Hussain has been termed as a platform to provide an opportunity for further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In case of Pakistan and Azerbaijan there are more than one converging points which form basis to pursue national interests collectively. The potential that both offer each other is substantial and bound to have a far reaching and colossal impact upon the economy of both countries. Pakistan provides a sizeable market for Azerbaijan for the export of oil, natural gas and electricity whereas Azerbaijan is a good destination for Pakistani industrial and agricultural goods. Exchange programs and visits, both on state and individual levels are being carried out that has become valuable in strengthening bilateral relations.

Amna Malik
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