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.