Global Rice News

ISLAMABAD – The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, recently visited the office of the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema. During the meeting, they discussed various matters of mutual interest.

Minister Cheema acknowledged the long-standing fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, which have strengthened since Azerbaijan’s independence. He emphasized the need to further strengthen people-to-people contacts, despite the steady progress in trade and cooperation between the two nations. The ambassador also highlighted the significance of the resumption of direct flights between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, which will boost trade and tourism. Minister Cheema appreciated these efforts and reiterated the importance of robust economic relations between the two countries. They both emphasized collaboration across various sectors, including trade, investment, defense industry, agriculture, energy, health, transport, banking, tourism, sports, culture, and IT through the Joint Commission mechanism.

Minister Cheema informed that the Ministry of Economic Affairs is closely monitoring the implementation of decisions taken during the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Commission. He expressed eagerness to host the next session of the Joint Commission in Pakistan. The ambassador agreed on the need for prompt convening of the Joint Commission this year. Both sides resolved to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as business, banking, IT, tourism, energy, sports, health, and transport. They agreed to hold Joint Working Group meetings to expedite progress in these areas. Minister Cheema assured continued collaboration and thanked Mr. Farhadov for his visit. He pledged full assistance from his office for the prompt organization of the next session of the Joint Commission.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Azerbaijan aimed to strengthen economic and trade ties by finalizing a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and Ambassador Khazar Farhadov met to discuss bolstering economic cooperation between the two nations. Minister Khan reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening commercial and economic ties. He emphasized the importance of people-to-people contact and the signing of the PTA to increase trade volume and create new business opportunities. Minister Khan highlighted the historical, political, and economic ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and the need to address trade-related issues to extend bilateral trade to its true potential.

Ambassador Farhadov stressed the importance of high-level visits to enhance bilateral relations and elevate trilateral cooperation with Turkey. He emphasized the resumption of LNG supplies from Azerbaijan to Pakistan and the potential for mutual investments, especially in the energy and IT sectors. Additionally, Azerbaijan exempted Pakistani rice from import customs duty until December 2027, indicating a gesture of goodwill.