Visit to Azerbaijan – Official Report

The recent business delegation from the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (APJCCI), led by Mr. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Patron-in-Chief, made a landmark visit to Baku, engaging with Azerbaijan’s premier economic and trade institutions. In a high-level meeting with AZPROMO, the delegation explored opportunities in cosmetics, food products, textiles, agriculture, and construction, reaffirming strong potential for joint investment.

In discussions with KOBIA (the Small & Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan), both sides agreed to deepen SME cooperation. The meeting also highlighted promising sectors such as tourism, food processing, and IT, reinforcing the vital role of SMEs in expanding bilateral trade. Meetings with the Azerbaijan Tourism Agency further advanced dialogue on enhancing business and cultural tourism between the two countries. The delegation also met with the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency, discussing matters related to the export of food items to Azerbaijan.

The Pakistani delegation met with the Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Qasim Moinuddin, who underscored strong diplomatic support for private-sector cooperation. The Ambassador highlighted that APJCCI can genuinely serve as an “economic bridge” between the two countries, encouraging consistent business-to-business and institutional engagement.

During the visit, the delegation signed an MoU with Baku Hovsan Sea Port Management, exploring warehousing facilities for Pakistani goods, establishing a small industrial zone near the port, and creating a permanent display centre for Pakistani products.

Throughout the trip, APJCCI reiterated its long-term ambition to raise bilateral trade to USD 2 billion, leveraging the combined strength of both public- and private-sector partnerships.

A consensus emerged on pursuing joint ventures in key sectors—SMEs, logistics, tourism, food, and industry—supported by institutional facilitation mechanisms.

The delegation’s visit successfully set the stage for future Pakistan–Azerbaijan Business Forums, exhibitions, and reciprocal trade delegations, paving the way for deeper and more structured economic cooperation.

Overall, this mission marks a significant step in translating diplomatic goodwill into concrete economic outcomes, strengthening both trade relations and mutual confidence between the two nations.