The delegation visited the Agrovest Centers of the RR Group of Companies, one of the largest food wholesale distribution markets in Azerbaijan. The group was warmly welcomed by Mr. Rafig Garayev, who highlighted the long-standing ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. He emphasized that the mission of RR Group is to build strategic partnerships with Pakistan, drawing upon the broader context of mutual support between the two countries in areas such as defence, energy, and other bilateral sectors.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Patron-in-Chief of the Azerbaijan Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (APCCI), expressed gratitude to Mr. Garayev and RR Group for hosting the delegation. He explained that the purpose of the visit was to connect Pakistani businessmen with Azerbaijani companies in their respective sectors, in order to identify opportunities for trade and investment. He further underlined that Pakistani companies are keen to explore ways of doing business in Azerbaijan and to strengthen bilateral economic relations.
During the meeting, RR Group presented an overview of its wide-ranging business activities. The company is active in the construction of multistory commercial buildings, private housing, and operates factories, warehouses, and sales centers. The Group elaborated on its agricultural ventures, including a government-supported sustainable farming project, as well as livestock and poultry farming operations. Plans for developing agro-tourism were also shared. Importantly, RR Group expressed interest in importing meat from Pakistan, noting that approximately 80% of Azerbaijan’s meat demand is currently met through imports.
To encourage entry into the market, RR Group proposed making display and warehouse spaces available free of cost or at subsidized rates for one year, thereby providing Pakistani businesses with a low-risk opportunity to establish their presence in Azerbaijan.
The delegation was given a tour of the RR Group’s facilities, which provided a firsthand look at the scale and quality of their operations. Discussions concluded with several agreed points and opportunities for collaboration. These included facilitating Pakistani businesses with display and warehouse space on favorable terms, exploring the import of Pakistani meat, initiating joint agricultural and livestock projects, and using the RR Group Trade Center as a hub for Pakistani goods. The delegation committed to sharing details of these opportunities with Pakistani exporters.
The meeting concluded that RR Group will provide details of the terms and conditions for use of their warehouse and display facilities. Further visits by Pakistani delegations to RR Group farms and distribution centers will be organized to assess potential partnerships, and both sides expressed interest in exploring agro-tourism initiatives.