The APJCCI delegation had the honor of meeting H.E. Mr. Qasim Mohiuddin, Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, who graciously hosted a dinner at his residence in honor of the visiting business delegation. On this occasion, Mr. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Patron-in-Chief and head of the delegation, expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for his warm hospitality and for providing valuable guidance to the visiting businessmen. He highlighted the objectives of the delegation’s visit, noting that it represented a wide range of sectors from Pakistan. Mr. Bakhtawari shared that the delegation had held promising meetings with Azerbaijani companies and expressed confidence that these engagements would lead to tangible outcomes. He also requested the Embassy’s assistance in advocating for the reclassification of Pakistani pharmaceutical products from category C to category B in Azerbaijan to enhance market access.
Ambassador Mohiuddin, in his remarks, provided a candid overview of the Azerbaijani business environment. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s strategic location as a transit hub, supported by strong infrastructure and rail connectivity. He advised that Pakistani businesses could secure tax and regulatory advantages by setting up businesses in Azerbaijan. Addressing sector-specific opportunities, the Ambassador stressed that while Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector has potential, momentum needs to be built gradually, suggesting the establishment of a local pharmaceutical company rather than relying solely on product reclassification. He also identified Sala Rice as a product with strong potential in Azerbaijan and encouraged Pakistani exporters to tap into the growing demand for meat, which the country currently imports from other markets.
The Ambassador further recommended that Pakistani companies participate in trade expos and government tenders to strengthen their market presence, while also utilizing the Pakistan Trade House as a platform for displaying products. He encouraged investment in the Karabakh region where industries could be set up and underlined the importance of branding, noting that Azerbaijani consumers place high value on strong brand visibility and reputation. To this end, he suggested that Pakistani businesses improve branding strategies and even consider establishing a Pakistani restaurant in Baku with a strong identity, particularly given the rising number of Pakistani tourists visiting Azerbaijan.
Adding his perspective, Mr. Babak Huseynli, Coordinator for the promotion of Azerbaijan Pakistan trade and investment, underscored the importance of prioritizing agriculture as the foundation for future collaboration. He recommended that farming initiatives should be developed first, followed by the introduction of live animals, while acknowledging that significant investment would be required in this area.
The dinner thus served not only as a gesture of hospitality but also as a platform for open discussion on enhancing bilateral economic ties. The insights provided by the Ambassador offered clear guidance on strategic opportunities for Pakistani businesses in Azerbaijan and reinforced the importance of long-term, structured engagement in key sectors.