Pakistan–Azerbaijan Joint Chamber of Commerce an Economic Bridge for Trade Expansion: Waqar Zafar Bakhtawari
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, has said that the private sector can play a vital role in transforming the deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan into strong economic and trade partnerships. He was addressing an awareness session on “Online Digital Trade” held at the S.M. Munir Auditorium, Chamber House Islamabad.
The event was attended by ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, Founder Group Chairman Tariq Sadiq, President Azerbaijan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (APJCCI) Waqar Zafar Bakhtawari, ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, UBG Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari, ICCI Council Members Mian Akram Farid and Shaukat Masud ،Ch Masood , executive members Mohsin Khalid and Zulqarnain Abbasi, along with leading figures of the business community.
The Ambassador said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are determined to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, with trade and investment as top priorities. He noted that direct air connectivity has significantly improved, with five weekly flights from Lahore and two from Islamabad, strengthening business and people-to-people contacts. The number of flights will soon be increased to further boost the current $100 million trade volume. Ambassador Farhadov also expressed gratitude to the government, people, and media of Pakistan for extending diplomatic and moral support during Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia. He further appreciated the Bakhtawari family for their efforts in establishing the Joint Chamber, which he said would enhance bilateral trade and investment.
Speaking on the occasion, newly elected ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that Pakistan greatly values its friendship with Azerbaijan and stressed the need to convert political goodwill into strong economic partnerships. He said the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Online Trade & Investment Platform would provide exporters, importers, investors, and service providers with B2B matchmaking, e-contracting, secure payment gateways, logistics integration, and virtual exhibitions. This platform, he added, would help remove barriers and reduce transaction costs. He assured ICCI’s full cooperation in mobilizing delegations, exhibitions, and partnerships.
APJCCI President Waqar Zafar Bakhtawari described the Joint Chamber as an “economic bridge” between the two countries and emphasized its role in building sustainable trade and investment linkages. He stressed that regular B2B meetings, joint trade exhibitions, and sectoral collaborations are essential for unlocking bilateral trade potential. He also paid tribute to Ambassador Farhadov’s proactive diplomacy, which, he said, is not only strengthening trade partnerships but also deepening cultural ties between the two brotherly nations.
ICCI Founder Group Chairman Tariq Sadiq recalled Azerbaijan’s consistent diplomatic and moral support for Pakistan and said the session would help open new avenues of economic cooperation. He added that the efforts of Zafar Bakhtawari had brought the business communities of both countries closer together.
Babak Huseynli, Trade Facilitation Coordinator for Pakistan–Azerbaijan, said that bilateral relations would continue to grow and strengthen in the coming days, thereby boosting Pakistan’s exports.
Agha Haider Zain, Chief Coordinating Officer of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Technology Hub, through his presentation, highlighted the role of digital platforms in promoting bilateral trade and investment.
In his vote of thanks, ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub reaffirmed the commitment to elevate Pakistan–Azerbaijan ties to new heights and said the establishment of the Online Trade & Investment Platform would be fast-tracked. He noted that this initiative would serve as a landmark for regional connectivity, trade expansion, and shared prosperity.
The event concluded with a joint resolve to intensify efforts for stronger economic linkages.
