ISLAMABAD: Pakistan achieved a significant milestone in fostering bilateral trade relations with Azerbaijan as the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry was officially inaugurated in Islamabad.

The ceremony was graced by Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Privatization, and Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, alongside the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Khazar Farhadov, who both served as the chief guests.

During his address, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the importance of the newly established Chamber as a vital platform for enhancing business activities between the two nations. He noted that the Chamber would provide a single point of contact for addressing investment issues, thereby strengthening bilateral cooperation. He also stated that sustainable development relies on strategic partnerships, and the inauguration marked the beginning of a new era of trade and innovation. Khan highlighted that during his visits to Baku, he had seen firsthand the deep-rooted relationship between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Pakistan, built on shared culture and mutual respect. The Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to supporting Azerbaijan's business community, particularly in promoting Pakistani exports, and assured that the Chamber would play a pivotal role in this effort. He congratulated Ambassador Khazar Farhadov and his team for their dedication in bringing this initiative to fruition, expressing confidence that the bilateral relationship would continue to flourish in the coming years. Ambassador Khazar Farhadov also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the strong fraternal bonds between the two countries. He expressed optimism that the newly launched Chamber would contribute to increasing the current $2 billion trade volume between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, strengthening economic ties further.

Farhadov highlighted that the Chamber would serve as a bridge for Pakistan's products to enter Central Asian markets and bring Azerbaijani business groups to Pakistan, fostering mutual growth. The ceremony also saw addresses from Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Both speakers welcomed the establishment of the Chamber and underscored its potential to introduce Pakistani products to Central Asia while inviting Central Asian business groups to explore opportunities in Pakistan.

At the conclusion of the event, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, as the Chief Guest, ceremoniously cut the cake to mark the inauguration. The event was celebrated as a step toward closer collaboration between the two nations, which have long-standing ties rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.