Azerbaijan eyes expanded air connectivity, trade ties with Pakistan, envoy says

Azerbaijan is set to boost direct air connectivity with Pakistan to enhance trade and people-to-people exchanges, Baku’s envoy to Islamabad Khazar Farhadov said on September 17. 

Addressing an awareness session titled “Online Trade Platform for Doing Business with Azerbaijan” at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the ambassador outlined plans to strengthen bilateral economic ties and regional integration, Caliber.Az reports via Urdu Points. 

He emphasised that increasing air and transit links would help integrate the two countries’ economies and provide access to potential markets in China, Türkiye, and the Central Asian Republics.

The ambassador highlighted that there are currently five weekly flights from Lahore and two from Islamabad, and noted that the frequency would soon be increased to support growth in bilateral trade, which currently stands at around $100 million. 

He underlined the central role of the private sector in promoting business and trade integration and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support during the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Ambassador Farhadov also pointed out that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share more than 300 years of trade history, tracing back to the Multan trade routes, which provide a strong foundation for current economic and trade relations. He emphasised that both countries are determined to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, with particular focus on connectivity, trade, and investment.

Moreover, Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President of ICCI, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the potential of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Online Trade & Investment Platform to connect exporters, importers, investors, and service providers from both countries. The platform is expected to facilitate B2B matchmaking, e-contracting, secure payments, logistics integration, and virtual exhibitions, helping reduce transaction costs and overcome physical barriers.

Other participants, including Tariq Sadiq, Chairman of ICCI Founder Group, Babak Huseynli, Trade Facilitation Coordinator for Pakistan–Azerbaijan, and Agha Haider Zain, Chief Coordinating Officer of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Technology Hub, highlighted the growing opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation and the role of digital platforms in facilitating trade and investment.

In his closing remarks, ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing Pakistan–Azerbaijan economic relations and fast-tracking the establishment of the Online Trade & Investment Platform. 

By Sabina Mammadli