Azerbaijan wants to enhance bilateral trade

RAWALPINDI: Azerbaijan intends to enhance trade relations with Pakistan and appreciates the role of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry(RCCI) for promoting bilateral trade relations.

Azerbaijan Ambassador Ali Alizada expressed these views during his visit to Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry here Thursday.

The envoy said Azerbaijan had a great attachment with Pakistan and both countries were enjoying cordial relationship.

Ali highlighted the economic reforms being undertaken in the Central Asian State including tax holidays and ease of doing business   The envoy said that there are opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism as Azerbaijan government had eased the tourist visa process.

He suggested to increase cooperation in citrus fruits, Kinno, mangoes, food products, construction, tourism and defence production.

He stressed that Pakistani businessmen should explore investment opportunities in his country.

Earlier, President RCCI Malik Shahid Saleem in his welcome address said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan were enjoying good political and trade relations, however the bilateral trade volume is not convincing.

A $60 million bilateral trade volume was not enough keeping the size of the economy of both countries, he added.

He informed that RCCI was planning to organize ECO trade forum for exploring new avenues, information and promotion of trade ties among the member countries.

RCCI president said that there are tremendous opportunities of bilateral trade cooperation in sectors like pharmaceutical, poultry, marble, furniture and textiles. He apprised the envoy on the current and upcoming events of RCCI and invited him for upcoming Rawal expo 2019.

RCCI chief further elaborated the hurdles being faced by two countries in promoting bilateral trade. The banking channel, air connectivity (direct flights), tariff barriers, alternate rail and road network, Visa free facility and lucrative incentives should be provided to enhance bilateral trade relations, he added.

In the end a memento was presented to the ambassador.