Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7
By Seba Aghayeva – Trend:
Azerbaijan and Pakistan intend to develop the economic cooperation and the two countries are aimed at development of cooperation in such areas as policy, economy, defense and security, trade, energy, tourism and humanitarian sphere, said Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizada.
Alizada noted that currently, there are many spheres for cooperation that are of mutual interest for both countries, particularly, in the defense industry, agriculture, textile industry, pharmaceutical industry and the field of medical equipment, trade of tinned products, energy and tourism, use of transport corridors and infrastructure projects, and others.
Main advantages of Azerbaijan for attraction of investments are that the country has a growing economy, relevant business environment has been created here and there is a high level of competition, he noted.
"Political relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are at the highest level. There are many similarities between our countries: both countries cherish religious and moral values. Pakistan, especially for Azerbaijan, is a fraternal country and a partner," said the Azerbaijani envoy. "The leaders of the countries attach great importance to our relations. The heads of Azerbaijan and Pakistan signed a declaration on strategic partnership of the two countries and the relations are developing in this direction."
"The deepening of friendly and brotherly relations, ensuring the implementation of those issues, which are reflected in the declaration and cover all areas of cooperation, are the main priorities in our relations," noted the diplomat.
He added that the development of trade and economic cooperation stands at the center of attention of the two countries’ presidents.
"Prospects of cooperation in this sphere were discussed during the visit of Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan to Azerbaijan in October 2016, following the official visit of the Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif," said the ambassador. "During the visit, Pakistan’s commerce minister was accompanied by a group of Pakistani businessmen. Azerbaijan will send a trade mission to Pakistan in February. Moreover, several reciprocal visits of representatives of governments and business circles of the two countries are planned and all this, undoubtedly, will serve for the development of the two countries’ economic ties."
One of the priority directions of cooperation is tourism, according to him.
"There are big prospects for the two countries’ cooperation in this sphere. The participation of Pakistan’s tourism companies in exhibitions held in Baku, the exchange of information and experience, provision of more information on tourism opportunities of the two countries are under permanent attention," said Alizada.
He added that the Azerbaijani embassy regularly holds presentations on the country’s tourism opportunities, acquaints travel agencies and nationals of Pakistan with tourism infrastructure, tourism products, by attracting them in every possible way to visit Azerbaijan.
The envoy is confident that the promotion of Azerbaijan’s tourism opportunities, simplification of visa procedures via the ASAN Visa system will contribute to the increase of tourist flow from Pakistan.
Azerbaijan simplified the visa regime and starting from Jan. 10, 2017, foreign citizens are able to register visas for entry into Azerbaijan via the ASAN Visa system within three days.
Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan amounted to $7.30 million in 2016, according to Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee.