RAWALPINDI: The ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada paid a visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here. While addressing the traders at the chamber premises, the ambassador discussed ways and means to explore business collaborations, exchange of delegations and trade information.
The envoy said Azerbaijan has a great attachment with Pakistan and both countries are enjoying cordial relationship.
The Azerbaijan envoy 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 and also suggested to increase cooperation in citrus fruits, Kino, Mangoes food products, construction, tourism and defence production.
Pakistan is a big market and we want to tap the growing opportunities, he added. 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 are enjoying good political and trade relations, however the bilateral trade volume is not convincing. A $60 million bilateral trade volume is not enough keeping the size of the economy of both countries, he added.
He informed that RCCI is 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 textile. 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.
Group leader and former president RCCI Suhail Altaf said that RCCI really feel proud and honor that at this difficult time where we have escalation on border, you visited us and we must appreciate the gesture and the closeness of two countries.
