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Pakistan, Azerbaijan Review Economic Cooperation and Investment Opportunities

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Pakistan.

During the meeting, the two sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral trade and investment relations. While noting steady growth in trade between the two countries, both leaders emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to diversify and deepen economic exchanges across multiple sectors, including defence production, petroleum and minerals, infrastructure development, dairy and livestock, hospitality, and information technology, according to official statement, issued from PM office.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s proposal to establish a Pakistan‑Azerbaijan Joint Investment Company with equal contributions from both sides. He also welcomed Azerbaijan’s interest in the White Oil Pipeline Project and encouraged SOCAR to explore upstream oil and gas opportunities in Pakistan.

On regional connectivity, the leaders stressed the strategic importance of enhancing linkages. The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s position as the shortest route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, while recognizing Azerbaijan’s vital role in initiatives such as the Trans‑Caspian International Trade Corridor.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expanding the bilateral partnership, Prime Minister Sharif extended an invitation to President Ilham Aliyev to visit Pakistan. Minister Jabbarov expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and said ongoing discussions are expected to lead to the finalization of the Roadmap on Cooperation in Commerce, Economy, Industry and Investment (2025‑2028).

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials from relevant ministries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also held delegation-level talks with Minister Jabbarov, focusing on prospective Azerbaijani investments in Pakistan’s oil and gas, minerals and mining, meat and livestock, and hospitality sectors, while exploring additional avenues of cooperation.