PM Shehbaz holds talks with Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister on strengthening trade and investment

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday met with Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation. Minister Jabbarov is visiting Pakistan on an official delegation.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the current state of economic relations and emphasized the need to intensify efforts to expand trade.

Discussions focused on potential collaboration in defense production, petroleum and minerals, construction, livestock, tourism, IT, and other key sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s proposal to establish a Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Investment Company with equal participation from both countries.

He welcomed Azerbaijan’s interest in the White Oil Pipeline Project and encouraged Azerbaijani energy company SOCAR to invest in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector.

The leaders also discussed enhancing regional connectivity, with the Prime Minister highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location as the shortest route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

He praised Azerbaijan’s role in initiatives such as the Trans-Caspian International Trade Corridor and invited Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to make an official visit to Pakistan.

Minister Jabbarov thanked the Pakistani government for its hospitality and expressed optimism that ongoing developments would lead to the finalisation of the 2025–2028 Roadmap for Cooperation in trade, economy, industry, and investment.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior government officials.