Contrary to perception, foreigners find Pakistan safe

Azerbaijan envoy asks Pakistan to portray its positive image

KARACHI: Azerbaijan Ambassador Ali Alizada has underscored the need for highlighting the positive image of Pakistan as it is a common perception in Azerbaijan and other countries that Pakistan is not a safe country.

“This perception proves wrong when foreigners visit Pakistan and find it safe and beautiful,” he remarked while exchanging views with office-bearers of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

According to a statement, the ambassador called Pakistan a very attractive market where almost everything could be supplied due to its huge population of 210 million.

He pointed out that his embassy was trying hard to promote trade and investment ties between the two countries.



He invited the business and industrial community of Karachi to set up their industries, particularly the pharmaceutical units, in Azerbaijan’s Free Trade Zone in Baku where they could enjoy numerous facilities in a business-friendly atmosphere.

“Pakistani pharmaceutical products can not only be supplied to the Azerbaijan market, but these can also be sent to other Central Asian Republics as there is a huge demand for pharma products in the region,” he added.



He sought KCCI’s assistance in finding a suitable and credible partner who could supply rice and textiles to the Azerbaijan market where businessmen were keen to import these products from Pakistan. In return, they would sell strawberries, grapes and pomegranates to the Pakistan market.

Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Alizada said Azerbaijan and Iran were also working together on a railway project to connect Asia with Europe. “This rail link is important as it will significantly facilitate and expedite exchange of goods and trade in the region.”

Pakistan’s exports to Azerbaijan stood at $17 million and imports totalled $0.04 million. “Business communities of the two brotherly countries have to work together to lift the negligible trade through more exchanges of trade delegations, constant interaction and other trade promotional activities,” suggested KCCI President Muffasar Atta Malik.

He was of the opinion that both countries needed to take effective measures to enhance bilateral trade by increasing communication links and eliminating travel restrictions.



The two countries also had a potential of joint ventures in construction, pharmaceutical, agricultural and manufacturing sectors, he added.

Appreciating military and defence cooperation between the two countries, Malik emphasised that trade opportunities should be explored in different sectors including agriculture, information technology, industrial equipment, mines and mineral.

Saying the business and industrial community of Karachi was keen to enhance trade with Azerbaijan, he suggested that the KCCI could collaborate with the embassy of Azerbaijan to assist in matchmaking, besides seeking ways and means how Pakistani exporters could effectively penetrate the Azerbaijan market.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2017.

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