Investment, privatisation matters reviewed

In light of the recent visit of a high-level Pakistani delegation to Azerbaijan, Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Privatisation, and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan chaired a high-level review meeting to assess progress on investment and privatisation matters following the visit to Azerbaijan.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Qasim Mohi Uddin, joined the meeting via video link, where he highlighted the Azerbaijani government's interest in investing in Pakistan through a government-to-government (G2G) model. He stated that Azerbaijani institutions are eager to participate in Pakistan's privatisation initiatives and are particularly considering investment in two key motorways—the M6 and M9—within Pakistan's communications sector.

Mohi Uddin further highlighted the significance of expediting resolutions to existing investment-related issues with Central Asian countries, noting that today's meeting aimed to evaluate progress made on these fronts and to ensure that actionable steps are in place.

Minister Aleem Khan directed the ambassador to complete all necessary groundwork ahead of the upcoming Joint Commission meeting between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, which is scheduled to take place on December 24 and 25 this year. Stressing the importance of a unified and systematic approach, Khan announced his intention to hold separate meetings with the ambassadors of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan to discuss and advance opportunities in privatisation, investment, and communication sectors collectively.

Highlighting the broader regional trade dynamics, Khan remarked that Pakistan's enhanced trade relations with Central Asian countries could serve as a strategic gateway for the country to access Eastern European markets, underscoring the need for dedicated efforts in this direction. He also pointed out Pakistan's prominent representation at COP29, held in Baku earlier this month, as a testament to the country's growing engagement with Azerbaijan on multiple fronts.

Federal secretaries from the privatisation and communications ministries, along with the chairman of NHA, presented detailed briefings regarding their respective departments during the meeting.