Punjab, Azerbaijan move to convert bilateral goodwill into investment projects

• CM Maryam, Azerbaijani minister agree to expand trade and investment ties, forge major economic partnership

• Joint working group formed with Marriyum Aurangzeb named as head of Punjab side

• Talks held on preferential trade arrangement to boost market access

• Smart cities, SEZs, tourism, logistics and IT among key focus sectors

• Both sides vow swift follow-up to convert plans into investment-ready ventures

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov on Wednesday agreed to significantly expand bilateral economic cooperation, with both sides deciding to establish a joint working group (JWG) aimed at translating “political goodwill into concrete investment and development partnerships,” according to a handout issued by Punjab DGPR.

The consensus was reached during a high-level meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, urban development, agriculture, logistics, tourism and infrastructure, reflecting growing momentum in economic ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz led the Punjab delegation, while the host side was led by Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, said a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

During the talks, both sides formally agreed to constitute a joint working group to facilitate economic collaboration and investment coordination. Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb was appointed to head the working group on behalf of the Punjab government.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to deepen institutional partnerships, expand investment linkages and promote organised economic engagement across key sectors.

Discussions also centred on the prospects of a Preferential Trade Arrangement (PTA) between Pakistan and Azerbaijan aimed at improving market access, reducing trade barriers and enhancing bilateral trade volumes.

Maryam Nawaz underscored Pakistan’s longstanding and brotherly ties with Azerbaijan, reiterating Punjab government’s resolve to transform diplomatic relations into broad-based economic cooperation, the CMO said.

Both leaders agreed that the newly established joint working group would comprise relevant government departments and technical experts from both sides to identify priority sectors for cooperation and develop frameworks for joint ventures and strategic partnerships.

According to the decisions taken during the meeting, the working group will explore opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPP), facilitate investor coordination and support project development in multiple sectors, the statement added.

Frameworks for sectoral cooperation in infrastructure, housing, agriculture, tourism and energy will also be prepared, while mechanisms aimed at regulatory facilitation and ease of doing business are expected to be developed in the coming months.

The group has been tasked with presenting actionable proposals within the next few months to convert bilateral understanding into investment-ready initiatives and long-term economic collaboration.

The Punjab chief minister highlighted her government’s ongoing economic transformation agenda, including reforms in land-use policy, development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and the upcoming Punjab Economic Transformation Plan focused on industrial modernisation, exports and value addition.

The two sides also discussed investment opportunities for Azerbaijani businesses in smart cities, real estate, hospitality, agri-value chains, logistics and IT infrastructure, with both leaders expressing optimism over expanding private-sector participation.

Maryam Nawaz invited the Azerbaijani economy minister to visit Pakistan again and reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining close coordination through the newly established institutional mechanism.

Both sides agreed to accelerate follow-up engagements in order to swiftly transform discussions into practical projects and sustainable economic partnerships.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to develop a structured and long-term framework for Pakistan-Azerbaijan economic cooperation, signalling a renewed push to strengthen trade, investment and strategic connectivity between Punjab and Azerbaijan.