Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have the potential to enhance their bilateral trade to two billion dollars.        

Speaking at Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum in Baku today, he highlighted the growing trade between the two countries, saying that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Pakistan have had fruitful and constructive discussions.

He said the love and affection between the people of Pakistan and Azerbaijan is decades-long and has been built on sincerity, honesty of purpose and mutual respect.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for eliminating the duty on the import of Pakistan's basmati rice.

He said the two countries can move forward by focusing on the areas where the bilateral trade can be enhanced.

He mentioned several areas where imports and exports could be enhanced, including LNG and defence equipment such as JF-17 jet fighters.

The Prime Minster announced the establishment of a Pak-Azerbaijan Permanent Information Bureau to enhance information exchange between the two countries and further explore what each country has to offer one another.

He said the establishment of a North South Corridor for a reliable and cost affective transportation system and connectivity is another important step.

He said Gwadar port can play a pivotal role in promoting trade.

The Prime Minister said Azerbaijan Chamber of commerce has been established in Islamabad and its offshoots in Lahore and Gujranwala to facilitate the bilateral trade.