ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed to devise comprehensive strategy to strengthen cooperation and trade partnership with Azerbaijan in field of economy and investment.

"Pakistan geographically offers natural economic corridor to sea for Central Asian states," chairing high-level meeting on strengthening ties with Central Asian governments, especially Azerbaijan, he said that Pakistan offers natural economic corridor through sea waters for Central Asian states. He said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have longstanding fraternal ties spanning decades. He said that foreign investment is increasing in country due to business and investment-friendly policies of government. PM directed development of comprehensive action plan to boost trade efficiency and expand current trade between two countries. During meeting, he was briefed on initiatives aimed at enhancing trade volume, capacity and trade and investment between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

It was highlighted during briefing that there was substantial potential for energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and discussions were ongoing for preferential trade agreement between both countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar along with Minister for Planning and Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Privatisation and Investment Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Power Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi and senior officials attended meeting.