BAKU, DEC 08 (DNA) – The present level of trade and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan does not reflect the true potential that exist between the two countries, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said.

However, as the minister noted, efforts are being made by both countries to boost trade and economic cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Asked about the priority sectors for the cooperation, the minister said that Pakistan has a world renowned textile industry where the two countries can cooperate.

Other sectors are energy sector, information technology, pharmaceutical, surgical and sports goods, leather industry and agriculture equipment and products, he added.

The minister added that the two sides signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of energy in February this year, and the concerned authorities of the two countries have been in contact to explore further areas of cooperation in this very vital sector.

Touching upon the possible opening of direct flights between the two countries, he said that since July 2016, there has been an increase in the number of Pakistani tourists visiting Azerbaijan.

The minister believes that the establishment of a direct air link between the two countries would not only bring the people of two friendly countries closer, but also increase trade and commercial activity.

“The two countries are also negotiating an air service agreement which will definitely to be our mutual beneficial,” the minister concluded.

Azerbaijan’s trade with Pakistan in January-October 2017 amounted to $7.34 million (an increase of 26.55 percent compared to the same period of 2016), of which $ 5.7 million accounted for imports of Pakistani products, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.