Yusif Abdullayev: Azerbaijan interested in buying rice from Pakistan

Azerbaijan is interested in expanding rice imports from Pakistan, Yusif Abdullayev, head of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), said at an event held within the framework of the business mission of Pakistan Rice Exporters Association to Azerbaijan, Report informs.

"The government of Azerbaijan has exempted the import of Pakistani rice from customs duty for five years. This decision which will come into effect in about a week, will expand the export of rice from Pakistan to Azerbaijan and open new opportunities for Pakistani exporters. The import of rice from Pakistan will be encouraged in Azerbaijan. The fraternal country has a high level of rice production. In this case, why should we import rice from a country other than Pakistan?" he noted.

Bilal Hayee, Pakistan's ambassador to Azerbaijan, said that different types of rice can be exported from Pakistan to Azerbaijan: "Currently, 19 rice exporters are visiting Baku. They export different types of rice. The presence of this large delegation in Azerbaijan shows that we take the opportunities seriously and thank the government of Azerbaijan. We hope that these opportunities will be helpful for both countries and the people of Azerbaijan will be able to use better and higher quality rice from Pakistan."

In 2021, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan decreased by 11.6% compared to 2020 and amounted to $11,729,000. In January-October of this year, the two countries conducted trade transactions worth $19,045,000.