The announcement was made by Mahdi Heidari, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and President of the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI), during bilateral meetings with Pakistani and Azerbaijani officials on the sidelines of the 51st Annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Board of Governors in Baku.
In talks with Sajid Manzoor Asadi, Pakistan’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Heidari described Iran-Pakistan relations as strategic and emphasized that economic ties should reflect the strength of the two countries’ political partnership. He underscored the importance of strengthening banking infrastructure and financial connectivity to facilitate trade and investment, while highlighting investment opportunities in Chabahar and ongoing initiatives to establish a joint free trade zone.
Heidari also stressed the capabilities of Iranian engineering and construction firms and reaffirmed the Iranian government’s willingness to issue sovereign guarantees to support their participation in development projects in Pakistan. The Pakistani side welcomed the proposal and agreed to explore cooperation through virtual meetings with qualified Iranian companies, while identifying trade, investment, and border-region development as key priorities.
In a separate meeting with Yusif Abdullayev. Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Heidari discussed measures to enhance foreign investment cooperation, exchange expertise, and identify joint projects. He noted that the memorandum establishing a Joint Investment Committee between Iran and Azerbaijan, signed during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Baku, provides a framework for institutionalizing bilateral investment cooperation.
During the meeting, Iran presented a portfolio of investment-ready projects to the Azerbaijani side and outlined opportunities available across various sectors of the economy.
Abdullayev expressed support for convening the inaugural meeting of the Joint Investment Committee and welcomed closer engagement with Iran. He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s International Investment Forum, scheduled for September 2026, as an opportunity for Iranian investors, business leaders, and companies to expand their regional presence and explore new partnerships.
The 51st Annual Meeting of the IsDB Board of Governors is being held in Baku from June 16 to 19, under the theme “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity.”