Sameer Aftab Sial: Pakistan to discuss urban development cooperation with Azerbaijan at WUF13

Pakistan is interested in cooperating with Azerbaijan in the field of urban development, Sameer Aftab Sial, Director of Architecture and Planning at the Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), told Report.

According to him, Pakistan is holding talks with representatives of Azerbaijani businesses within the framework of developing joint projects.

"We are in discussions with various groups in Azerbaijan to establish cooperation, present our projects, and explore opportunities for collaboration," he said.

Sial noted that the discussions concern mutually beneficial cooperation in urban planning and real estate development.

According to him, the main focus of potential cooperation is linked to Baku and projects in the capital region.

Speaking about WUF13, which is being held in Baku, Sial said that participation in the forum provides an opportunity to present Pakistani projects and establish new professional contacts.

Responding to a question about Baku, he emphasized that the city made a positive impression on him as a modern and rapidly developing urban center.

Meanwhile, Mansoor Ahmed Janjua, Chief Operating Officer of the Ravi Urban Development Authority and the Central Business District Development Authority, said that Pakistan is interested in Azerbaijani investments in urban development and is already holding talks with several companies.

According to him, contacts between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the fields of urban planning and urban development are already actively expanding.

"At the delegation level, we are holding meetings aimed at expanding cooperation and strengthening interaction between the sides. Our Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is already here and has been conducting meetings over the past few days, which also contributes to strengthening dialogue between the countries," he said.

Janjua also stressed that the Pakistani side is seeking to sign a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijani representatives.

"A memorandum of understanding is the first step. It will be followed by detailed work, including financial models, feasibility studies, and issues related to investment efficiency, in order to make the cooperation practical and effective," he added.

Speaking about WUF13 and his stay in Baku, he praised the high level of organization of the forum.

"The organization of the forum is impeccable. Baku has made a very strong impression on me. It is a hospitable city, and relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan can truly be described as brotherly," he said.