HP Newsroom
In a momentous meeting bridging cultural and educational realms, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, engaged in discussions with key stakeholders in Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality industry. The meeting, graced by notable figures including COTHM Founder/President and CEO Ahmad Shafiq, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director Aftab ur Rehman Rana and international businessman Azhar Pasha, marked a promising stride towards bilateral collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.
The agenda encompassed a wide array of important subjects, underscoring the commitment to fostering robust ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
One of the key highlights of the dialogue revolved around the prospects of establishing a branch of the College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) in Azerbaijan. The deliberations centered on developing academic partnerships to elevate the standards of hospitality education and promote cross-border academic collaboration.
During the meeting, an invitation was also extended to the ambassador for Azerbaijan’s Chefs Association to participate in the forthcoming ‘Pakistan International Culinary Championship – 2024,’ jointly organized by COTHM and the Chefs Association of Pakistan (CAP). The ambassador graciously accepted the invitation and hoped that the PICC-2024 would serve as a platform for fostering cultural exchange and showcasing gastronomic prowess of different nations.
The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in aligning both nations’ interests within the tourism sector. The discussions veered toward exploring avenues for joint ventures and reciprocal promotional initiatives to bolster tourism between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
Ahmad Shafiq proposed innovative projects focusing on skills education and the creation of a skilled workforce. His vision entailed a collaborative framework involving the Azerbaijani Embassy, COTHM, and pertinent stakeholders, aiming to cultivate a skilled talent pool through strategic educational initiatives.
The ambassadorial visit heralded a new chapter in bilateral relations, fostering a tapestry of collaborations spanning educational, culinary, and economic domains. These deliberations underscore the commitment of both nations towards nurturing cross-cultural understanding and leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual growth and development.
