ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said “deepening trade and economic engagement” was the top priority of his visit to Turkey this week from May 31 to June 2, his first trip to the transcontinental nation since assuming office in April.
Shortly after reaching Ankara, Sharif addressed the Pakistan-Turkey Business Council Forum and interacted with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) in Ankara.
TOBB president Rifat Hisarciklioğlu conveyed "deep interest" of the Turkish business and investment community to strengthen economic, trade and investment relations with Pakistan.
“The Prime Minister underscored his resolve to take the Pakistan-Turkey relationship to newer levels in all dimensions,” the PM office said in a statement. “In particular, he said that deepening trade and economic engagement between Turkey and Pakistan was the main focus of his visit.”
Sharif expressed his government’s determination to facilitate investors from Turkey and promised the quick resolution of issues faced by Turkish companies in Pakistan.
“In order to translate excellent bilateral relations into an enhanced trade and economic partnership between Turkey and Pakistan, he urged business communities of the two countries to set a target of increasing trade to USD 5 billion over the next three years,” the PM
House said. “He assured the business community that his government will do everything necessary to help achieve this target.”
Turkish companies have invested more than $1 billion in different sectors in Pakistan, including construction, power, solid waste management, hygiene products, electronics and dairy.
Prominent investors include Al Bayrak, Oz Pak, Zorlu, Arcelik, Siyahkalem, Sutas, Coca-Cola Icecek, and Hayat Kimiya.
Sharif is accompanied to Turkey by a high-level political delegation while business leaders from Pakistan and representatives of leading companies across sectors are traveling separately to participate in business engagements.
Sharif will meet the Turkish president one-on-one during the visit and also hold delegation-level talks.
"Besides covering the entire gamut of Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relations, the two leaders will exchange views on regional and international issues," the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement on Monday. "Both leaders will address a Joint Press Stakeout after their meetings. President Erdoğan will host a dinner in honour of the Prime Minister."
This year, Pakistan and Turkey are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
"During the visit, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Turkey would jointly unveil a logo, marking the commencement of celebrations of this important milestone," the foreign office said.
The Turkish ministers of foreign affairs, trade, and health will also call on Sharif during the visit, as will heads of selected Turkish companies during the PM's stay in Ankara.
