The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEİK) organized a joint meeting of Pakistan Turkey Joint Business Council at Federation House, Karachi and DEIK Head Office, Istanbul, Turkey. The objective of the meeting was Interconnected Business Series: Turkey Pakistan, which was followed by B2B meetings of food, beverages, construction & their technologies and machinery. The session provided opportunities to Pakistani and Turkish Businessmen to explore new avenues of bilateral trade and investment.

The Meeting was addressed by Mr. Mian Anjum Nisar, President of FPCCI, Mr. Muhammed Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Ambassador of Pakistan in Ankara, Mr. Amjad Rafi, Chairman, FPCCI Pakistan-Turkey Business Council and Mr. Bilal Pasha Consul General of Pakistan in Istanbul from Pakistan side and Mr. Nail OLPAK, President of Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), Mr. İhsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Ambassador of Turkey in Islamabad, Mr. Ahmet Cengiz Özdemir, Chairperson, DEIK/Turkey-Pakistan Business Council, Mr. Demir Ahmet Sakin, Commercial Counselor of Turkey and Eyyup Yildirin Commercial Attache of Turkey in Karachi from Turkish side. The B2B/networking session was attended by more than 100 Pakistani and Turkish companies representing Food, Beverages, construction sectors and their Technologies & Machineries.

In his remarks, Mian Anjum Nisar President FPCCI highlighted the business and investment environment of Pakistan for joint ventures in CPEC projects, Export Processing Zones and Special Economic Zones. He also indicated the Pakistan and Turkey comparative advantages in textile, engineering, leather, agriculture, machinery and pharmaceutical etc which can be utilized for capturing significant share in global market by formulation of joint strategy and enhancement of production. He also emphasized on transfer of technology and skill in development of SMEs, tourism, health and education sectors. He also underlined the need of enhancement of commercial ties by expanding interaction of businessmen of both nations, exchange of delegations and holding of exhibitions etc. He also highlighted the environment after COVID-19 which has deteriorated economic activities all over the world.

Mr. Nail OLPAK, President of Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Turkey also emphasized on the localization, capital accumulation and development of supply chain between both countries. He added that signing of Free Trade Agreement is need of the hour for the enhancement of trade and economic relations. He also shared Turkish investment in different countries in construction and food sector.

Mr. Amjad Rafi, Chairman Pakistan Turkey Joint Business Council highlighted details of the trade prospects between both countries. He acknowledged the visit of President of Turkey Tayyib Erdogan in February 2020 and transformation of the existing relations into Strategic Economic Framework (SEF) which is a road map for deepening economic cooperation for enhancement of bilateral relations in trade, tourism, healthcare, hospitality, industry, education, housing, agriculture, aviation and banking. He showed his concern over the declining of bilateral trade particularly Pakistan’s export to Turkey due to imposition and continuously rising of advance countervailing and countervailing duties on textile and agriculture products. HE appreciated the presence of Both Ambassadors which shows that Government is very keen to facilitate business.

Mr. Ahmet Cengiz Özdemir, Chairperson, DEIK/Turkey-Pakistan Business Council underlined the need of enhancement of trade, collaboration in transportation corridor and diversification of relations in various field. Mr. İhsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey suggested collaboration in blue economy which is linked with maritime activities, ship building and aqua culture.

Mr. Muhammed Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Ambassador of Pakistan in Ankara talked about business opportunities in textile and construction industries. He also highlighted the losses faced by different industries in COVID-19 period. He ensured his continuous efforts and support for the enhancement of trade relations.

During the second session, Mr. Bilal Pasha Consul General of Pakistan in Istanbul, Mr. Demir Ahmet Sakin, Commercial Counselor of Turkey and Eyyup Yildirin Commercial Attache of Turkey in Karachi made a detail presentation highlighting the business and investment opportunities of their countries in Food, beverages and construction industry.