The Chief Executives of select Turkish business groups called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Ankara, during his visit to Turkiye, at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Prime Minister invited Turkish businessmen to invest in Pakistan and establish strategic collaboration in energy, agriculture, Information technology and construction.
During the meetings, the Prime Minister outlined the government’s vision to facilitate foreign direct investment and encouraged joint ventures. Their exchanges spanned expanding trade and investment ties to maximise mutual gains from available opportunities in Pakistan and to enhance cooperation in key sectors of the economy through the direct presence of Turkish enterprises and via joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts.
It may be recalled that after the signing of the historic Trade in Goods Agreement by the two countries in August last year, which became operational from 1st May 2023, new opportunities for trade of traditional and non-traditional products have emerged between the two countries. Therefore, to effectively utilise these opportunities, the Prime Minister urged Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan, assuring them of complete facilitation and a conducive business environment.
The Prime Minister also held separate meetings with select leading Turkish companies already invested in Pakistan, including Anadolu Group, Arcelik, Zorlu, Albayrak, Limak, Dolsar, Turkish Contractors Association and Pak Yetirim. During the meeting, the Prime Minister encouraged them to benefit from an investment-friendly environment and to expand their operations.
The Turkish companies briefed the Prime Minister on their existing plans for investment while thanking the Prime Minister for facilitating their operations in Pakistan.
Many Turkish enterprises are already operating in Pakistan in various sectors, contributing to the country’s economic development. Nevertheless, there are excellent opportunities for cooperation and collaboration in the areas of energy, especially hydro and solar, housing and construction, infrastructure, tourism and transportation.