Following the recent enforcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a high-level Turkish business delegation arrived in Islamabad to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties with Pakistan. The delegation, led by Trade Minister Prof Dr. Omer Bolat, held meetings with key Pakistani officials, including Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Privatisation, and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
During the meetings, Minister Bolat emphasized the importance of boosting investor confidence and proposed several measures to facilitate Turkish companies’ investments in Pakistan. One of the key proposals was to increase flight connectivity between Pakistan and Türkiye to enhance economic exchange. Bolat expressed optimism about the future of economic, business, and bilateral relations, describing them as a “new beginning” and reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to cooperation in various sectors.
The Turkish business leaders identified key areas for potential investment, particularly in infrastructure, where they believe Türkiye’s modern machinery could complement Pakistan’s abundant raw materials. Representatives from Pakistan’s commercial institutions welcomed these proposals, acknowledging the mutual benefits of increased bilateral investment.
In a separate meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister Bolat highlighted the shared commitment of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on increasing trade and investment. He identified key sectors for potential investment, including services, health, education, medicine, and fashion. Minister Aurangzeb provided an update on Pakistan’s improving economic fundamentals, citing a stable currency, foreign exchange reserves exceeding $9 billion, and declining inflation rates. He also discussed ongoing reforms in taxation, the energy sector, and state-owned enterprises, and emphasized the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in streamlining investment processes.
Both ministers reiterated their dedication to expanding trade volume and fostering closer economic ties. Minister Aurangzeb assured the Turkish delegation of Pakistan’s commitment to supporting investors by simplifying regulations and enhancing the ease of doing business.
The visit also featured a Round Table Business Conference, co-chaired by Minister Bolat and Privatisation Minister Abdul Aleem Khan. The event was attended by high-ranking Turkish officials, including Deputy Trade Minister Mustafa Tuzcu and Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci, along with leaders from various Turkish trade chambers and prominent members of Pakistan’s business community. Minister Khan underscored the significance of the economic and joint business agreements already signed between the two countries and expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to promote bilateral investment across various sectors. He welcomed the Turkish business community’s interest, noting that increased economic activity would benefit both nations, and pledged full support to facilitate these investments.
