Karachi : Pakistan and Turkey enjoy good relations historically with each other and people have great affection but the bilateral trade relations between the two brotherly countries need to be further enhanced and exploring new avenues by joint ventures particularly in the potential sectors, this was stated by Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, President the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & industry in a meeting with Consul General of Turkey H.E. Tolga UCAK accompanied by Eyyup Yildirim, Commercial Attache of Turkey at Federation House Karachi.
Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo emphasized on the need of intensifying interaction between business communities of both countries so that the existing economic relations and bilateral trade relations could witness a new horizon. He said that Pakistan and Turkey both are important members of OIC, ECO, D-8 and CACCI where FPCCI and TOBB are actively participating in their important meetings. He also emphasized on the need of doing trade through road transportation which will be not only cost effective but reduction in transit time as well. He also invited that the Turkish companies can invest in construction, energy and development of infrastructure.
While congratulating the President FPCCI in his election, Consul General of Turkey H.E. Tolga UCAK assured his full support to FPCCI and Turkey Pakistan Joint Business Council. He appreciated the role of Joint Business Consul under the dynamic leadership of Amjad Rafi. Commenting on the proposals of the President, the Consul General informed that there will be an inauguration of the services of Cargo Train between Istanbul and Islamabad with transit time of 9-10 days. This initiative will go a long way in promotion of bilateral trade. He also offered to organize road show in Pakistan with attracting Turkish Products. He was optimistic that in the post Corona Virus the volume of bilateral trade will be further enhanced for which we have to prepare ourselves and make plans of future activities. He assured his full support to the initiative undertaken by FPCCI and its JBC for the joint activities between both countries.
Amjad Rafi, Chairman Pakistan Turkey Joint Business Council made a comprehensive presentation on the past and future prospects and possibilities of promotion of bilateral trade between both countries. He suggested that FPCCI may take full benefits and advantages of the experience of The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) for operationalization of border gates and their expertise in TIR. He also emphasized on the early signing of FTA between both countries and removing the impediments of bilateral trade including reduction in counter veiling duties. He also applauded the cooperation of the Consul General and Commercial Attache which they has extended to FPCCI and suggested that both countries should seek financial support from Islamic Development Bank for the Joint Projects like starting of train service and other sector which will bring both countries more close.
Athar Sultan Chawla and Hanif Lakhani Vice Presidents of FPCCI were also present in the meeting and spoke on bilateral trade relations. Athar Sultan Chawla, Vice President FPCCI emphasized on the need of joint ventures in automobile, education and aggressive market of products in both countries. It was also decided that the FPCCI will send a trade delegation to Turkey in the mid of 2021. Hanif Lakhani, Vice President FPCCI suggested that Turkish textile machinery has huge potential in Pakistan, therefore Turksih side should have more aggressive approach to market the machinery in Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by Eyyup Yildirim, Commercial Attache of Turkey and Syed Masood Alam Rizvi, Secretary General of FPCCI.