Karachi (DNA): Pakistan Turkey Joint Business Council (PTJBC) of The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEİK) organized a joint meeting/session “Interconnected Business Series: Turkey Pakistan” at Federation House, Karachi and DEIK Head Office, Istanbul, Turkey virtually to enhance the bilateral trade and economic relations between both countries. The meeting was followed by B2B networking sessions on Food, Beverages, construction, construction material & Machinery, Medical Equipment and their Technologies in order to provide the new avenues of bilateral trade and investment.

The Meeting was addressed by Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, President of FPCCI, Mr. Arshad Jan, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Pakistan,Mr. Amjad Rafi, Chairman, FPCCI Pakistan-Turkey Joint Business Council and Mr. Bilal Pasha Consul General of Pakistan in Istanbul from Pakistan side and 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 135 top Pakistani and Turkish companies representing Food, Beverages, construction, construction material, medical equipment and their Technologies and Directors & members of Pakistan Turkey Joint Business Councils.

In his remarks, Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, President FPCCI underlined the need of harmonization of standards so that the trade via third country could be reduced. He also 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 also underlined the need of enhancement of commercial ties by expanding interaction of businessmen of both nations, exchange of delegations subject to COVID improvement and holding of Exhibitions etc. He also highlighted the opportunities available in construction industry of Pakistan due to Naya Pakistan project announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan wherein 5 million low cost houses to be constructed and invited Turkish businessmen to invest in low cost houses construction. 

Mr. Amjad Rafi, Chairman Pakistan Turkey Joint Business Council discussed in detail the trade prospects between both countries, highlighted the joint ventures and collaboration in tourism, IT, health and education sectors. He showed his concern over the declining of bilateral trade particularly Pakistan’s export to Turkey due to imposition of additional custom duties on textile and other products by Turkey. He appreciated the presence of Both Diplomatic Missions which shows that Governments are very keen to facilitate business. He also suggested creation of B2B portal of Pakistani and Turkish Companies for trade, joint ventures etc. He also emphasized on the revival of cargo train ITI and suggested that both DEIK (Turkey) and PTJBC (Pakistan) should propose a workable Freight and Time Schedule of both sides jointly advice their government ( Ministry of Railway) Workable Freight Charges and Punctual Time Schedule as this is the interest of all Stakeholders.

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. He also highlighted the opportunities in energy, CPEC, housing, SMEs, tourism, transportation area for joint collaboration.

Mr. Arshad Jan, Deputy Head of Mission/Minister, Embassy of Pakistan also showed his concern over the pandemic which has reduced commercial activities and highlighted the investment opportunities in economic zones and SEZs of Pakistan. He ensured his continuous efforts and support for the enhancement of trade relations.

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. He also appreciated DEIK and FPCCI for providing platform for B2B meetings regularly for business community.

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 Pakistan and Turkey  in Food, beverages, medical equipment and construction sector.

From Pakistan side, Sheikh Sultan Rehman Former Vice President FPCCI moderated the networking session on construction, construction material & technology, Mr. Shahid Ahmed Khan Director PTJBC moderated Food, Beverages and their technologies and Dr. Tasmia Abeer Billo moderated medical equipment sector. The meeting was also attended by Shahzeb Akram, Sr. Vice President FPCCI, Hanif Lakhani Vice President, DHA High Officials,  Syed Masood Alam Rizvi, Secretary General and Directors and Members of Pakistan Turkey Joint Business Council.