Turkish diplomat announces initiatives to boost trade

KARACHI: Consul General of Turkey Cemal Sangu has announced that Pakistani industrialists will have the opportunity to invest in Turkey’s free zones, facilitating their exports to the European market with tax exemptions.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries. During his visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Sangu stated that immediate visas will be issued to industrialists and KATI members based on the association’s recommendations. KATI is set to establish trade missions in several key sectors, providing investment opportunities and facilities under the Turkish government's patronage to increase trade volume.

Cemal Sangu highlighted that the current trade volume of $1.3 billion between Turkey and Pakistan is significantly low. He noted that Turkey has invested $3.5 billion in Pakistan, with Turkish companies investing $800 million since 2016 without repatriating any profits. He emphasized the need for greater awareness of high-quality products from both countries.

Currently, 40 Turkish companies operate in Pakistan. Turkey’s agreement with the EU on machinery and advanced technology ensures that Turkish-manufactured machinery is available at competitive prices. There is significant demand in Turkey for Pakistani halal meat, fruits, vegetables, livestock, seafood, leather, wheat and basmati rice. However, a lack of awareness has prevented both countries from fully capitalizing on these opportunities. Sangu also mentioned the establishment of research and development institutes by Turkish companies in Pakistan. He noted a significant increase in Turkey’s tourism sector, which benefits Pakistani travellers, and ongoing efforts to ease visa facilitation for Pakistanis.

Turkish universities will offer scholarships to 189 Pakistani students this year, with applications open from December to February. Additionally, 12 Turkish universities plan to visit Pakistan to offer admissions, with some expressing interest in setting up campuses in Pakistan.

KATI President Johar Qandhari praised the long-standing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey, established since 1954. He noted that the preferential trade agreement (PTA) signed in August 2022 has not yet met expectations. Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), there are numerous opportunities for joint ventures and investments in various sectors, including Islamic finance, halal food, tourism, low-cost housing, infrastructure development, telecommunications, and education.

Qandhari emphasized the need for university-level partnerships to strengthen ties in education and promote research and development. He also called for an easier and more convenient visa policy from Turkey, suggesting immediate visas on KATI’s proposal.Chairperson of KATI’s Standing Committee on Diplomatic Affairs Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui highlighted the Turkish business community’s lack of awareness about Pakistan’s top products. He suggested that Pakistan’s tourism sector offers numerous opportunities that need effective promotion to attract Turkish tourists, achievable through joint ventures.