Govt, traders urged to tap Turkiye’s food market to boost exports

LAHORE:Convener of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry regional committee on Food Shahid Imran has said that Pakistan, an agrarian economy with vast agricultural resources, must fully exploit the untapped food import potential of Turkiye to bolster Pakistan’s export leading to economic growth and strengthen bilateral trade ties.

Talking to a delegation of food producers led by Abdul Rehman, here on Sunday, he said Turkey, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offers a lucrative market for Pakistani food products due to its growing demand for diverse and high-quality agricultural goods.

By leveraging its strengths in producing staples such as rice, wheat, fruits, and seafood, Pakistan can position itself as a key supplier in the Turkish market. To achieve this goal, Pakistan needs to address several challenges, including improving food quality standards, enhancing packaging, and ensuring compliance with international certifications. He suggested that the government and the private sector must collaborate to establish robust trade channels, streamline export procedures, and invest in marketing campaigns to promote Pakistani products in Turkiye.

By tapping into this untapped potential, Pakistan may not only increase its export revenue but also foster stronger economic and diplomatic relations with Turkiye, creating a win-win scenario for both countries, he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq called upon Pakistani entrepreneurs to capitalise Oman’s potential as a strategic gateway to the Middle East to enhance export capabilities.

According to a message received here on Sunday from Oman, speaking at a grand reception hosted by Pakistani Ambassador to Oman, Naveed Safdar Bokhari, in honour of visiting exhibitors and entrepreneurs attending expo, Kashif Ashfaq emphasised that Oman’s geographical location, coupled with its business-friendly policies, presents a golden opportunity for Pakistani exporters to expand their footprint in the region.

He highlighted that Oman’s ports and logistics infrastructure can serve as a vital hub for Pakistani furniture and other goods to access markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and beyond. By tapping into Oman’s strategic position, Pakistani entrepreneurs could not only boost exports but also strengthen economic ties with the Middle East, contributing to the overall growth of Pakistan’s economy.

Ashfaq’s call to action underscores the need for proactive measures to explore and exploit emerging trade opportunities.He urged Pakistani traders to focus on innovation, quality, and competitive pricing to meet the demands of the Middle East markets.He also stressed the importance of establishing strong trade ties with Omani counterparts and leveraging bilateral agreements to facilitate smoother trade operations.