Turkey keen to play role in CPEC’s special economic zones, says envoy

• The envoy informed that the two countries would sign a strategic economic framework, as Turkey’s President Recep Tayab Erdogan visits Pakistan today.
• The  framework will entail almost each and every economic and trade aspect between the two countries.

The Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mustafa Yurdakul says that Turkey is keen to join the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) being built under the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“Of course, we are interested in being a part of those special economic zones. What we do and advocate is for more Turkish business people to come and invest in Pakistan and be part of this huge effort to turn Pakistan into a trading hub. So, if the opportunities are there for more Turkish companies to take part in such activities -- such zones and projects – I think we would be delighted to consider it in a very positive way,” he said, while talking to Turkish media outlet the Anadolu Agency.

The envoy informed that the two countries would sign a strategic economic framework, as Turkey’s President Recep Tayab Erdogan visits Pakistan today (Thursday).

The envoy said that the framework will entail almost each and every economic and trade aspect between the two countries. “This framework will put a new roadmap for both countries to follow with a view to further enhancing our cooperation in the economic, trade and investment fields,” he said.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan will arrive here on Thursday (today) on a two-day official visit. President Erdogan who is visiting Pakistan from February 13-14 on the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan, will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet members and senior government officials, as well as heads and CEOs of leading Turkish corporations.

Talking about a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the envoy said: “The talks for that is ongoing and we will continue to discuss with our Pakistani counterparts to come up with an agreement that will facilitate bilateral trade.”