Turkiye CG visits KCCI: ‘Pakistan should develop tourism properly for better economic growth’

KARACHI: Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye in Karachi, Ergul Kadak has emphasised that tourism represents a “low-hanging fruit” for Pakistan’s economic growth, which, if developed properly, could significantly reduce Pakistan’s dependence on external financial assistance from the IMF.

Speaking at a meeting held at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the Turkiye consul general, while responding to suggestions regarding attracting Turkiye tourists to Pakistan, stressed that positive and credible success stories are essential to encourage tourism flows.

Drawing parallels with Istanbul’s challenges during the 1990s, he observed that Karachi faces similar issues today but also possesses comparable potential for transformation.

Turkiye CG further advised to actively engage social media influencers to project a positive image of Pakistan and Karachi, noting that modern tourists, particularly from Turkiye, rely heavily on online platforms for travel-related information.

He said Pakistan has a great deal to offer, including scenic coastlines, beaches, cultural heritage and natural beauty, but emphasised that certain civic, safety, and service-related issues must be addressed to fully unlock this potential.

Commenting on visa fee-related concerns, he acknowledged that the issue has been raised by multiple stakeholders and explained that visa fees are determined annually by Türkiye’s headquarters through a review process led by the Turkiye Ministry of Finance.

He assured that the concern would be conveyed to the relevant authorities.

Responding to queries regarding visa processing delays, Turkiye CG clarified that applicants generally receive their passports within two weeks, which he described as an acceptable processing timeframe. He stated that approximately 95 percent of visa applications are processed within this period and added that the visa issuance system has improved significantly, with two weeks now serving as the standard benchmark.

On trade relations, the consul general stated that negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Turkiye are ongoing and remain among the top priorities of both governments.

He noted that the FTA is a key objective under the Pakistan–Turkiye Joint Economic Commission, and that a related protocol was signed in October during meetings held in Islamabad, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to advancing the agreement.

President KCCI Muhammad Rehan Hanif, while welcoming the Turkiye Consul General, stated that Turkiye is a key trading partner for Pakistan, with strong prospects for collaboration in textiles, construction, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, food processing, tourism, energy, information technology, and defense-related industries. He also acknowledged Turkiye’s consistent support for Pakistan on issues of core national importance, which has further strengthened mutual trust and goodwill.

The president KCCI appreciated the role of the Turkiye Consulate in facilitating business-to-business linkages, trade delegations, and investment engagement, and expressed KCCI’s willingness to work closely with the Consulate to organise joint business forums, B2B meetings, trade exhibitions, and investment roadshows.

He also formally invited Turkiye companies to participate in the upcoming My Karachi Exhibition, scheduled to be held from 6th to 8th February 2026, noting that the exhibition has been organised annually by KCCI since 2004.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to further strengthen Pakistan–Turkiye economic and commercial cooperation and to translate longstanding friendship into tangible economic outcomes.

The meeting was attended by President KCCI Muhammad Rehan Hanif, Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza, Chairman Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Subcommittee Ahsan Arshad Sheikh, Chairman Fairs, Exhibitions & Trade Delegations Subcommittee Imran Moiz, along with members of the KCCI Managing Committee.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026