ISTANBUL: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has met the Turkcell chief executive officer Ali Taha Koc, in Istanbul, where matters of bilateral cooperation in technology and digital transformation were discussed.
During the meeting, the prime minister underscored the importance of expanding Pakistan–Turkiye cooperation in the fields of technology and digital advancement. He highlighted the government’s vision of establishing a digital corridor between the two countries and invited Turkcell to develop long-term collaboration with Pakistani institutions.
He noted that such cooperation would strengthen Pakistan’s technology ecosystem, create opportunities for innovation and employment, and support sustainable development. The Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining an investment-friendly environment. Ali Taha Koc, in response, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda and showed interest in enhancing cooperation in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and modern technologies.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Turkish companies to expand investment in Pakistan, saying the country’s economy is moving towards stability and that an investor-friendly environment is being provided.
He held separate meetings in Istanbul with heads of leading Turkish business groups and industrial organisations. Matters of bilateral economic cooperation and new investment opportunities were discussed.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Turkiye and attracting further Turkish investment. He underlined the long-standing fraternal relations between Pakistan and Turkiye and stressed the need to turn these ties into a stronger economic and investment partnership.
The Prime Minister invited Turkish companies to invest in energy, mining and minerals, infrastructure, maritime affairs, logistics, information technology, telecommunications, agriculture and privatisation.
He stated that the Special Investment Facilitation Council is providing one-window facilitation and support to investors, easing conditions for foreign companies to assess and undertake projects in Pakistan.
In a meeting with Chalak Holding, opportunities in energy, infrastructure, IT and privatisation were reviewed. The company’s interest in expanding its operations in Pakistan was welcomed.
PM Shehbaz also acknowledged Albayrak Group’s work in Pakistan, noting its contribution to communications connectivity and infrastructure development. He encouraged the group to further expand investment in maritime infrastructure, ports and logistics. The President of the Union of the Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey also met the Prime Minister.
PM Shehbaz appreciated efforts to strengthen Pakistan-Turkey relations and proposed a structured mechanism for regular engagement between the private sectors of both countries. A Turkish business delegation was also invited to visit Pakistan to examine emerging investment opportunities.
Turkish business leaders expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s economic reforms and improving investment climate.
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