President advocates for boosting trade with Turkiye to USD5bn

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for further strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye relations, with a focus on achieving the mutually agreed target of USD 5 billion in bilateral trade, expanding investment and enhancing cooperation in strategic and emerging technology sectors.

The President was talking to Amna Baloch, Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Türkiye, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad, on Wednesday.

He emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation in energy, agriculture, livestock, mining, ship-breaking, information technology, defence industries and special economic zones. He also called for closer collaboration between universities, greater people-to-people exchanges and the promotion of cultural ties and tourism, including through Türkiye’s expertise in the sector.

While congratulating Amna Baloch on her appointment the President acknowledged her successful tenure as Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. He said Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding relations with Türkiye, rooted in shared values, cultural affinities and mutual aspirations for peace and prosperity.

The President asked the Ambassador-designate to maintain close engagement with the Pakistani diaspora, students and businesses in Türkiye, ensuring effective consular outreach and timely assistance when needed. He also stressed the importance of enhanced coordination and information-sharing between Pakistani and Turkish institutions to combat human smuggling.

The President asked her to convey his warm regards to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon presenting her credentials and wished her success in her new assignment.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026