ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has assured the business community of the full government’s support in organising the Pakistan–Türkiye Business Opportunity Conference (BoC) being held Istanbul on August 13, 2026, describing it as a landmark step towards strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
Khan made these remarks during a meeting with an Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ICCI) delegation led by its President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, which called on him here on Friday. The delegation also included Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, former Presidents Khalid Javaid, Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi and Sheikh Aamir Waheed, Executive Members Waseem Chaudhry, Imran Minhas and Zulqurnain Abbasi, and Secretary General Ghulam Murtaza.
Haroon Akhtar Khan highly appreciated ICCI’s initiative to hold the BOC in Istanbul on August 13, 2026, saying it reflects the private sector’s proactive role in promoting economic diplomacy and building stronger commercial ties with Türkiye. He confirmed his participation in the conference and announced that the Government would extend full facilitation to ensure the success of the initiative.
The SAPM stated that the government is committed to creating a business-friendly environment and gradually reducing the corporate tax rate to 25 percent as part of broader economic reforms aimed at attracting investment, enhancing industrial competitiveness and accelerating sustainable economic growth. He noted that the Prime Minister’s vision is focused on reducing the cost of doing business, encouraging private sector investment and strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base.
Haroon Akhtar Khan added that enhanced rail and transport links with Central Asia would further strengthen Pakistan’s role as a regional trade hub by proposing that ICCI should also organize future business delegations to other key international markets, including the United Kingdom, assuring full Government support for such initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood thanked the SAPM for his encouragement and support for the Pakistan–Türkiye Business Opportunity Conference. He said that the conference would provide an effective platform for business leaders, investors and policymakers from both countries to establish partnerships, promote joint ventures and expand bilateral trade.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood also highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan’s real estate and construction sector, noting that it supports around 50 allied industries and plays a vital role in economic growth.
Khan assured the delegation that he would personally take up the matter with the Prime Minister and advocate practical relief measures for the real estate and construction industry.
ICCI Founder Group Chairman Sheikh Tariq Sadiq mentioned the issues being faced by flour millers of Islamabad.
Both sides also agreed to hold a joint press conference at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry next Tuesday to formally announce the Pakistan–Türkiye Business Opportunity Conference, which is expected to attract leading business leaders, investors and policymakers from both countries and pave the way for enhanced bilateral trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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