Turkish Consul General in Karachi Tolga Ucak has advised Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to organize visits of maximum number of trade delegations to Turkey which would certainly pave way for smooth trade and investment between the two countries.
Speaking at a meeting of KCCI, he also urged KCCI to have more interaction with their counterparts in Turkey. He asked business and industrial community to focus on 'innovation' particularly in the textile sector with a view to improve existing trade volume, besides taking steps to promote tourism opportunities in both countries. He asked Karachi Chamber to further enhance its linkages with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Industry which would certainly prove beneficial for the business communities of the two brotherly countries. He further said Pakistan and Turkey can benefit from each other's experiences and expertise in different sectors of the economy.
The Turkish diplomat said business-to-business and people-to-people contacts have to be promoted between the two countries whereas exchange of students must also be encouraged. He said Turkish students can learn good English from some of the finest colleges and universities in Pakistan.
Tolga Ucak expressed satisfaction over improved security environment in Karachi and other parts of the country and stressed the need to introduce Karachi to Turkish people as a safe and interesting tourism destination and hopefully more Turkish tourists would come to Pakistan.
"A small office should be established in Istanbul to acquaint Turkish tourists about the tourism potential of Pakistan," he proposed.
Commercial Counselor of Turkish Consulate Murat Mustu said they want to finalize Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Turkey as soon as possible. "However, negotiations on finalizing FTA may face some delays because of the elections in Pakistan and Turkey this year. FTA should be finalized in such a manner that it creates a win-win situation for both the countries," he said.
KCCI president Muffasar Atta Malik welcomed the Turkish Consul General but expressed concerns over low trade volume of around US$700 million between the two countries which has to be improved by making collective efforts. "Karachi, being the economic and financial hub of Pakistan, offers profitable opportunities and added facilities for investment and joint ventures to investors from Turkey," he said, adding that this port city is an attractive place for Turkish investors, who can surely earn maximum profits by setting up their businesses or undertaking joint ventures here.
Malik said Karachi Chamber is keen to strengthen trade ties and explore new bilateral trade prospects with Turkey as they strongly believe that Pakistan's improved relations and enhanced trade with countries such as Turkey would surely help in dealing with the ongoing economic crisis and ensure prosperity for both countries.
"I believe there is a huge potential to enhance trade between Turkey and Pakistan and both countries can exchange several commodities," he said, adding that KCCI wants to promote business, mutual understanding and friendly relations between Pakistan and Turkey. He said they want to promote Turkish investment in Pakistan and do everything for the development of Pakistan-Turkey business cooperation. In response to Turkish CG's suggestion, KCCI president assured to look into the possibility of sending KCCI's delegation to Turkey this year.
KCCI's SVP Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak, VP Rehan Hanif and managing committee's members were also present at the meeting.