KARACHI: Turkish Consul General in Karachi Tolga Ucak has advised the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry to have more interaction with their counterparts in Turkey and the business & industrial community should focus on ‘innovation’ particularly in the textile sector with a view to improve the existing trade volume, besides taking steps to promote tourism opportunities in both countries.
Speaking at a meeting during his visit to KCCI, Turkish Envoy asked Karachi Chamber to further enhance its linkages with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce & Industry which would certainly prove beneficial for the business communities of the two brotherly countries. “KCCI should organize visits of maximum number of trade delegations to Turkey which would certainly pave way for smooth trade and investment between the two countries”, he added.
Commercial Counselor of Turkish Consulate Murat Mustu, President KCCI Muffasar Atta Malik, Senior Vice President Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak, Vice President Rehan Hanif and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present at the meeting.
Turkish Envoy further stated that Pakistan and Turkey can benefit from each other’s experiences and expertise in different sectors of the economy. He said that Business-to-Business and People-to-People contacts have to be promoted between the two countries whereas exchange of students must also be encouraged. “Turkish students can learn good English from some of the finest colleges and universities in Pakistan”, he added.
Tolga Ucak, while expressing satisfaction over improved security environment in Karachi and other parts of the country, 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 added.
Speaking on the occasion, Commercial Counselor of Turkish Consulate Murat Mustu said that 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 added.
Earlier, President KCCI Muffasar Atta Malik, while welcoming the Turkish Consul General, expressed concerns over low trade volume of around US$700 million between the two countries which has to be improved by making collective efforts.
He said that Karachi, being the economic and financial hub of Pakistan, offers profitable opportunities and added facilities for investment and joint ventures to investors from Turkey. “Karachi is an attractive place for Turkish investors, who can surely earn maximum profits by setting up their businesses or undertaking joint ventures here”, he added.
Muffasar Malik stressed that the Karachi Chamber is keen to strengthen trade ties and explore new bilateral trade prospects with Turkey as we strongly believe that Pakistan’s improved relations and enhanced trade with countries like 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. In this regard, both countries can exchange several commodities of interest between each other”, he added.
He said that the Karachi Chamber wants to promote business, mutual understanding and friendly relations between Pakistan and Turkey. “We also 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, President KCCI assured to look into the possibility of sending KCCI’s delegation to Turkey this year.
