Collaborative efforts imperative to enhance Pak-Turkiye trade: consul general
FAISALABAD: Consul General of Türkiye in Lahore Mehmet Eymen Simsek has said that collaborative efforts will be made to give a quantum jump to bilateral trade between Pakistan and Türkiye.
Addressing the business community during a meeting at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) here on Wednesday, he said that it was his first visit to Faisalabad which provided him an opportunity to fully understand the huge untapped potential of this agro-industrial city particularly in the fields of textile, agriculture and industry.
He said that the current volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Türkiye is around $1.4bn which is far less than its potential. He said that we could fully understand the challenges and opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and in this connection cooperation between FCCI and Lahore Consulate would be promoted with full sincerity.
President FCCI Farooq Yousaf Sheikh welcomed the Turkish guests and introduced Faisalabad and FCCI. Current volume of bilateral trade could be enhanced with collaboration and joint efforts at the level of Government and business community, he added.
He said that local investors are ready to collaborate with their Turkish counterparts to launch joint ventures in diverse fields with technology transfer.
Farooq Yousaf stressed the need to enhance bilateral trade through exchange of trade delegations, B2B meetings and by organizing exhibitions on reciprocal basis.
Mr. Nurettin Demir Commercial Counsellor said that ups and downs are a routine in business related issues. However, we should make efforts to ensure its stability. Both countries are negotiating a new trade agreement which would help to give a boost to bilateral trade.
He said that Türkiye has already invested in Pakistan but its quantum could be increased to the sufficient level.
He assured that Turkish investors would be encouraged to invest in the textile sector in Faisalabad.
He said that textile chemicals are manufactured in Lahore with Turkish investment and its additional unit could also be set up in Faisalabad.
A question-answer session was held while Vice President Engr. Asim Munir offered a vote of thanks.
Later, President FCCI Farooq Yousaf Sheikh decorated Mr. Mehmet Eymen Simsek Consul General and Mr. Nurettin Demir Commercial Counsellor with special collar pins to mark the 50 Years of FCCI. He also presented shields and gifts to the Turkish guests.
Former President FCCI Chaudhary Muhammad Nawaz, Atif Munir Sheikh, former Senior Vice President (SVP) Chaudhary Talat Mhemood, Executive Members Mr. Muhammad Ali, Mr. Umer Farooq Kahlon and Haroon Waheed were also present in addition to Mr. Sanaullah Niazi, Engr. Ahmed Zaman, Christina Peter and Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain. APP
