Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday invited Turkish businessmen to invest in Pakistan and establish strategic collaboration in sectors of energy, agriculture, information technology and construction.
The chief executives of Turkish business groups called on the premier in Ankara, during his visit to Turkiye.
The prime minister arrived in Ankara on Friday on a two-day official visit to attend a ceremony marking the re-election of Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the country’s president. He attended the ceremony on Saturday.
During the meetings, the prime minister outlined the government’s vision to facilitate foreign direct investment and encourage joint ventures.
The exchanges spanned around expanding trade and investment ties to maximise mutual gains from available opportunities in Pakistan and enhance cooperation in key sectors of the economy through direct presence of Turkish enterprises and via joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts.
It may be recalled that after the signing of the historic Trade in Goods Agreement by the two countries in August last year, which became operational from May 1, 2023, new opportunities for trade of traditional and non-traditional products have emerged between the two countries.
PM Shehbaz urged the Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan, assuring them of facilitation and conducive business environment.
He held separate meetings with leading Turkish companies that have already invested in Pakistan, including Anadolu Group, Arcelik, Zorlu, Albayrak, Limak, Dolsar, Turkish Contractors Association and Pak Yetirim.
The premier encouraged these business entities to benefit from an investment-friendly environment in Pakistan and expand their operations.
The Turkish companies briefed PM Shehbaz about their existing and future plans for investment, while thanking him for facilitating their operations in Pakistan.
A considerable number of Turkish enterprises are already operating in Pakistan in various sectors and have contributed to the economic development of the country.
During a meeting with Sinan Ak of Zorlu Group, the two sides discussed projects regarding wind power and solar energy. The premier welcomed the interest of the firm in different fields including electronics and energy.
Ahmet Albayrak, Chairman Board of Directors of Al-Bayrak Group, expressed their interest in investing in affordable housing projects, solid waste management and power generation from waste and tractor industry. The PM appreciated the firm’s projects in Pakistan.
A delegation of Turkish Contractors Association led by its President Erdal Eren called on PM Shehbaz and discussed the prospects of investment in the construction sector in Pakistan.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatimi and Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkey Dr Yousaf Junaid were present during the meetings.
PM Shehbaz conveyed heartiest felicitations on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to Erdogan on his re-election as the president of Türkiye and wished him continued success.
Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Saturday said that Chairperson of the Board of Turkish firm Limak Holding Ebru Ozdmeir called on PM Shehbaz to explore available opportunities in the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors.
In a tweet, the minister said, “Ms Ozdemeir will be coming to Pakistan with a delegation soon to directly interact with the relevant stakeholders and finalise the joint ventures to contribute to expanding trade and investment between Pakistan and Turkiye.”
Marriyum said Ozdmeir also shared the details of the project Global Engineer Girls, an international philanthropic initiative to inspire the next generation of female engineers and provide girls and women with education, mentorship and career opportunities.
She said girls and women in Pakistan will be able to acquire education and gain experience and pursue their careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through this initiative.
APP
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ