Pakistan to allow visa on arrival to Turkish businessmen

Applicable to valid US, UK or Schengen visa holders.

ISTANBUL: The government of Pakistan has decided to allow visa on arrival for 30 days to all Turkish nationals who possess valid US, UK or Schengen visas, said Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.

“We hope remaining formalities will soon be completed to conclude Visa Abolition Agreement for bona fide businessmen of Turkey and Pakistan,” he said. Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, hosted by Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board DEIK, Gilani invited Turkish businessmen to explore Pakistan’s business potential by investing in energy, oil and gas sectors.

“We seek your investment, desire joint ventures and want to work together in the spirit of a win-win partnership by providing conducive environment to do business in Pakistan. Bilateral trade volume of around $782 million did not reflect the potential and opportunities that exist in two countries,” he added.

He said steps had been taken by the government to promote trade and foreign investment. Despite some external and internal shocks in shape of global financial crisis, volatility in oil prices and energy shortfall, Pakistan’s economy had shown resilience and modest growth this year, he stated.

Economic liberalisation, deregulation and privatisation in a transparent manner remain core principles of the economic reform agenda, he added.

He said Pakistan offered many attractive opportunities for investment in energy, textile, infrastructure development, agro-based industry, oil, gas and mining. He said the textile sector had been revamped and re-energised with a Rs40 billion investment support fund and asked Turkish businesses to consider setting up new units, entering joint ventures and relocating textile manufacturing units to Pakistan.

Gilani said the Karachi Fish Harbour, which has a recognised potential of $1 billion, is being revamped and operations are being modernised. “We look for joint ventures for modern shrimp peeling units and mother vessels,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2010.