His Excellency Mr. Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Ambassador of Turkey called on the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mr. Shaukat Tarin, at the Finance Division today. Federal Secretary Finance also participated in the meeting.
While extending a warm welcome to His Excellency Ambassador, the Finance Minister stated that Pakistan and Turkey enjoy close political, economic, cultural & social relations over the years. People of both the countries have deep sentiments of brotherhood for each other. The cultural and historical affinity provides a solid foundation for further fortifying the existing trade and economic ties between the two countries, he added.
The Finance Minister highlighted the key areas for expanding economic collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey. The Finance Minister commended the valuable contribution of the Turkish firms in the field of construction worldwide. Under Naya Pakistan initiative, the present Government has extended a very attractive construction package to stimulate economic recovery amid COVID-19 as well as in post COVID-19 scenario. The Turkish companies can explore options for joint ventures and investment to increase their footprint in the construction industry in Pakistan.
Similarly, Turkey is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. The tourism revenues have a major contribution in the Turkish economy. The Finance Minister underlined that Pakistan’s tourism industry can benefit from the Turkish experience and make Pakistan a hub for international tourism as envisaged by the Prime Minister.
The Finance Minister suggested collaboration between the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and the Ziraat Bank of Turkey. The Minister further suggested that Pakistan may follow the footsteps of Turkey for value addition in agricultural produce particularly in cotton crops in order to boost agricultural productivity in the country.
In his remarks, the H.E Ambassador thanked the Finance Minister for his warmth and hospitality and affirmed to continue close partnership with Pakistan in the spheres of trade and investment. He suggested that trade between the two brotherly countries may be conducted in their own currencies. The Finance Minister welcomed the idea. The Ambassador also highlighted the operations of Turkish enterprises in various sectors in Pakistan on the occasion.
The Turkish Ambassador vowed to explore opportunities for further strengthing economic cooperation between the two countries in the mutually identified areas.
In his concluding remarks, the Finance Minister stated that people of Pakistan hold deep love and affection for the people of Turkey and people-to-people contact is an important component of bilateral relations. He invited Turkish companies to take advantage of geo-economic platform, being offered by Pakistan, through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and affirmed full support and facilitation for Turkish investors on the occasion.
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