Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, participated in an interaction organized by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) in Ankara. Pakistan’s Ministers of Defence, Commerce and Information as well as Turkish Ministers of Trade and Defence were also present during the occasion.
Welcoming the Prime Minister, Mr. Rifat Hisarciklio?lu, President of TOBB, conveyed deep interest of the Turkish business and investment community to strengthen economic, trade and investment relations with Pakistan.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the close fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey and the glorious tradition of both nations standing by each other in times of need. The Prime Minister also lauded the phenomenal progress that Turkey had made under the visionary and dynamic leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Prime Minister underscored his resolve to take the Pakistan-Turkey relationship to newer levels in all dimensions. In particular, he said that deepening trade and economic engagement between Turkey and Pakistan was the main focus of his visit.
Underlining the need to resolve challenges impacting bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, the Prime Minister stressed his government’s determination to facilitate investors from Turkey. In particular, he assured quick resolution of issues faced by Turkish companies in Pakistan.
In order to translate excellent bilateral relations into an enhanced trade and economic partnership between Turkey and Pakistan, he urged business communities of the two countries to set a target of increasing trade to USD 5 billion over the next three years. He assured the business community that his government will do everything necessary to help achieve this target.
On the occasion, representatives of Turkish companies also outlined their investment plans for Pakistan and interacted with the Pakistan business delegation.
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