Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat agrees to send a delegation to Pakistan to review bilateral trade mechanisms, while both countries discuss mango exports, Basmati rice and industrial investment.
Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, expand agricultural exports and encourage Turkish investment in Pakistan, with particular emphasis on Karachi Industrial Park.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held discussions with Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr Ömer Bolat, on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul.
Both ministers discussed ways to increase bilateral trade, improve market access for Pakistani products and strengthen commercial relations.
Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Türkiye’s support for Pakistan’s claims concerning Basmati rice and stressed the importance of protecting the premium agricultural product in international markets.
He also invited Turkish businesses to invest in Pakistan, highlighting 1,000 acres of land earmarked for Turkish enterprises in Karachi Industrial Park. The proposed investment opportunities include establishing industrial units and expanding manufacturing operations.
The Commerce Minister also sought Türkiye’s support in facilitating greater imports of Pakistani mangoes.
Responding to the proposals, Ömer Bolat stressed the need for effective marketing and branding of Pakistani Basmati rice in Türkiye. He also assured support for increasing imports of Pakistani mangoes.
In a significant development, the Turkish Trade Minister agreed to send a delegation of officials to Pakistan to review existing bilateral trade arrangements and identify practical measures to improve commercial relations.
Separately, Jam Kamal Khan met Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The discussions focused on improving trade statistics, economic research and cooperation among member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The Commerce Minister emphasised that accurate and reliable trade data was essential for identifying business opportunities, addressing trade barriers and developing effective economic policies.
He also highlighted the importance of research-based cooperation to promote greater trade integration among OIC member states.
The meetings reflect Pakistan’s efforts to attract foreign investment, increase agricultural exports and strengthen economic partnerships with Türkiye and other Islamic countries.