Turkish businessmen are interested to support private sector development by promoting economic co-operation between the business sectors of the two countries. This was stated by Mr Veysel Ciftci, head of Turkish business delegation during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He exchanged views on common interests and agreed to strengthen economic relations between the two countries. He said that the Turkish investors are well aware of the fact that there are ample opportunities available to them in various sectors of Pakistan. He said that both countries have marvelous untapped business potential that needs to be realised by maximising the involvement of private sectors of the two countries. Speaking on the occasion, Turkish Chief Commercial Counsellor Cezmi Besogul said that there is a dire need to reduce tariff barriers which would ultimately enhance trade relations. He said that there is also a need to create preferential trade relation between two countries. He emphasized on construction of link roads and railway tracks between two countries and establishment of banks in each others country to promote strategic relation. The Turkish delegates expressed interest in promoting trade and economic relations while stressing the need for close cooperation and showed interest in putting a sizable investment in Pakistan. In his welcome address, ICCI senior VP Asad Farid said that Turkey is a time tested strategic partner of Pakistan as both nations maintain extensive commercial, strategic and military cooperation. He said that exchange of business delegations could be a better option for exploring areas of common interest. He also highlighted that tremendous investment opportunities are available in power, oil and gas, mining, textile, agriculture and financial sector. Initiatives should be taken to achieve the bilateral trade target of $2 billion by 2012 through speedy formulation of a strategic economic cooperation framework, he added. ICCI Vice President Shahid Zaman Shinwari said that both countries should go for joint ventures and also study each other market to look at the possibilities of joining hands in different sectors.
