Joint declaration and two Memorandam of Understanding (MoUs) signed by Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan will provide a new stimulus to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries. This was observed by businessmen in a meeting held at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry with Karim Aziz Malik, Acting President in the chair. 

Addressing the meeting, Karim Aziz Malik said there is a tremendous scope for boosting cooperation in multiple areas of economy including trade & industry, investment, energy, science & technology, health, agriculture & tourism etc. between Pakistan and Turkey. He said the visit of Turkish Prime Minister to Pakistan along with a high-powered delegation of CEOs of Turkish Companies will expedite business relations between the two countries and will expose many new areas of cooperation for exploitation which remained untapped so far.

He highly appreciated Turkish PM’s  visit to Pakistan along with a big entourage at a time of high security stakes in Pakistan which shows Turkey’s commitment and resolve to take bilateral relations to new heights come what may. He said Turkey could exports its many products to Pakistan like dairy products, refrigerators, washing machines, electronic goods, automobiles and other durable items which are said to be qualitatively better and cheaper.

Businessmen said two countries needed to exploit the trade potential of each other for mutual benefit of people of two brotherly Islamic countries. They underlined number of other areas to bring under the joint cooperation including infrastructure development; housing; agriculture; construction and education sectors. They said joint ventures in alternative energy solutions by Pakistan and Turkey will help bring out Pakistan from the prevailing energy crisis.

Karim Aziz Malik said Pakistan provides vast incentives to foreign entrepreneurs and urged Turkish counterparts to invest in Pakistan to benefit from the suitable atmosphere. Mentioning country’s geographical importance in the region, he said Pakistan is a bridge between Western Asia and Eastern Asia and is also the door to the region opening to Central Asia and added that by promoting trade relations with Pakistan, Turkey can get access to these markets. He hoped that with joint efforts, both countries will be able to take bilateral trade from current 741 million to 2 billion dollars.