The Joint Economic Commission (JEC), co-chaired by Pakistan ’s
Commerce Minister and Turkish Minister for Environment and Urbanization,
commenced today. The JEC is discussing ways and means to further strengthen
economic and commercial relations between the two brotherly countries.
While speaking at the inaugural session of the two days
moot, the Pakistani dignitary said Pakistan
and Turkey
are two brotherly democracies. He said both countries should work to diversify
commercial ties so that true potential of commercial cooperation could be
realized. Referring to JEC, he said it is an important platform to translate
our common aspirations for a strategic economic and development partnership
into tangible reality. “To improve
bilateral trade, we need to vigorously involve the private sector and
strengthen cooperation between the chambers of commerce and industry of the two
countries,” said Mr. Khurram Dastgir. He stressed on the need to motivate
businessmen of the two countries for establishing long-term business partnerships.
He also proposed to energize Pakistan-Turkey Business Council that will help
boost bilateral cooperation between the private sectors.
Mr. Khurram Dastgir briefed the forum about the major
economic gains Pakistan
made since the present Government took office over a year ago. He said despite
many challenges, Pakistan
economy got reasonable strength which is reflected in the improved per capita
income, growth in the industrial sector, exports and remittances. Through
pursuing prudent economic policies, investor confidence in Pakistan ’s
economy has improved while Pakistani currency stabilized and the Karachi Stock
Exchange witnessed impressive growth, he added. He said Pakistan
welcomes more Turkish investment in the agro-based industry, energy,
infrastructure, banking, and municipal services.
The inaugural session was followed by technical level talks
between the senior officials of the two countries. The 15th session will
conclude tomorrow.
Earlier, the Pakistani Minister for Commerce held meeting
with Turkish Minister for Environment and Urbanization Mr. İdris Güllüce. He
urged him to encourage leading Turkish firms to participate in the
international tenders for large hydroelectric, coal fired and alternate energy
projects on Build-Operate-Transfer basis. He said Pakistan will continue to seek
Turkish assistance in major infrastructure projects including building 500,000
low cost housing units planned across the country. Mr. Khurram Dastgir also
referred to Islamabad-Istanbul ECO container train and said this project holds
the potential to revolutionalize connectivity between Pakistan , Turkey and beyond.
Mr. İdris Güllüce offered to share Turkish experience in
urban regeneration, waste water treatment, climate change, land registry and
mapping, housing and disaster management. He hoped that capacity of Pakistani
institutions would be further improved through the ongoing capacity building
projects undertaken by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) which
he said will result in improved commercial relations.
Both the dignitaries agreed to further diversify their trade
relations and encourage joint ventures. They had unanimity of views that concluding
a comprehensive Preferential Trade Arrangement between the two countries holds
the key to taking commercial relations to new heights. They however agreed that
PTA should be negotiated on the basis of reciprocity.
President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce
& Industry, senior officials from the Economic Affairs Division, Ministries
of Finance, Commerce, Communication, Railways, Textile, Water & Power and
Secretary Board of Investment, Ambassador of Pakistan in Turkey and Consul
General Istanbul are participating in the JEC.
ENDS
More photos from http://goo.gl/u5CM39
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