During a comprehensive address at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, underscored the imperative for both nations to elevate their economic partnership, targeting a substantial increase in bilateral trade from $1 billion to $5 billion. Dr. Pacaci emphasized the vast, untapped potential across vital sectors such as IT, AI, education, health, and tourism.
Despite robust connections spanning government, people, and businesses, the trade volume between the two countries remains modest. “We must collaborate with each other to utilize the untapped potential,” Dr. Pacaci asserted, urging for a strategic realignment of bilateral interactions.
Acknowledging the mutual support in times of crises, such as Pakistan’s aid during Turkey’s recent earthquake, Dr. Pacaci also highlighted enduring alliances on international issues like Kashmir and Cyprus. He pointed to Turkey’s dedication to educational cooperation, noting significant scholarships for Pakistani students and faculty exchange initiatives.
Dr. Khurram Tariq, President of FCCI, detailed efforts to foster an IT and AI ecosystem poised to benefit not only Faisalabad and Pakistan but also the broader Islamic community. While expressing contentment with the current state of Pak-Turkey ties, he advocated for trade volumes that reflect the profound fellowship between the two nations.
The importance of Faisalabad was spotlighted, with proposals for a Turkish Commercial Office to facilitate technology transfer and capitalize on Turkey’s technological advancements. Such initiatives aim to harness the economic vibrancy of Istanbul’s airport and Turkey’s tech sector for Faisalabad’s growth.
Highlighting successful collaborations like the Ralle Cheese Unit in Faisalabad, whose entire production is exported, the assembly voiced support for expanded cooperation. The session concluded with calls for a liberalized visa regime for FCCI members to bolster business interactions and cultural exchanges.
Senior FCCI figures, including Dr. Sajjad Arshad and Mian Muhammad Adrees, advocated for a visa recommendation mechanism similar to existing arrangements with the Chinese embassy, aiming to streamline and enhance bilateral engagements.
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