Istanbul, Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to advance their bilateral trade relations, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes. This understanding was reached during a key meeting in Istanbul between Pakistan’s Commerce and Industries Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz and his Turkish counterpart, Trade Minister Dr. Ömer Bolat. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 39th Ministerial of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC).

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the meeting between the two ministers focused on crucial discussions intended to bolster economic ties and promote cooperation between the two nations. Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz briefed Dr. Ömer Bolat on Pakistan’s recent steps towards enhancing investment opportunities, particularly through the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). He outlined the SIFC’s critical role in streamlining investment processes and highlighted key areas for investment such as agriculture, mining, energy, and information technology, which are central to Pakistan’s strategy for economic diversification and growth.

Furthermore, both ministers stressed the importance of finalizing the implementation of the Trade Preferential System among the Member States of the OIC (TPS-OIC) agreement. They emphasized the need for setting a clear and achievable deadline for this agreement, underscoring its significance in strengthening trade relations within the OIC member states.