Pakistan and Turkey have unveiled a comprehensive strategy to deepen their economic partnership, aiming to reach a trade volume of $5 billion, a goal discussed during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit. According to a senior Turkish diplomat, the plan includes boosting Pakistani exports, particularly in sports and surgical goods, and strengthening overall trade relations between the two countries.
The diplomat emphasized the long-standing and close ties between Pakistan and Turkey, highlighting not only their strong defense cooperation but also their cultural and historical bonds. “Both nations share similar traditions, media, and educational values, and Pakistan has consistently supported Turkey in significant historical moments such as the Khilafat Movement and the Cyprus issue,” the diplomat stated.
A key focus of the economic plan is increasing the export of Pakistani goods, particularly from the Sialkot region, known for its sports equipment and surgical goods. Senior Turkish officials recently visited Sialkot to kickstart this initiative, further solidifying the trade relationship.
Moreover, the diplomat pointed out the vibrant student exchange program between the two nations, with around 1.5 million Pakistani students studying in Turkey each year. He also expressed excitement about Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad ranking among the top 500 global institutions and suggested the possibility of sending Turkish students there for studies.
Security cooperation remains a priority, with both nations committed to combating terrorism together. The diplomat affirmed, “We stand united against any threat or menace of terrorism.”
Pakistan and Turkey are also moving forward with the creation of a Shura of Fraternity, a consultative body aimed at addressing key bilateral and global issues. This initiative highlights the countries’ commitment to enhanced dialogue and collaboration on global matters.
Connectivity is another crucial focus area, with both sides exploring how the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could be linked to Turkey for broader regional integration. The diplomat also noted that while the two countries have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), there are plans to expand it to cover a wider range of goods, facilitating more robust trade.
To further strengthen commercial ties, Pakistan and Turkey will organize counter-exhibitions in each other’s countries, encouraging businesses to explore market potential. Turkish officials urged Pakistani businesses to take advantage of opportunities in Turkey, particularly in the surgical goods sector.
Finally, plans to restart the Islamabad-Istanbul freight train service are also on the agenda to improve trade connectivity, addressing some bureaucratic hurdles along the way.
