Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi has said that Pakistan is proud of deep brotherly relations with Turkey rooted in history. He, however, lamented that the trade statistics do not reflect the existing potential between the two countries.
He expressed these views prior to leaving for Turkey to attend 'Turkey-Asia Pacific 2 Foreign Trade Bridge II' being held from June 16-18, 2008, in Istanbul. The President Islamabad Chamber is also scheduled to have meetings with businessmen of 22 countries and intends to invite them for investment and developing trade linkages with their Pakistani counterparts. He also thanked the Prime Minster of Turkey for extending the invitation to him to attend the event.
Chief Commercial Counsellor Turkish Embassy Rafik Ozgur stated that the invitation to President ICCI was part of an effort of his government to improve foreign trade of the Republic of Turkey. He said that 450 businessmen from 22 Asia/Pacific Countries will visit Istanbul for meetings with 1,500 Turkish companies.
President ICCI said Pakistan is strategically located as a regional hub, possesses an efficient work force and provides a good place for Turkish investors. He said that Turkey has all the ingredients to becoming a driving force behind regional economic growth and therefore, provides equally attractive opportunities for Pakistani investors.
President ICCI further stated that Pakistan and Turkey have historic and deep rooted trade and economic ties, which can play a crucial role in Pakistan's economic development and prosperity. He said that greater interaction between the two countries can be developed through exchange of trade delegations and holding of exhibitions on a regular basis that can also promote and strengthen trade ties of the two brotherly countries.
Abbasi said that Asia Pacific Trade Bridge will provide excellent opportunities for interaction with Turkish businessmen and develop linkages in many sectors. He stressed the need for stronger trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Turkey.