Pakistan, Türkiye vow to accelerate expansion of trade

September 09, 2025 (MLN):  Pakistan and Türkiye reaffirmed their commitment to fast-tracking the expansion and implementation of the Pakistan–Türkiye Trade in Goods Agreement, ensuring that it delivers genuine and balanced market access.

During the 16th Session of the Pakistan–Türkiye Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Islamabad, both sides also emphasized the need to extend the agreement beyond commodities to include services, e-commerce, and stronger business-to-business linkages through trade exhibitions, investment forums, and joint ventures.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, addressing the session alongside Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler, said Pakistan, through its Special Investment Facilitation Council, stands ready to provide full support to Turkish investors in Special Economic Zones and priority sectors, unlocking new avenues of trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

He underlined that the JMC serves as a vital mechanism to review past progress, set ambitious goals, and implement measures to make the partnership more dynamic and result oriented.

Despite natural synergies, he noted, the current bilateral trade volume remains far below potential.

The two sides identified agriculture, food security, and health as priority sectors for collaboration.

Joint ventures in value-added agriculture, seed technology, food processing, livestock management, and fisheries were highlighted as areas to boost trade and ensure affordable food supplies.

In health, cooperation in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, hospital management, and health tourism under Türkiye’s “Heal in Türkiye” initiative was discussed.

Jam Kamal termed the establishment of the Pakistan–Türkiye Textile Technology Centre at the National Textile University, Faisalabad, a landmark step.

He stressed the importance of expanding research, student exchanges, and vocational training to equip youth for future opportunities.

The commerce minister also emphasized cooperation in IT, fintech, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, along with enhanced transport corridors, maritime linkages, and aviation partnerships as the backbone of stronger economic ties.

Labour mobility, media, culture, and tourism also featured prominently, with both sides agreeing to facilitate Pakistan’s skilled workforce in Türkiye, promote joint media productions, and expand tourism exchanges.

On the energy front, both countries reiterated their resolve to collaborate in renewable energy, oil and gas exploration, LNG trade, and grid modernization to ensure sustainable growth and energy security.

Defense and security cooperation, a longstanding hallmark of bilateral ties, was reaffirmed with Pakistan appreciating Türkiye’s progress in defense technologies.

Meanwhile, Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler said both sides were determined to achieve the $5 billion bilateral trade target set by their leadership.

He stressed that economic and trade relations form the cornerstone of Pakistan–Türkiye ties and underlined that the JMC will now be held on a regular basis.

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