ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin on Tuesday highlighted key areas for expanding economic collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey.
The minister was talking to Ambassador of Turkey, Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul who called on him here, said a press statement issued by the Finance Ministry, adding Federal Secretary Finance also participated in the meeting.
Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed close political, economic, cultural & social relations over the years, he said.
He said, people of both the countries had deep sentiments of brotherhood for each other while the cultural and historical affinity provided a solid foundation for further fortifying the existing bilateral trade and economic relations.
Tarin commended the valuable contribution of the Turkish firms in the field of construction worldwide.
He informed the Ambassador that Under Naya Pakistan initiative, the`government had extended a very attractive construction package to stimulate economic recovery amid COVID-19 as well as in post COVID-19 scenario.
The Turkish companies could explore options for joint ventures and investment to increase their footprint in the construction industry in Pakistan.
Similarly, he said, Turkey was one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world and the tourism revenues had a major contribution in the Turkish economy.
He underlined that Pakistan’s tourism industry could benefit from the Turkish experience and make Pakistan a hub for international tourism as envisaged by the Prime Minister.
The Finance Minister suggested collaboration between the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and the Ziraat Bank of Turkey. The Minister further suggested that Pakistan may follow the footsteps of Turkey for value addition in agricultural produce, particularly in cotton crops in order to boost agricultural productivity in the country.
The minister also welcomed the idea, presented by the Ambassador to conduct trade between the two brotherly countries in their own currencies.
He said, people of Pakistan had deep love and affection for the people of Turkey and people-to-people contact was an important component of bilateral relations.
He invited Turkish companies to take advantage of geo-economic platform, being offered by Pakistan, through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and affirmed full support and facilitation for Turkish investors.
In his remarks, the Ambassador thanked the Finance Minister for his warmth and hospitality and affirmed to continue close partnership with Pakistan in the spheres of trade and investment.
He suggested that trade between the two brotherly countries may be conducted in their own currencies.
He also vowed to explore opportunities for further strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries in the mutually identified areas.
The Ambassador highlighted the operations of Turkish enterprises in various sectors in Pakistan on the occasion.