Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan extended a warm invitation to Turkish investors and businessmen during his visit to Ankara. The purpose of his visit was to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In addition to this, the Prime Minister held separate meetings with representatives from various Turkish companies to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan and foster stronger economic ties between the two nations.
Strategic Collaboration in Key Sectors
During his meetings, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for strategic collaboration in several key sectors. Firstly, he highlighted the energy sector, recognizing the immense potential for investment in renewable energy projects. Pakistan, with its abundant natural resources, offers a promising market for Turkish companies interested in wind power and solar energy projects.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the agriculture sector. Pakistan's fertile land and agricultural resources provide a valuable opportunity for Turkish investors to explore joint ventures and enhance agricultural productivity.
In addition to energy and agriculture, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the significance of the information technology (IT) sector. With Pakistan's growing IT industry, there is immense potential for Turkish companies to invest in software development, IT services, and e-commerce platforms.
Lastly, the construction sector was identified as an area for strategic collaboration. Pakistan's infrastructure development plans offer attractive investment opportunities for Turkish companies looking to participate in large-scale construction projects.
Expansion of Trade and Investment Ties
The discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish companies focused on expanding trade and investment ties between the two countries. Both sides acknowledged the mutual benefits that can be derived from maximizing these opportunities. The historic 'Trade in Goods Agreement,' signed in August the previous year, has already created new avenues for trade between Pakistan and Turkey. To effectively utilize these opportunities, the Prime Minister urged Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan, assuring them of complete facilitation and a conducive business environment.
Meetings with Leading Turkish Companies
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held meetings with several leading Turkish companies, including Arcelik, Zorlu, Albayrak, Limak, Dolsar, Anadolu Group, Turkish Contractors Association, and Pak Yetirim. These meetings provided a platform for fruitful discussions on potential investment projects and collaborations.
During his meeting with Sinan Ak of Zorlu Group, discussions centered around wind power and solar energy projects. The Prime Minister expressed his interest in partnering with Turkish companies to harness Pakistan's renewable energy potential.
Ahmet Albayrak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Bayrak Group, shared their interest in investing in affordable housing projects, solid waste management, electricity generation from waste, and the tractor industry. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the projects of Al-Bayrak Group and encouraged their investment plans.
The Turkish Contractors Association, represented by its President Erdal Eren, explored the prospects of investment in Pakistan's construction sector. The Prime Minister highlighted the government's commitment to providing a favorable investment climate and welcomed Turkish companies to contribute to the development of Pakistan's construction industry.
Dolsar Engineering Chairman, Irfan Aker, expressed keen interest in expanding investment in Pakistan's energy and construction sectors. These sectors offer lucrative opportunities for Turkish companies to partner with local businesses and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Ebru Ozdemir, Chairman of Limak Holdings, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to explore investment prospects in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, tourism, and construction. Ms. Ozdemir expressed her intention to visit Pakistan with a delegation soon to directly interact with relevant stakeholders and finalize joint ventures, which would further strengthen trade and investment between Pakistan and Turkey.
During the meeting with the Prime Minister, Ms. Ozdemir also shared details about the Global Engineer Girls initiative. This international philanthropic endeavor aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers in Pakistan and provide educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The initiative aligns with the government's focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workforce.
Chairman Pak Yatirim and President DEIK, Neil Olpak, expressed keen interest in investing in Pakistan's renewable energy and construction sectors. Their intentions to invest in the country were warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who assured them of full support and facilitation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Turkey and his meetings with Turkish investors and businessmen have opened up new avenues for collaboration and investment between Pakistan and Turkey. The discussions covered various sectors, including energy, agriculture, information technology, and construction. The strategic partnerships formed during these meetings will contribute to the growth of both countries' economies and strengthen bilateral relations. Pakistan's commitment to providing a conducive business environment and complete facilitation further reinforces its attractiveness as an investment destination.
