‘Pakistan-Turkey relations spread over decades’
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—A 22 member Turkish delegation led by Mr. Murat Yaltantas President Istanbul Chamber of Commerce visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and met the traders and industrialists of Islamabad.
They discussed the ways and means to enhance bilateral trade a MOU between Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Islamabad Chambers of Commerce and Industry was also signed.
President ICCI Mr. Abdul Rauf while expressing his views said that purpose of visit of delegation is to provide to relief to Earthquake victims as Earthquake as left millions of people dead and other injured and shelterless. After Earthquake, the way many countries including Turkey helped Pakistan, is commendable. The Earthquake destroyed the infrastructure of devastated area, academic institutions badly effected and millions of people are living in tents. After trade reforms growth rate of Turkey is improved which is exemplary. Pakistan is proud to be friend of Turkey and mutual trade agreements could be made in sectors like telecom, construction, tourism and textile. Pak-Turkish relations are strong and improving day by day.
Mr. Abdul Rauf further said that a joint market could be made in sector like auto spare parts, surgical materials and sports goods. Turkey is gateway of Europe and for export enhancement to Europe; Turkey could be used as base camp. By signing MoU between ICCI and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce traders would be able to benefit from both chambers.
Murat Yaltantas President Istanbul Chamber said while addressing traders and industrialists that Allama Iqbal said in his poem about Istanbul that it like heart to Muslims and feel grief of Muslim Umma that is the reason that we are visiting to show unity with Earthquake victims. Pakistani nation always showed the same enthusiasm for Turkish nat on in the past. He said that Istanbul Chamber is third big Chamber in the world which has 54 thousands members whereas 46% Turkish trade and 44% of tax is paid by members of Istanbul Chamber and they also organized exhibitions to facilitate their business community. We want to enhance the trade relations between both countries with the cooperation of Islamabad Chamber. Pakistan is considered important country in Asian market and 70% Turkish import from Pakistan is in textile sector.
At the end of meeting President ICCI, Mr. Abdul Rauf presented ICCI crest to President Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.