April 10, 2003	Thursday	Safar 7, 1424

KARACHI, April 9: Turkish Ambassador Hasan Kemal Gur has urged Pakistan to send trade missions to Turkey to find out the prospects of trade as his country could prove a big market for local businessmen.

Talking to the members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday, he said a great scope exists in improving and fostering trade ties as long as the will is present on both sides. He, however, agreed that the trade between the two countries was very low.

He said that the shortest possible way of increasing bilateral trade was that all the suggestions made by Pakistan in this regard be accepted by Turkey and vice versa. He suggested that big trade and industry delegations be sent to Turkey from Pakistan to boost trade.

Hasan said that a single country exhibition of Pakistan was proposed to be held in Turkey in the spring season of 2004. He added that this information had been extended to him from his government. The envoy regretted that none of the ministries in Pakistan had yet talked to him in this regard.

He said road transportation between the two countries could be the best way to enhance trade. He added that an agreement for completion of railway link between the two countries was pending for long. Turkey was ready to sign the agreement but Iran who had earlier agreed to the plan was reluctant to sign while delay was also caused on part of Pakistan since Minister of Communication has not been appointed yet to sign the agreement.