ANKARA: Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir Khan said on Wednesday Pakistan and Turkey being the two brotherly democracies should work to diversify commercial ties so that true potential of commercial cooperation could be realised.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day Turkey-Pakistan Joint Economic Comm-ission (JEC) being held here from Oct 15 to 16.

The JEC is discussing ways and means to further strengthen economic and commercial relations between the two countries.

Referring to JEC, the minister said that it was an important platform to translate their common aspirations for a strategic economic and development partnership into tangible reality.

“To improve bilateral trade, we need to vigorously involve private sector and strengthen cooperation between the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries,” the minister said.

He stressed on the need for motivating businessmen of the two countries for establishing long-term business partnerships.

He also proposed to energise Pakistan-Turkey Business Council that would help boost bilateral cooperation between the private sectors.

The inaugural session was followed by technical level talks between the senior officials of the two countries.

Earlier, the minister held meeting with the Turkish Minister for Environment and Urbanisation.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2014