ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey on Tuesday formed a joint project group to examine priority areas of cooperation for the promotion of investment in mining, oil and gas, textiles, agriculture, livestock and dairy, energy, infrastructure and construction.
 
The decision to form the group was taken following the meeting of Pakistani-Turkish CEO’s forum held in Islamabad to promote economic cooperation and investment between the two countries. The forum, which held its meeting during the visit of the Turkish prime minister to Pakistan, highlighted a number of areas and sectors wherein investments can be realised in the two countries.

The visiting Turkish Minister of State for External Trade Zafar Caglayan in a meeting with Federal Minister for Investment Senator Waqar Ahmed had detailed discussions for promoting cooperation in various sectors and strengthening economic relations.

The four-member group will comprise Tariq Iqbal Puri, secretary Investment and Tariq Azizuddin, Pakistan’s Ambassador in Ankara.

Ziya Altunyaldiz, Director-General, Under-Secretary for Foreign Trade and Turkish Commercial Counsellor in Islamabad will represent Turkey in the group. Other members may be co-opted with mutual consent of the parties.

Pakistan and Turkey have also agreed that the projects in the infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, banking and allied services will be, particularly, highlighted to attract Turkish investment in Pakistan.

The two countries emphasised the need to enhance investment in all spheres, which at present does not commensurate with the deep historic friendship between the two nations.

It was reiterated to promote the visits of leading businessmen in order to accelerate the flow of investment in both directions.