KARACHI, May 22: The Turkish prime minister is expected to visit Pakistan in middle of June as the head of around 100 government as well as private sector businessmen.

This was stated by deputy director, Foreign Economic Relations Board, Turkey, Ms Nur Arbak, who along with commercial counsellor, Embassy of Republic of Turkey, Islamabad, Engin Ertekin, visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) liaison office at Islamabad on May 21.

The Turkish prime minister will talk to the business community of Pakistan, she said hoping that his visit would enhance trade between the two countries and new avenues of business would be identified, says a press release of the FPCCI.

She said that she had met some Turkish companies who had established their business in Pakistan and they were very much satisfied.

Sohail Altaf, vice-president and zonal chairman of the FPCCI, said the business community was eagerly awaiting the Turkish prime minister’s visit. “The business community is looking forward to see the trade volume of over $1 billion with Turkey in the next couple of years. We can work together in IT field as well,” he remarked.

He said that he had visited Afghanistan in May 2003 and observed that the situation had much improved. However, the construction work being carried out in Afghanistan could be under taken jointly by Pakistan and Turkish businessmen. “The strategic advantage of Pakistan should also be shared by our Turkish brothers.” He emphasized that Muslim countries should have greater trade amongst themselves.

Mr Sohail invited Turkish businessmen to enter into joint venture investment in Gwadar port with local counterparts as the project would be completed in the next few years.