QUETTA, April 6: Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr Engin Soysal, has underlined the need for increasing the trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey to $1 billion annually.

Talking to Dawn after attending a dinner hosted by the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his honour, here on Thursday night, he said at present the trade volume was around $600 million.

Mr Soysal said that Turkish and Pakistani businessmen should find out more sectors for increasing trade between both the countries.

He said a meeting of the joint economic commission would be held in Islamabad this moth to discuss various issues relating to promotion of trade and business between the two countries.

He further said a meeting about privatisation is also expected in Islamabad very soon.

Replying to a question, about Gwadar Deep Sea Port, the Turkish ambassador said it would play vital role boosting Pakistan’s economy and it would also benefit neighbouring countries.

Earlier, speaking to the members of BCCI and leading businessmen, the Turkish ambassador, said Pakistan and Turkey were enjoying very cordial relations.

Former Vice President of FPCCI, Sardar Mohammad Ali Jogezai and President of BCCI, Javed Paracha also spoke.

Former minister Sardar Mohammad Ali Jogezai, former President PFCCI Fazlur Rehman Dittu, consul-general of France in Quetta, Abdul Razaq Baloch, President BCCI Javed Rahim Paracha and leading businessmen were also present.