KARACHI, Dec 10: Turkish Consul General Dr Fevzi said here on Tuesday there was great potential for expanding trade relations between Pakistan and Turkey, and if proper method and right direction was adopted trade volume could be raised up to $250 million in next two years.

Briefing the newsmen about the Turkish automotive and sub-industry catalogues’ exhibition being held at the Federation House on Dec 11-12, 2002, the Turkish envoy said at present trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey did not reflect the warm relations both the countries enjoyed on political and cultural fronts.

He said there was great scope of expanding cooperation in the automobile industry as Turkey was presently capable of manufacturing full range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, pick-ups, buses and tractors.

In order expand trade volume from the present level of $150 million, Dr Fevzi said, it was necessary that frequent contacts should be made in the form of trade exhibitions as well as exchange of trade delegations between both the countries.

He said Turkey was organizing textile machinery exhibition in April next year in Karachi, and expected over 50 textile machinery manufacturers would participate. The envoy said “our objective is not only to increase exports but also to have more imports from Pakistan.

Similarly, he said a trade delegation from Pakistan would also be visiting Turkey next year. The delegation comprising members from the private and public sector will be visiting several cities, including Istanbul, Izmir and Turkish Cyprus.

Responding to a question, the Turkish envoy agreed that due to absence of direct shipping service between both the countries trade volume could not increase. However, he said measures are under way to expand trade volume through land route.

The technical member of the Turkish delegation briefing the newsmen said export of automotive sector from Turkey to Pakistan had increased by 33 per cent to $7.874 million as against $5.878 million over the last year.

She said all auto parts manufactured by Turkish industry was compatible with any other brands and could well match with Pakistani requirements.

In total, she said, there were 17 companies involved in manufacturing of 220,303 units of passenger cars, trucks, pick-ups, buses, minibuses and tractors. Most of these plants are in joint ventures with European and Japanese brands.

K Kaan Surmeli, commercial Counsellor of Turkish Embassy, was also present on the occasion.

Vice-president, FPCCI, Tanveer Sheikh, welcomed the Turkish delegation and assured them of full cooperation for the promotion of two-way trade between both the countries.

Amjad Rafi, president, Pak-Turkish Business Council, lauded the efforts being made by Turkish businessmen for the promotion of trade and said “our counterparts in Turkey are making more efforts in expanding trade relations.”