ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan His Excellency Irfan Neziroğlu visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) to call for enhanced Pak-Türkiye trade and investment cooperation, emphasizing that historical bonds must translate into deeper economic partnerships.

Key Points

• Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroğlu visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• He urged expanding bilateral trade in food, tourism, mining, IT, and pharmaceuticals.
• Businessmen were invited to the Halal Expo in Istanbul from November 25–28.
• Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf proposed a trilateral economic pact among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia.

Expanding Economic Ties Between Pakistan and Türkiye

During the interactive meeting, Ambassador Irfan Neziroğlu congratulated the newly elected RCCI leadership and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure. He emphasized the need for Pakistan and Türkiye to capitalize on the immense untapped potential in bilateral trade and investment, stating that strong political, cultural, and historical bonds between the two brotherly nations must translate into deeper economic cooperation.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Enes Malik Çetin, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye. Senior Vice President Waseem Aslam, Vice President Ikram Abbasi, and RCCI Executive Committee members were also present during the high-level engagement.

Exploring New Sectors and Joint Ventures

The Ambassador noted that bilateral trade remains below its potential despite the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries. He urged Pakistani businessmen to explore opportunities in food, tourism, mining, education, IT, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, particularly through joint ventures and enhanced private-sector collaboration.

He stressed the importance of greater interaction between chambers of commerce, investors, and business communities of both countries to unlock new avenues of economic growth. He also invited Pakistani businessmen to participate in the Halal Expo in Istanbul from November 25–28, along with other trade fairs in Türkiye.

Chamber Initiatives and Strategic Proposals

In his welcome remarks, RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan briefed the Ambassador on the Chamber’s activities, initiatives, and future programs. He assured that RCCI would work closely with the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad to facilitate trade delegations, promote business-to-business engagement, and share sector-specific information for potential joint ventures. Meanwhile, readers interested in broader economic partnerships can also review how Pakistan must capitalise on improving ties with US to understand similar foreign trade initiatives.

Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf recalled hosting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his tenure as Mayor of Istanbul in 1998. He emphasized the need to transform the longstanding cordial relations between Pakistan and Türkiye into stronger business and economic partnerships.

Sohail Altaf also proposed exploring a trilateral economic pact between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, similar to their defence cooperation framework, along with a common visa facility, preferential trade agreements, and enhanced business mobility to facilitate trade and investment.

The Ambassador assured his full support for Pakistani businesspersons and the private sector, as the meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Türkiye to expand bilateral trade, investment, and business cooperation for mutual prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry?

His Excellency Irfan Neziroğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan, visited the RCCI alongside Commercial Counsellor Mr. Enes Malik Çetin.

What trade event was highlighted during the meeting?

The Turkish Ambassador invited Pakistani businessmen to participate in the upcoming Halal Expo in Istanbul scheduled from November 25–28.

What strategic economic proposal was made by Sohail Altaf?

Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf proposed exploring a trilateral economic pact between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia alongside a common visa facility.