ISTANBUL (Special Correspondent) – Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings to strengthen economic ties with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Tunisia. These discussions, held on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, Türkiye, focused on boosting investment, industrial cooperation, and sectoral partnerships.

Key Points

• Jam Kamal Khan met with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Tunisia to explore new trade and investment opportunities.
• Discussions with Saudi Arabia prioritized agriculture, livestock, food security, and joint ventures in emerging African markets.
• Egypt proposed manufacturing partnerships to leverage its preferential trade access to the United States market.
• Pakistan and Tunisia agreed to enhance cooperation in minerals, auto parts, textiles, and agricultural productivity.

During his meeting with Mr. Fareed S. Alasaly, Deputy Governor for International Organizations and Agreements of Saudi Arabia, the Minister advocated for closer institutional and private-sector collaboration. Mr. Khan identified significant potential for joint ventures in human resource development and invited Saudi stakeholders to attend the upcoming FoodAg exhibition in Pakistan to evaluate prospects in the livestock and food-related industries.

In a separate session with Mr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt, the focus shifted toward textile and manufacturing synergies. Mr. Saleh outlined opportunities for Pakistani investors to establish manufacturing units in Egypt, which could grant them preferential trade access to the American market. Furthermore, the two sides discussed educational exchanges in science, technology, and medicine.

Boosting Regional Trade Cooperation

Addressing the current trade volume with Tunisia, the Commerce Minister and H.E. Samir Abid, Minister of Trade and Export Development, noted that current figures remain below potential. The leaders agreed that the two nations must leverage their technical expertise to enhance productivity in specialized sectors, including auto parts and textiles.

These diplomatic efforts underline Pakistan’s strategy to diversify its export markets and deepen economic integration within the Middle East and North Africa. By fostering private-sector engagement and institutional cooperation, the government aims to translate high-level discussions into tangible economic partnerships that bolster national trade competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary focus of the meetings in Istanbul?

The meetings focused on expanding trade, investment, joint ventures, and industrial cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, minerals, and food security.

What specific opportunity did Egypt present to Pakistani investors?

Egypt suggested that Pakistani companies establish manufacturing operations within its borders to utilize existing preferential trade arrangements with the United States.