KARACHI (special crosspondent) – Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the ECO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECO CCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has proposed the organisation of a Pakistan–Türkiye Joint Business Meeting. This meeting, to be held under the auspices of ECO CCI in collaboration with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), aims to build upon the recent agreement between the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Türkiye in Istanbul to elevate bilateral trade to US$5 billion.

Economic Ties and Private Sector Role

Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted that the leadership of both nations has set a clear path for enhanced economic and commercial relations. He stressed that the private sectors of Pakistan and Türkiye now bear the responsibility of bolstering these efforts through robust business-to-business interactions, investment partnerships, and enhanced institutional cooperation.

Bilateral Trade Performance and Potential

He observed that despite the strong, long-standing fraternal ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, their bilateral trade volume remains considerably below its actual potential. In 2025, Pakistan’s exports to Türkiye totalled US$369.2 million, while imports from Türkiye amounted to US$866.5 million, resulting in a total bilateral trade of US$1.236 billion. These figures, Sheikh stated, clearly underscore significant untapped opportunities for expanding and diversifying trade.

Key Trade Sectors and Complementarities

The ECO CCI and FPCCI President detailed Pakistan’s primary exports to Türkiye, which include rice, textile yarn and fabrics, garments, leather and leather products, sports goods, surgical instruments, carpets, and agricultural produce. Conversely, Türkiye’s main exports to Pakistan comprise machinery, iron and steel products, chemicals, electrical equipment, plastics, processed food items, and construction materials. Sheikh emphasised that the inherent industrial and commercial complementarities between the two countries present a strong basis for substantially increasing bilateral trade and investment.

Objectives of the Joint Business Meeting

Atif Ikram Sheikh elaborated that the proposed Pakistan–Türkiye Joint Business Meeting would convene leading businessmen, exporters, investors, and sectoral associations. The primary objectives include identifying new avenues for cooperation, facilitating joint ventures, strengthening supply chain linkages, and promoting investment in mutually beneficial sectors. The meeting is also intended to develop practical recommendations to achieve the ambitious bilateral trade target set by the leaders of both nations.

Regional Cooperation Platforms

Sheikh underscored the significance of Pakistan and Türkiye’s roles as prominent members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). He noted their close collaboration within other forums such as the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), the D-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and CACCI. He expressed confidence that these regional platforms could significantly contribute to promoting greater economic integration, streamlining trade facilitation, and fostering private sector collaboration.

Atif Ikram Sheikh concluded with optimism, stating that through the coordinated efforts of ECO CCI, TOBB, and FPCCI, the business communities of Pakistan and Türkiye can make a substantial contribution towards realising their leaders’ vision and establishing a more robust and dynamic economic partnership.