Talks held on Pakistan-Turkey economic framework

Senior Pakistani and Turkish officials met in Ankara to finalise Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Economic Framework (SEF) aimed at boosting trade and commercial ties between the two brotherly countries.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan agreed on January 4 in Ankara to develop a long-term strategic economic framework for promoting economic relationship to reflect the extremely close strategic and historic ties between the two countries.

Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division Noor Ahmed headed Pakistan delegation which included senior officials of concerned Ministries and Departments. Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and Pakistan Consul General in Istanbul Mr. Bilal Khan Pasha also attended. Ms. Gonca Yilmaz Batur, Deputy Minister for Trade, headed the Turkish delegation.

During the talks, considerable progress was made on the draft SEF and a comprehensive plan of action. Broader areas of collaboration in the proposed SEF includes: trade and textile, investment and industrial cooperation, banking and finance, transport and communication, low-cost housing, defence production, aviation, auto industry, agriculture, water resource management, health and pharmaceuticals, transport and communication, education and vocational training, energy, science and technology, organised industrial zones and small and medium enterprises as well as culture and tourism.

The SEF under discussion details major activities to be undertaken and the plan of action that will be followed. It is expected that the finalised SEF would be adopted during the next meeting of the Pakistan Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council to be held in Pakistan soon that will be co-chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Imran Khan.