Karachi: The President of the ECO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECO CCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, has proposed a Pakistan-Türkiye Joint Business Meeting. The initiative, aimed at helping achieve a bilateral trade target of $5 billion, comes after a meeting between Pakistan's Prime Minister and Türkiye's President in Istanbul, where they agreed to enhance economic ties.
According to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the leadership of both countries has set a clear path for strengthening economic and commercial relations. Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized the role of the private sectors in Pakistan and Türkiye to support these efforts through increased business-to-business engagement, investment partnerships, and institutional cooperation.
Despite strong political relations, Sheikh noted that bilateral trade remains below potential, with Pakistan's exports to Türkiye at $369.2 million and imports at $866.5 million in 2025, totaling $1.236 billion. He identified significant opportunities for trade expansion and diversification. Pakistan's key exports to Türkiye include rice, textiles, and sports goods, while Türkiye exports machinery, chemicals, and construction materials to Pakistan. Sheikh highlighted the industrial and commercial complementarities between the two countries that could enhance trade and investment.
The proposed business meeting aims to gather leading business figures to explore cooperation, joint ventures, and investment opportunities. It seeks to formulate practical recommendations to meet the $5 billion trade target. Sheikh underscored the role of regional platforms like the Economic Cooperation Organization and others in promoting economic integration and collaboration.
Sheikh expressed optimism that ECO CCI, TOBB, and FPCCI's coordinated efforts would lead to a meaningful contribution, translating the vision of the leaders into tangible economic outcomes and fortifying the Pakistan-Türkiye economic partnership.