KARACHI: The Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Karachi, Mr. Ergul Kadak, has highlighted tourism as a key opportunity for Pakistan's economic development, suggesting that it could decrease the nation's reliance on external financial aid from institutions like the IMF. The remarks were made during a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Kadak responded to proposals about attracting tourists from Türkiye by emphasizing the need for positive success stories to promote tourism. He drew similarities between Karachi's current challenges and those faced by Istanbul in the 1990s, noting the potential for positive transformation. The meeting was attended by KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif and other notable figures from the chamber.
Mr. Kadak advised the engagement of social media influencers to present a positive image of Pakistan, as modern tourists rely heavily on online platforms for travel information. He pointed out Pakistan's potential attractions, such as its coastlines, beaches, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, while also mentioning the need to address certain civic and safety issues to fully realize this potential.
On the topic of visa fees, he explained that these are set annually by Türkiye's Ministry of Finance, and assured that concerns about fees would be communicated to the relevant authorities. Regarding visa processing times, he stated that the majority of applications are processed within two weeks, indicating an improvement in the system.
The Consul General also spoke on trade relations, noting ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Türkiye. This agreement is a priority for both governments, and a protocol was signed in October during meetings in Islamabad to advance the agreement further.
KCCI President Rehan Hanif recognized Türkiye as a key trading partner, with potential for collaboration across various industries. He praised the role of the Türkiye Consulate in fostering business connections and expressed KCCI's readiness to organize joint business forums and trade exhibitions.
Hanif also invited Turkish companies to participate in the upcoming My Karachi Exhibition, scheduled for February 2026, which has been held annually since 2004. The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhancing Pakistan-Türkiye economic cooperation and translating their longstanding friendship into concrete economic benefits.