ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – His Excellency Irfan Neziroğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) to discuss expanding economic cooperation and Pak-Türkiye trade and investment between the two nations. He received a warm welcome from RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan and Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf during the high-level diplomatic and business engagement.

Key Points

• Ambassador Irfan Neziroğlu visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen economic ties.
• The envoy highlighted sectors like food, tourism, mining, and IT for joint ventures.
• Pakistani businesspersons were invited to the Halal Expo in Istanbul scheduled for November 25–28.
• RCCI Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf proposed a trilateral economic pact involving Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia.

Enhancing Bilateral Economic Cooperation

The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Enes Malik Çetin, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye. Senior Vice President Waseem Aslam, Vice President Ikram Abbasi, and RCCI Executive Committee members were also present at the interactive meeting. Ambassador Irfan Neziroğlu congratulated the newly elected RCCI leadership and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure.

He emphasized the need for Pakistan and Türkiye to capitalize on the immense untapped potential in bilateral trade and investment. He stated that strong political, cultural, and historical bonds between the two brotherly nations must translate into deeper economic cooperation. The Ambassador noted that bilateral trade remains below its potential despite longstanding cordial relations.

Exploring New Trade Sectors and Joint Ventures

He urged Pakistani businessmen to explore opportunities in food, tourism, mining, education, IT, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, particularly through joint ventures and enhanced private-sector collaboration. He stressed the importance of greater interaction between chambers of commerce, investors, and business communities to unlock new avenues of economic growth.

Furthermore, he invited Pakistani businessmen to participate in the Halal Expo in Istanbul from November 25–28, along with other trade fairs in Türkiye. In his welcome remarks, RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan briefed the Ambassador on the Chamber’s activities, initiatives, and future programs.

Proposals for Trilateral Economic Pact

Nosherwan Khalil Khan assured that RCCI would work closely with the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad to facilitate trade delegations, promote business-to-business engagement, and share sector-specific information for potential joint ventures. Meanwhile, Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf recalled hosting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his tenure as Mayor of Istanbul in 1998.

Sohail Altaf emphasized the need to transform longstanding cordial relations into stronger business and economic partnerships. He also proposed exploring a trilateral economic pact between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, similar to their defence cooperation framework. He recommended a common visa facility, preferential trade agreements, and enhanced business mobility to facilitate trade and investment. The Ambassador assured his full support for Pakistani businesspersons and the private sector as both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to mutual prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan?

His Excellency Irfan Neziroğlu serves as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pakistan.

What trade event was promoted during the visit?

The Ambassador invited Pakistani businesspersons to participate in the Halal Expo in Istanbul from November 25–28.

What major economic proposal was made by Sohail Altaf?

Sohail Altaf proposed exploring a trilateral economic pact between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia alongside a common visa facility.