Jam Kamal, Turkish Trade Minister Discuss Basmati Rice, Mango Exports and Industrial Investment

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, in Istanbul on November 4, 2026. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC).

Both ministers explored ways to expand bilateral trade and promote Pakistani agricultural exports. Their discussions also covered opportunities to increase Turkish investment in Pakistan.

Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Türkiye’s support for Pakistan’s claims concerning Basmati rice. He stressed the need for continued cooperation to protect and promote Pakistan’s premium agricultural products in international markets.

Pakistan Highlights 1,000 Acres for Turkish Investment

The Commerce Minister highlighted investment opportunities available to Turkish businesses in Pakistan. Among them was 1,000 acres of land earmarked for Turkish enterprises at Karachi Industrial Park.

He invited Turkish companies to establish industrial units at the site and expand their manufacturing presence in Pakistan. The proposed investment area could strengthen industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Türkiye Supports Pakistani Basmati Rice and Mango Exports

Agricultural trade remained another key focus of the meeting. Jam Kamal Khan sought Türkiye’s support for greater market access and increased exports of Pakistani mangoes.

Bolat emphasised the importance of effective marketing and branding for Pakistani Basmati rice in Türkiye. Stronger promotion, he said, could improve consumer recognition and strengthen the product’s market presence.

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The Turkish Trade Minister also assured his support for increasing imports of Pakistani mangoes. He acknowledged the potential to expand agricultural trade between the two countries.

Turkish Delegation to Visit Pakistan

One significant outcome was Bolat’s agreement to send a delegation of Turkish officials to Pakistan.

The delegation will review existing bilateral trade mechanisms and explore practical measures to improve commercial relations.

Both sides emphasised sustained institutional engagement and closer business coordination. They also highlighted the need to turn existing economic opportunities into tangible trade and investment outcomes.

Pakistan Discusses OIC Trade Data Cooperation with SESRIC

Separately, Jam Kamal Khan met Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).

The discussion also took place on the sidelines of the COMCEC session.

Selçuk briefed the Commerce Minister on SESRIC’s ongoing activities, research initiatives and reports concerning trade among member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

She highlighted the institution’s role in providing statistical information and analytical insights to support economic cooperation among Islamic countries.

Commerce Minister Stresses Reliable Trade Statistics

Jam Kamal Khan appreciated SESRIC’s work and highlighted the importance of accurate, reliable data in economic research and policymaking.

He said credible statistics and evidence-based analysis were essential for identifying emerging trade trends. Such information also helps policymakers understand market conditions and assess trade potential among OIC member states.

The minister added that better data quality and comprehensive trade analysis could help countries identify untapped opportunities. These tools could also support efforts to address trade barriers and develop more effective strategies for expanding intra-OIC commerce.

He further stressed the need for stronger research-based cooperation and reliable trade statistics. These efforts could support informed decisions and greater economic integration across OIC countries.

The engagements reflected Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its relations with Türkiye through agricultural trade, industrial investment and business cooperation. They also highlighted the importance of better research and statistical coordination to promote trade integration across the wider OIC region.