Pakistan Earmarks 1,000 Acres at Karachi Industrial Park for Turkish Investors

Pakistan has earmarked 1,000 acres at Karachi Industrial Park for Turkish enterprises. The government aims to attract foreign investment and strengthen industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan announced the initiative on Wednesday during a meeting with Türkiye’s Trade Minister, Prof Ömer Bolat, in Istanbul.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC).

Jam Kamal invited Turkish businesses to use the opportunity to establish industrial units in Pakistan. He also encouraged them to expand their manufacturing and investment operations in the country.

Both ministers discussed shared economic and commercial interests. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations between Pakistan and Türkiye.

Pakistan Seeks Greater Market Access for Agricultural Exports

Jam Kamal appreciated Türkiye’s support for Pakistan’s legitimate claims concerning basmati rice.

He stressed the need for continued cooperation to protect and promote Pakistan’s premium agricultural products in international markets.

The minister also sought Türkiye’s support in securing greater market access for Pakistani mangoes. He highlighted the potential to increase mango exports to the Turkish market.

Bolat emphasised effective marketing and branding of Pakistani basmati rice in Türkiye. He said stronger market promotion could improve the product’s presence and consumer recognition.

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

Turkish Delegation to Visit Pakistan

Bolat agreed to send a delegation of Turkish officials to Pakistan. The delegation will review existing bilateral trade mechanisms and explore practical ways to improve trade relations.

Both sides highlighted the importance of sustained institutional engagement and stronger business cooperation.

They also called for closer coordination to turn existing economic opportunities into tangible trade and investment outcomes.

Government to Simplify Export Facilitation Scheme Rules for Machinery Imports

Pakistan Highlights Importance of Reliable Trade Data at SESRIC Meeting

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

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

Selçuk briefed the minister on SESRIC’s ongoing activities, research initiatives and reports covering trade among members 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.

Jam Kamal appreciated SESRIC’s work and stressed the importance of accurate, reliable and clean data in economic research and policy analysis.

He said credible statistics and evidence-based assessments help identify emerging trade trends. They also support a better understanding of market conditions and trade potential among OIC member states.

Stronger Research Cooperation to Support Intra-OIC Trade

The minister said better data quality and comprehensive trade analysis could help member countries identify untapped opportunities.

Such analysis could also help them address trade barriers and develop more effective strategies to increase intra-OIC trade.

Jam Kamal emphasised stronger research-based cooperation and the use of reliable trade statistics. He said these efforts were important for informed decision-making and greater economic integration among OIC countries.