Tag: Pakistan-Turkey cooperation

Turkey: a bosom friend

September 30, 2012 |

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif called on Turkish President Abdullah Gull atAnkaraon Friday. President Gul expressed his happiness at the efforts of Mian Shahbaz to seek greater economic cooperation of his province withTurkey. The occasion marked another step forward towards improved bilateral relationship that would go on to providing fillip to the ongoing projects initiated in Punjab by Turkish firms, ranging from public transport to solid waste management system. On the sidelines of his meeting with President Gull, the CM was given the assurance of support in these sectors by Minister for Energy Taner Yildiz as well as the Chief Executive of Exim Bank.

Though things cannot change overnight, there is a much that will benefit the country from the expertise of our Turkish friends in areas that are in dire need of an overhaul. Their model of growth offers a source of inspiration for us as it accounts for the enviable levels of prosperity and stability thatTurkeyhas achieved.Punjabcan of course use assistance fromTurkey’s energy sector but in the long term there is no better solution than producing cheap hydel energy in the country itself, that can come only from large reservoirs. It is comforting to know that the Turkish banking sector too is forthcoming as it has waived off certain conditionalities. We would have to address the issue of bad law and order, the invariable hitch to foreign investment.

This news was published in print paper. Access complete paper of this day.

via Turkey: a bosom friend | The Nation.

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that service to the masses is a form of worship and a comprehensive programme of public welfare and rapid development of the province is being pursued.

Talking to the MPAs belonging to various districts here on Sunday, he said protection of life and property was the foremost priority of the Punjab government and all possible steps would be taken for further improving law and order in the province.

Shahbaz said every effort was directed towards the progress of the country and it would put on the road to prosperity after being taken out of the current crises under the leadership of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. He said corruption had shaken the foundations of the country and every person would have to play his role for purging the society of the menace. He said merit, good governance and transparency had been promoted in the province and the development projects of present era were unprecedented regarding quality and transparency.

The chief minister said the transparent utilisation of every penny of the public money was being ensured and all resources were being utilized for the public welfare. He said the credit for materialising the dream of labourers, farmers, widows, martyrs and a common man of having their own shelter went to the PML-N, which, for the first time in the history of the country, had provided facilities to the poor in Ashiana Housing Scheme more than the residential schemes of the elite.

Shahbaz said steps were being taken for the provision of quality and comfortable transport facilities to the people. He said that after the provincial metropolis, a plan had also been made for extending the scope of Ashiana scheme to other big cities of the province.

Mentioning his visit to Turkey, Shahbaz said that besides accelerating the pace of implementation on various agreements, his visit had also helped seek new avenues of cooperation with Turkey in other sectors. He said the way Turkey had made progress rapidly and had become a strong economic force was a role model for Pakistan, adding that we could also put our country on the road to progress by working hard.

The CM said Allah had given rich resources to Pakistan and we could not only achieve self-reliance by developing them but also get rid the menace of charity of foreingers. He stressed upon the elected representatives to spare no effort for ensuring transparent and timely completion of welfare projects.

via Visit to Turkey opened new avenues of cooperation: Shahbaz.

Turkey-Pakistan trade deal seen next year

Article | December 11, 2011 – 1:50pm

Turkey and Pakistan will finalise the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) next year to boost bilateral trade, Murat M. Onart, Consul General Republic of Turkey, said at a meeting with members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Zaman reported.

The consul general said that the signing of agreement will help in boosting trade up to $2 billion between the two countries. Although both countries have potential but it was noted that trade volume was very low.

The two countries have only $900 million worth of trade in which, Pakistan exports to Turkey were $750 million and imports were $150 million. The consul general said that Turkey inclines towards European market because its businessmen have better opportunities in those countries compared to regional markets. He also called on to improve construction sector. In this regard he said that that political support must be involved and government-to-government link is necessary to invest in this sector.

On a request from KCCI that Turkey should invest in mineral rich province of Balochistan, the diplomat said that due to security concerns in the area, Turkish and other investors were shy to come to this area. “Until restoration of complete peace it is difficult to consider about investment,” he added. He, however, said that the recent ECO chambers conference had agenda for investing in Balochistan.

He said Turkey would like to foster the trade, as it is a confidence building measure between countries. Various sectors for investment were outlined during the meeting. Shipping and railway links were also being considered between the two countries.

via Turkey-Pakistan trade deal seen next year | New Europe.