- ECO CCI Proposes Joint Business Meeting to Expand Pakistan-Türkiye Trade
Karachi: Pakistan and Türkiye are seeking to significantly expand their economic partnership by accelerating bilateral trade, with business leaders proposing a joint business forum to help achieve the $5 billion trade target set by the leadership of both countries.
According to Beyond Time News, the proposal was put forward by ECO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECO CCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh, who called for stronger collaboration between the private sectors of Pakistan and Türkiye to unlock new trade and investment opportunities.
Joint Business Forum Proposed to Boost Trade
Atif Ikram Sheikh has proposed organizing a Pakistan-Türkiye Joint Business Meeting in collaboration with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB).
The proposal follows recent high-level discussions between Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Türkiye’s President in Istanbul, where both leaders emphasized the importance of expanding economic cooperation alongside their longstanding diplomatic relationship.
Sheikh said government-level commitments should now be supported by stronger business-to-business engagement, enabling companies from both countries to explore new commercial partnerships.
Bilateral Trade Still Below Potential
Despite enjoying close political and strategic relations for decades, Pakistan and Türkiye have yet to fully capitalize on their economic potential.
According to Beyond Time News, total bilateral trade reached approximately $1.236 billion during 2025.
Trade figures show:
- Pakistan’s exports to Türkiye: $369.2 million
- Pakistan’s imports from Türkiye: $866.5 million
- Total bilateral trade: $1.236 billion
These figures remain well below the $5 billion target announced by the leadership of both nations.
Key Products Driving Bilateral Commerce
Pakistan exports a range of manufactured and agricultural products to Türkiye.
Major exports include:
- Rice
- Textile yarn
- Readymade garments
- Leather products
- Sports goods
- Surgical instruments
Türkiye, in return, supplies Pakistan with industrial and consumer products, including:
- Machinery
- Iron and steel
- Chemicals
- Electrical equipment
- Plastic products
- Processed food
Business leaders believe these complementary industries provide a solid foundation for expanding two-way trade.
Focus on Investment and Joint Ventures
The proposed business meeting is expected to bring together exporters, manufacturers, investors, and industry representatives from both countries.
According to Beyond Time News, discussions would focus on:
- Identifying new export opportunities
- Encouraging joint ventures
- Expanding industrial cooperation
- Strengthening supply chains
- Increasing investment flows
- Removing barriers to trade
Private-sector representatives are expected to play a central role in translating political goodwill into long-term commercial partnerships.
Why Pakistan and Türkiye Are Important Economic Partners
Pakistan and Türkiye share strong diplomatic, cultural, and strategic ties that span decades. Both countries cooperate on regional and international issues and are active members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Economic experts believe there is substantial room to expand trade in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, engineering, information technology, construction, healthcare, renewable energy, tourism, and logistics.
Improved connectivity, simplified trade procedures, and greater business collaboration could further strengthen economic integration between the two countries.
Why the $5 Billion Target Matters
Increasing bilateral trade would create opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and investors in both countries.
For Pakistan, higher exports to Türkiye could help diversify export markets, support industrial growth, and generate employment. Türkiye could also benefit from greater access to Pakistani products while expanding investment and industrial cooperation.
Achieving the trade target would strengthen economic resilience and reinforce the strategic partnership between the two nations.
What Comes Next?
If the proposed joint business forum moves forward, it is expected to provide a platform for companies to establish new partnerships and identify practical measures to increase trade volumes.
Business leaders hope continued government support, along with active participation from the private sector, will help narrow the existing trade gap and move bilateral commerce closer to the $5 billion goal.
Conclusion
Pakistan and Türkiye are looking to transform their strong political relationship into a more dynamic economic partnership. The proposed joint business meeting represents another step toward expanding trade, attracting investment, and building closer commercial ties. With sustained cooperation between governments and the private sector, both countries aim to unlock new opportunities that support long-term economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trade target between Pakistan and Türkiye?
The leadership of both countries has set a goal of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion.
What is Pakistan’s current trade volume with Türkiye?
According to available trade figures for 2025, bilateral trade stands at approximately $1.236 billion.
What products does Pakistan export to Türkiye?
Pakistan exports rice, textile yarn, garments, leather products, sports goods, and surgical instruments.
What does Türkiye export to Pakistan?
Türkiye exports machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, electrical equipment, plastics, and processed food products.
Why is a joint business meeting being proposed?
The meeting aims to strengthen business-to-business cooperation, promote investment, encourage joint ventures, and help both countries achieve their bilateral trade goals.
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