Pakistan’s Consul General, Dr. Yusuf Junaid, highlighted greater collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey, which is expected to lead to a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement
ISTANBUL (Turkey) – Pakistan Day reception was hosted by Pakistan’s Consul General, Dr. Yusuf Junaid, in Istanbul in which guests highlighted growing relations and cooperation between the two brotherly countries, Pakistan and Turkey.
A large number of distinguished guests participated in the reception as part of the Pakistan National Day celebrations, including Deputy Governor Istanbul, Mayor of Beyoğlu, Mayor of Beşiktaş, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Turkish business personalities and Pakistani community attended the event.
Briefing the guests about the economy of Pakistan, Dr. Yusuf Junaid said that through liberal and investment friendly policies of the Government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s economy is progressing well and GDP growth is over 4%. He said Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves are at all times high and crossed over US$ 21 billion. Major credit rating agencies and the World Bank are projecting Pakistan as a fast growing economy, he added.
Referring to the brotherly Pakistan-Turkey relations, Consul General said we have seen greater cooperation between the two countries particularly in economic filed over the last few years. Turkish investments by Albayrak, Coca-Cola Icecek, Zorlu Energy and others are clearly visible in Pakistan. He said negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are going on and Pakistan and Turkey are inching fast towards concluding these talks.
Continuing the tradition of honouring three Turkish citizens who have contributed significantly in enhancing and fostering relations between Turkey and Pakistan, the services of Mr Beyti Güler – owner of Beyti Restaurant and a well-known social figure, Mr Murat Yalçıntaş – a leading businessman and Mr Yağmur Özdemir – Deputy General Manager of Zorlu Energy were acknowledged at the occaasion.
