PM Shehbaz invites Turkish companies to expand investments in Pakistan

Pakistan urges Turkish firms to invest in energy, IT and key sectors

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday invited Turkish companies to expand their investments in Pakistan across multiple key sectors, including energy, mining, infrastructure, IT, telecommunications, agriculture and privatisation. The invitation came during his official engagements in Istanbul, where he met senior Turkish business leaders.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the meetings were held with senior executives of leading Turkish business groups and industry organisations during PM Shehbaz’s visit to Turkiye. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and attracting greater Turkish investment.

Focus on Economic Cooperation

The statement said the Prime Minister highlighted the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye. He stressed the need to convert these strong ties into a deeper economic and investment partnership.

PM Shehbaz also discussed Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators and investor-friendly policies. He assured that the government is committed to providing a transparent, predictable and business-friendly investment environment for foreign investors.

Investment Facilitation and SIFC Role

He noted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which works with federal and provincial authorities to provide a one-window facility for investors. According to the PMO, the SIFC continues to offer institutional support to strategic investment projects.

The Prime Minister said this framework is aimed at ensuring smoother investment processes and improving coordination for international partners interested in Pakistan’s key sectors.

Meetings with Turkish Business Groups

During his meeting with Çalık Holding Chairman Ahmet Çalık, PM Shehbaz highlighted opportunities in energy, infrastructure, information technology and privatisation sectors. He also welcomed the company’s interest in expanding its presence in Pakistan.

He further invited the Albayrak Group to invest in maritime infrastructure, port modernisation and logistics, noting its role in improving connectivity and infrastructure development.

Engagement with Turkish Business Community

PM Shehbaz also met the president of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkiye (TOBB). He appreciated the organisation’s efforts in strengthening business-to-business relations between Pakistan and Turkiye.

He proposed the establishment of a structured mechanism for regular engagement between the private sectors of both countries. He also invited TOBB to lead a high-level business delegation to Pakistan to explore investment opportunities directly.

Investor Confidence and Future Plans

According to the PMO, Turkish business leaders expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic outlook. They also reaffirmed their interest in expanding investments and developing long-term partnerships across various sectors.

Last week, Pakistan and Turkiye also signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in the power sector, focusing on institutional collaboration, technical support and knowledge sharing.

PM Shehbaz arrived in Istanbul on Friday for an official visit on the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after attending the funeral of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(SOURCE:DAWNNEWS)