Imtiaz Group of Companies through its Imtiaz Super Market Zamzama Branch marked the 99th Proclamation Day of Republic of Turkiye which was embraced as the Chief Guest by Mr. Cemal Sangu, Consul General of Republic of Turkiye in Karachi and Mr. Oguz Kozanli, Vice Consul and Mr. Eyyup Yildirim, Commercial Attaché Republic of Turkey as the Guests of Honour.
The Chief Guest inaugurated the designated Turkish Products booth set up at the ISM Zamzama store containing therein more than 500 plus Made in Turkey Products available at ISM for the Pakistani end consumers.
The Chief Guest post the inauguration and cake-cutting ceremony, while addressing the invitees stated that he’s absolutely overwhelmed to see the arrangements made by ISM for the celebrations of Turkish Proclamation day and is highly indebted to the management of Imtiaz Group for putting up a wonderful show to express their Love for Turkey and its people.
He said that Turkiye had very deep heart-to-heart economic, cultural, and political relations with Pakistan. He said the history of Pakistan-Turkey relations dated back to the Khilafat Movement and the Turkish War of Independence when people in this region had extended extraordinary help to their Turkish brethren.
He said that bold steps were required to be taken in the economic and business fields to get the maximum benefit out of the historical and close relationship between Turkey and Pakistan. Turkey’s Consul General said the Turkish companies shouldn’t just only invest in Pakistan but also start joint ventures with Pakistani companies to start manufacturing in the country.
Mr. Imtiaz Abbasi, Chairman Imtiaz Group of Companies thanked the Consul General and his team for gracing the said occasion with their presence and stated that Pakistan and Turkey are strong brotherly countries and undoubtedly have a strategically important and economically rewarding relationship. He added that the most important aspect of this relationship is the strong political will to facilitate and strengthen economic and trade relations. Turkey is supporting us to develop infrastructure, transportation, energy, and construction of ships and Naval Fleets are of immense importance.
He said that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Turkey is moving towards the positive side and I am optimistic that we will achieve our previous level of more than one billion dollars, but the pace is very slow. However, the latest figures of the bilateral trade indicate US $ 804 million. Pakistan exports to Turkey are US $ 304 million while our imports from Turkey are recorded at US $ 500 million. Thus, both country’s business communities and diplomatic missions should take the lead for early negotiation and resolving all issues of the Free Trade Agreement.
He added, that in order to pave the way for the development of Pakistan’s economic, commercial, and industrial relations with Turkey, it is important to widen the trade network, which can contribute to the enhancement of mutual understanding and bilateral business relations between the two brotherly countries.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair and the presentation of gifts to the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour.
