Karachi : Imtiaz Group of Companies through its Imtiaz Super Market Zamzama Branch marked the 98th Proclamation Day of Republic of Turkey which was embraced as the Chief Guest by Mr. Tolga Ucak, Consul General of Republic of Turkey in Karachi and Mr. Eyyup Yildirim, Commercial Attaché Republic of Turkey as the Guest of Honour.
The Chief Guest inaugurated the designated Turkish Products booth set up at the 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.
The Turkish diplomat said on the occasion that on the basis of his over three years’ stay in Karachi, he had come to the conclusion that the city provided tremendous opportunity to do business so much so that sky is the limit when one is present in Karachi and plans to do anything.
He said that Turkey 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 relation 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 the Pakistani companies to start manufacturing in the country.
Mr. Kashif Imtiaz, Director 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 strategically important and economically rewarding relationship. He added that most important aspect of this relationship is the strong political will to facilitate and strengthening economic and trade relations.Turkey is supporting us to develop infrastructure, transportation, energy, 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, latest figures of the bilateral trade indicate US $ 804 million. Pakistan exports to Turkey are US $ 304 million while our imports from Turkey recorded at US $ 500 million. Thus, both countries business communities’ and diplomatic missions should take the lead for early negotiation and resolving all issues of Free Trade Agreement.
He added, that in order to pave the way for the development of Pakistan’s economic, commercial, 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 the vote of thanks to the chair and presentation of gifts to the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour.
Imtiaz Super Market Zamzam Branch is celebrating the Turkish Proclamation day from October 28 till October 30.
