By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Turkish Consul General Mehmet Eymen Şimşek has said that Pakistan and Turkey have vast opportunities to expand cooperation in multiple sectors, stressing that stronger mutual engagement is essential to fully benefit from these prospects.
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He expressed these views while speaking at an iftar dinner hosted in his honor by the Pakistan Industrial Sewing Machines Importers and Dealers Association (PISMIDA).
The event was attended by Head of International Trade Fairs and Delegations Muhammad Umair, Commercial Attache at the Consulate General of Turkey Nuraletin Demir, Secretary to the Commercial Attache Waseem Zubair, PISMIDA Vice Chairman Muhammad Yaseen, PISMIDA Lahore Chapter Chairman Syed Safeer Ali Abbas, Usman Ali Tarrar, and Lahore Chamber of Commerce Board members Syed Salman Ali and Muhammad Ali, along with other participants.
On the occasion, PISMIDA representatives presented written proposals outlining strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening industrial and trade collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey. The Turkish Consul General welcomed the proposals and appreciated the association’s comprehensive and proactive efforts to promote bilateral cooperation.
PISMIDA officials said the association is keen to benefit from Turkey’s advanced technology and expertise in sectors including garments, leather, footwear, hosiery, denim, knitwear, sewing machinery, and other related industries. They emphasized that there is significant potential for strategic cooperation between the two countries based on shared commercial interests.
PISMIDA Vice Chairman Muhammad Yaseen said discussions during the meeting focused on technology transfer, skills development, and expanding trade opportunities in Pakistan’s garments and textile sector.
The association proposed institutional collaboration with Turkish industrial, training, and technology organizations, the launch of specialized training programs for Pakistani industrialists, and the organization of joint trade exhibitions in Turkey.
PISMIDA also suggested establishing a Garments Technology and Certification Institute in Pakistan with Turkish support to provide international-standard training and certification for Pakistani manufacturers.
According to the association, the proposals also included exploring opportunities for cooperation in startup development and innovation platforms through bilateral exchanges.
Officials added that the written proposals recommended the creation of a formal cooperation framework between PISMIDA and Turkish institutions, with the Turkish Consulate facilitating access to relevant government bodies, industry stakeholders, and institutional partners in Turkey.
They further proposed that both sides nominate focal representatives to ensure effective coordination under a mutually agreed cooperation mechanism.
In addition, PISMIDA suggested strengthening ties between PISMIDA and Turkish textile and garment associations, technical training institutions, manufacturing clusters, export bodies, and chambers of commerce.
The association also proposed establishing a Pakistan–Turkey Supply Chain and Technology Corridor, which would include a verified partners database, B2B matchmaking platforms, and agreements on technology transfer.
Participants agreed that enhanced strategic cooperation could elevate Pakistan–Turkey industrial relations to new levels, contributing to increased trade, industrial growth, and mutual economic development.
PISMIDA also presented a proposal for a formal strategic cooperation agreement to further institutionalize and strengthen collaboration between the two sides.
