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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye are expanding their economic cooperation with a focus on IT, technology, and education as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral trade. During a recent meeting in Islamabad, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Turkish Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Omer Bolat discussed the potential for collaboration in these fast-growing sectors.
The meeting included discussions on signing 21 agreements across key areas, including information technology, tourism, education, and defense. Both sides acknowledged the importance of technological innovation and agreed to explore joint ventures in IT services and digital infrastructure.
Minister Bolat emphasized the potential for Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan’s IT and tech industries, highlighting Türkiye’s success in health tech and medical innovation. He noted that Türkiye’s health tourism sector had grown significantly due to advancements in digital health solutions, making it a global leader in the field.
Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed Türkiye’s interest in technology partnerships and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment in tech. He emphasized the role of Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in streamlining business operations and attracting international investors in the IT sector.
The ministers also explored the possibility of enhancing cooperation in digital education and e-learning solutions. Minister Khan proposed holding joint technology trade fairs and exhibitions to connect businesses and promote innovation.
Minister Bolat pledged support for increasing the export of Pakistani IT services to Türkiye, citing growing demand for digital solutions in the Turkish market. Both sides agreed that addressing existing challenges in the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) could help unlock new opportunities in the tech industry.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to foster deeper collaboration in technology, education, and innovation. The ministers expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing that stronger ties in IT and digital solutions could significantly benefit both economies.
