Newsweek Pakistan event caps President Gul’s state visit

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Newsweek Pakistan event caps President Gul’s state visit

LAHORE: Turkey’s President Dr Abdullah Gul concluded his state visit to Pakistan with an exclusive breakfast meeting hosted by Newsweek Pakistan here on Friday.

This was President Gul’s first visit to Lahore. He arrived in Pakistan on March 30. The exclusive event was closed to the press and conducted under Chatham House rules. Newsweek Pakistan’s Publisher Iqbal Z. Ahmed and National Affairs Editor Ejaz Haider managed the proceedings, according to statement issued here.

Chief Minister of the Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, who attended the Newsweek Pakistan event, has recently announced the setting up of a dedicated 225-acre industrial estate in Faisalabad for Turkish and joint venture companies.

Turkey has released $10 million of the $100 million pledged at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum and is assisting, through its private sector, Pakistan meet its energy requirements.

Turkey’s Zorlu Energy has set up Pakistan’s first wind-based power project at Jhimpir, and Karkey Karadeniz will provide Karachi with 500MW of barge-mounted rental power.

Turkey and Pakistan are part of the D8 and the Economic Cooperation Organization, which has developed and implemented the Pakistan-Iran-Turkey cargo train service to facilitate trade among the countries and also potentially allow Pakistani products access to European markets.

Participants included Shahid Kardar, Shaista Sirajuddin, Ijaz Nabi, Ahmer Bilal Soofi, Feisal Naqvi, Ali Cheema, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Rifqua Ejaz, Humayun Fareed, Mian Tajammul, Attiq Ahmed and members of the official Turkish delegation including members of parliament.

http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=160898

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'Industrial zone for Turkish investors being set up'

LAHORE (April 02 2010): Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said that government of Punjab is establishing an industrial zone for Turkish investors in Faisalabad Industrial City and it has allocated 225 acres of land free of cost to the Turkish investors. He said that recent wave of terrorism has affected the economic and industrial activity but there is a lot of potential for investment in Punjab.

He was addressing Pak-Turk CEO Forum organised by Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) in honour of President of Turkey Abdullah Gul on Thursday. While welcoming Turk trade delegation, the CM stressed upon strong trade ties between the two brotherly countries. He said that Turkey has always helped Pakistan in difficult times especially during the earthquake.

He said that Mayor of Istanbul would help Punjab government for the proper disposal of solid waste of the city. He assured that Punjab government would provide all the facilities to the Turk investors who were interested for investing in different sectors in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Turk President Abdullah Gul stressed the need for strong co-operation between the two countries especially in the field of infrastructure building and energy sector. He said that there is a need for strong efforts from both sides for increasing trade between the countries and business community will play an important role in this regard. He said that the trade volume between the two countries would be increased with starting of cargo-service between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Consultant to Chief Minister Punjab on Economic Affairs and Vice-Chairman and CEO of PBIT Pir Saad Ahsanuddin has said that this is the event that would include reiteration of the trade target of 2 billion dollars by 2012 and outline milestones needed to achieve this goal.

He apprised that the forum would market investment projects in Punjab including an integrated cold chain, coal-based power plants and KSL Motorway. The forum will also highlight the benefits of formulating a trade access plan for Punjab into EU markets through Turkey as Turkey would receive the advantage of Punjab's low cost of production and labour. Ahsanuddin said PBIT has been established to give a boost to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Earlier, an agreement was signed regarding the establishment of Punjab-Turk Zone. The seminar was attended by President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Provincial Minister Rana Sanaullah, and members of the provincial and national assembly.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?i...term=&supDate=

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Centaurus to be a milestone for Pakistan's economic prosperity: Abdullah

ISLAMABAD (April 02 2010): Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Thursday lauded the under-construction mixed-use project of The Centaurus and described it as a milestone towards economic prosperity of brother Islamic country. He expressed these views in a meeting with Sardar Tanvir Ilyas Khan, President Pak-Gulf Construction Limited, a joint venture of Al Tamimi (Saudi Arabia) and Sardar Builders (Pakistan) executing the multi-billion project, who called on the visiting President here, said a press release.

The Turkish President said it was pleasing that such a gigantic project was being executed with full pace in Pakistan and assured all-out co-operation for the interior designing of The Centaurus to be executed by a Turkish firm. Pak-Gulf had signed an agreement with Turkish firm for interior designing the complex.

Abdullah Gul also offered Pak-Gulf to invest capital in Turkey as well and assured for maximum co-operation in this regard. President Pak-Gulf thanked Turkish President and said his visit to Pakistan along with his business delegation will strengthen trade ties between two brotherly states.

He said Centaurus will be an icon in Islamabad and will usher a new era in economic sector, adding that the interest shown by Turkish President and business delegation is pleasant gesture for Pakistan's business community. The Complex comprises a five-storey shopping mall, two 28-storeys each luxurious apartment towers, a 28-storey corporate tower and a 37-storey seven star hotel.

PGCL has already engaged the world-renowned companies Atkins as project designer, China State Construction Eng. Corp main contractor for the construction. The complex is designed by Atkins, whose portfolio includes the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, and the Bahrain World Trade Centre in Bahrain.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?i...term=&supDate=

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Pak-Turkey trade volume to be raised to $2 billion in 18 months

ISLAMABAD (April 01 2010): Pakistan and Turkey on Wednesday vowed to increase bilateral trade from existing $782 million to $2 billion in 18 months as private sectors of both sides urged their to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The visiting President of Turkey Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani addressing the business delegations of both sides on culmination of day one parleys of economic co-operation in Islamabad, said for the first time the focus of the two countries is on economic side.

President Gul said the transport infrastructure is being put in place between the two countries to increase the volume of trade. He said freight train from Islamabad to Istanbul will be operational regularly from August 2010 and this would not only link Pakistan, Iran and Turkey but connect the three countries with Europe also.

Gul said that the link would reduce the timing of freight transportation from existing 45 days to two weeks. Gul said that this would help achieve the trade target of $2 billion by 2012 and may even increase to US $5 billion. The Turkish President also offered to share experience in exploitation of hydel, coal and thermal potential to overcome the energy crisis in Pakistan.

He said Turkey was success story in terms of power generation from hydel projects. "We can share our experience with Pakistan," he said, adding that similarly Pakistan could benefit from the experience of his country in agriculture sector to ensure food security. He wanted the private sector of both sides to enter joint ventures to exploit the untapped mineral resources of Pakistan for the mutual benefit of both sides.

Addressing the gathering Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said the joint sitting of Pakistani business leaders along with their Turkish counterparts is not only a manifestation of cordial fraternal ties but also reflects the joint commitment and determination of both sides to broaden the horizon of our economic co-operation.

Gilani said the fact that members of the Pakistani business community have travelled all the way from Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit to be part of this event, is reflective of the importance Pakistan's business community attaches to this forum.

"And here lies our real strength, which can be realised through joint efforts. Today's forum is yet another stepping stone towards achieving joint economic prosperity for our two peoples. The businessmen from the two sides must fully avail this opportunity," Gul added.

Prime Minister Gilani said that Pakistan with its vast land mass, a market of over 170 million and an efficient workforce of 46 million, offers vast business and investment opportunities. He said that 200,000 square kilometers of irrigated land, 1150 kilometers of coastline, vast untapped mineral reserves and the presence of 700 multinationals are some of the indicators of its economic potential and conducive environment for foreign investment.

He said the strengths of Pakistan & Turkey's economies can generate a much higher volume for bilateral trade. Gilani said to achieve this we have to target greater trade through preferential trade arrangements and improved market access to each other's products. He said the target of bilateral trade of US $2 billion by 2012, set by our two countries, can be achieved, provided we can take resolute and concerted efforts to reach that goal.

"Pakistan is pursuing economic development through market liberalisation and reposing confidence in its private sector to lead from the front. We offer equal treatment to local and foreign investors," he added. The Prime Minister said all sectors of economy are open for foreign investment. Any foreign entrepreneur can come to Pakistan and start business here without undergoing cumbersome processes of approvals or sanctions.

Foreign entrepreneurs can invest in Pakistan on 100 percent equity basis or through joint ventures. The responsible authorities in Pakistan will help and facilitate them in their endeavours, he added. He said in tandem, Pakistan has approved a policy for establishing Special Economic Zones where investment would enjoy additional incentives. Investors can remit royalty, technical & franchise fees, capital, profits and dividends to their home countries. Besides, their investment in Pakistan will be fully protected, under the law.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan's financial sector is one of the most resilient in Asia; energy including alternate energy; agribusiness and agro-industry, infrastructure, social sectors, tourism and connectivity with the region and beyond through establishment of rail and road linkages, are some of the prospective fields where joint collaboration between our corporate entities stand tremendous scope.

He said the details on individual proposals, of collaboration or joint ventures in these fields, he was apprised of, have been discussed and tabled in the morning session. The representatives of chambers of industries of both sides have called upon the two countries to enter Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance the volume of trade between the two countries.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?i...term=&supDate=

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Turkey to help Pakistan overcome energy crisis

* Gul says huge potential for investment, trade between two countries
* Train link will be developed via Iran to increase trade

LAHORE: The Turkish people are fully aware of the energy crisis facing Pakistan and Turkey will provide all possible help to overcome the problem, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Thursday.

Gul was addressing the Pak-Turkey CEOs’ forum organised by the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rehman Malik were also present on this occasion.

The Turkish president said his country possessed vast experience in construction and had the world’s second largest fleet of 250 construction companies (after China) that were building dams and mega projects.

Gul observed that the people of Pakistan had proved their mettle in the business sector across the globe, which needed to be utilised to expand trade between both brotherly countries.

He said there was a huge potential for investment and trade between Pakistan and Turkey. “The trade volume between the two countries can be enhanced to billions of dollars,” he added.

Train: Gul also said a train link would be developed between the two countries via Iran to minimise travel time and to increase trade.

He praised Lahore’s historic importance and the warm welcome and hospitality he had received in the city.

Addressing the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said the Pakistan-Turkey friendship is a spirit, which could not be expressed in words.

He said both countries had been unable to transform their brotherly relations into trade and economic ties, as the annual trade volume between the countries was only $740 million. He stressed the governments, traders, political leaders and people of both the countries to find a solution to the problem.

Shahbaz announced that 225 acres of land had been earmarked in Faisalabad for a special industrial zone for Turk investors.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...2-4-2010_pg1_5

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Pakistan, Turkey sign three accords

Thursday, 01 Apr, 2010

President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul witnessed the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understandings at the President House as representatives of respective organisations inked the accords. - APP photo

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey signed three bilateral agreements for cooperation in agro-based industries, investment and planning, on Wednesday.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul witnessed the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understandings (MoUs) at the Aiwan-i-Sadr on Wednesday as representatives of respective organisations inked the accords.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Dr Hafeez Sheikh signed the MoU on planning which seeks to strengthen mutual cooperation by means of exchange of information, research and planning studies and institutional capacity building. Both the countries agreed to benefit to the extent possible from expertise of each other in national and regional planning, strategic planning, economic models and activities, international and inter-regional cooperation, preparation and evaluation of development plans and their annual programmes, sustainable and e-government.

The MoU on agriculture, signed by Minister for Agriculture Nazar Mohammad Gondal and Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Mehmet Mehdi Eker from the Turkish side, seeks to strengthen cooperation in the field of agro-based industry on the basis of mutual benefit and to achieve higher levels of efficiency in production, processing and marketing of agro-based industry components.

The agreement also seeks to promote and encourage private sectors of the two countries to establish sole propriety enterprises, as well as joint ventures, including industrial units in export processing zones outside urban areas, other agreed locations and in rural areas at existing clusters in Pakistan and encourage investment in areas, such as fruits, food processing, vegetables and flower products processing units, corporate livestock farming, dairy industry, poultry farming and production, cold storage facilities and commercial production of seeds and nurseries commercial production of flowers, spices and medicinal herbs.

The accord on commercial cooperation was signed between the Board of Investment and Turkish Investment Support and Promotion Agency. The Pakistani side was represented by BoI chairman Saleem H. Mandviwala, and the Turkish side was led by Buyukelci Engin Soysal, Mustesar Yardimeisi. Under the MoU, the Board of Investment and Turkish Investment Support and Promotion Agency agreed to collaborate in promotion of productive and commercial cooperation, support of enterprises in implementing common projects and transfer of know-how.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkey constituted a joint working group to explore and enhance cooperation in agriculture between the two countries.

The formation of working group was decided in a meeting between Nazar Mohammad Gondal and his Turkish counterpart, Mehmet Mehdi Eker in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The areas identified for Turkish assistance include setting up of olive oil units, investment by Turkish seed companies, establishment of modern cool chain infrastructure, grain storage and food processing industry.

“There are tremendous possibilities of increased collaboration between the investors of the two brotherly countries, and development of Pakistan’s agribusiness and value-addition sector with Turkish technical and financial resources.

Pakistan offers tremendous opportunities to Turkish businessmen to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture production, processing and value addition, said the minister.

Mr Gondal said Pakistan would like to benefit from expertise of Turkey in developing high efficiency irrigation system through technology transfer from Turkey.

He added that Pakistan has developed integrated pest management models for various crops like sugarcane, rice, cotton, guava, citrus, mango, etc., and would share these with Turkey.

The Turkish Minister said Pakistan has a great potential in agriculture and his country is ready to help and assist in all possible ways.

“We would like to take this opportunity for enhancement of trade and take concrete steps for increasing collaboration between the two brotherly countries,” the minister said.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/...ee-accords-140