Türkiye sets ambitious $5B trade target with Pakistan

Türkiye has emerged as one of Pakistan’s largest foreign investors, with direct investments exceeding $1 billion, as both nations seek to deepen economic ties and boost bilateral trade to $5 billion, a senior Turkish business leader said Wednesday.

“Türkiye is among the largest foreign investors in Pakistan, with direct foreign investment surpassing $1 billion,” said Atilla Demir Yerlikaya, chairman of the Türkiye-Pakistan Business Council at the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). “Our target for bilateral trade volume is $5 billion, and we continue to build bridges between the Turkish business world and Pakistan to achieve this goal.”

The announcement comes ahead of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s planned visit to Pakistan, which Yerlikaya described as a demonstration of the strong historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.

Pakistan’s strategic location and demographic advantages make it an attractive investment destination. The country serves as a gateway to energy-rich Central Asia, financially robust Gulf nations, and developed Far East markets. With 55% of its population under 19 years old, Pakistan offers a skilled, English-speaking workforce and a growing middle class.

Turkish companies’ presence in Pakistan infrastructure sector

Turkish companies have established a significant presence in Pakistan’s infrastructure development sector, particularly in critical dam, hydroelectric power projects (HEPP), irrigation, and highway projects. Notable investments include the Diamer Basha Dam and HEPP, Dasu Dam and HEPP, and the Havelian-Thakot Highway.

Yerlikaya highlighted emerging opportunities in various sectors: “Investment opportunities exist in software development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and e-commerce sectors,” noting that Pakistan has over 600,000 IT professionals and 300,000 freelancers in its rapidly growing technology ecosystem.

The country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act has enhanced its investment appeal by offering infrastructure, incentives, and facilitation services to boost production efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Turkish businesses are active across Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and fast-moving consumer goods sectors. “This success demonstrates Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and reveals the scale of opportunities available for Turkish businesses,” Yerlikaya said.