Turkiye eyes stronger trade, new JVs

The Express Tribune reported that the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) staged its International Excellence Awards 2026 in Istanbul, honouring around 40 Pakistani business leaders from several sectors. Turkish officials, diplomats and business figures from both countries attended the gathering, according to a press release the chamber issued on Saturday. The gathering aimed to celebrate Pakistan's entrepreneurial excellence and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

Speakers at the ceremony and at a separate Independence Day event argued that closer business links could create fresh openings in commerce, investment and joint business ventures. Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sulun said such platforms help build contacts between business communities in both countries, while ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood pledged to lift bilateral trade and investment to the levels set by national leaders. The chamber presented itself as a bridge for Pakistani exporters and investors, working with the government to ease doing business.

A Business Opportunity Conference held in Istanbul also drew prominent Turkish enterprises, several of which showed interest in investing in Pakistan. Consul General Khawaja Khurram Naeem highlighted Pakistan's growing trade potential and its improving investment climate during the conference. Former ICCI presidents and the founder of the Pakistan-Turkiye Investment & Development Council also answered questions from Turkish business leaders.