Islamabad: The bilateral trade volume between Trkiye and Pakistan reached its highest level in 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday. The trade volume rose by nearly 30% year-on-year in 2024 to reach $1.4 billion.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan addressed the Trkiye-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad, emphasizing that despite the growth, the trade volume is still far behind the target of $5 billion. He stated, "Undoubtedly, we all have a role in realizing our potential." Erdogan suggested that expanding the scope of the Preferential Trade Agreement towards a Free Trade Agreement could lead to a stable and balanced increase in trade volume.
Erdogan highlighted the potential contribution of Trkiye and Pakistan to regional peace, tranquility, and development if they collaborate closely. He stressed the importance of developing combined freight transportation, diversifying transportation options, and making progress on road and rail. He noted the benefits of evaluating projects with a holistic perspective on the common corridor, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the reactivation of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Freight Train Line.
Addressing the current situation in Gaza, President Erdogan noted the impasse in the ceasefire agreement due to Israel's failure to keep its promises, despite Palestinians fulfilling their commitments. He stressed that Gaza belongs to the Gazans and emphasized the importance of not negotiating the homeland for which Palestinians have sacrificed so much. Erdogan expressed his belief that the alliance of humanity, especially the Arab and Islamic world, will support Gazans during this critical period. He affirmed Trkiye's commitment to preventing a new Nakba.
The ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza has been in place since January 19, halting the Israeli war that has resulted in over 48,200 deaths, predominantly women and children, leaving the Palestinian enclave in ruins. President Erdogan and Turkish officials are on a four-day Asia tour, with Pakistan being the third stop after Malaysia and Indonesia.