Islamabad — Pakistan and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, targeting USD 5 billion in trade volume under their expanded Trade in Goods Agreement. The agreement, discussed during the joint ministerial commission meetings held September 8–9, 2025, aims at improving trade flows across 24 key sectors, including energy, ICT, banking, education, health, and climate.

Components:

• Negotiations will focus on easing tariff and non-tariff barriers in sectors like textiles, manufactured goods, and services.
• Improved transit routes, customs cooperation, and better infrastructure at border crossings are part of the strategy to facilitate trade.
• Both governments also plan to enhance cultural cooperation and investment linkages.

Why this matters:

• Türkiye is one of Pakistan’s important trade partners; boosting trade will help exports, foreign exchange earnings, and industrial growth.
• The agreement can attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and encourage joint ventures and partnerships in technology and manufacturing.
• Increased trade can also help in job creation across export-oriented sectors.

Outlook:

• Implementation of trade facilitation measures and special economic zones in Türkiye or Pakistan near the borders.
• Addressing logistical bottlenecks and harmonizing standards (quality, safety) to meet export targets.
• Monitoring progress via future ministerial forums and trade commissions.