Pakistani envoy hopeful of free trade deal with Turkey

KONYA, Turkey (AA) - Pakistan hopes to sign a free trade agreement with Turkey by the end of summer, the country’s ambassador in Ankara has said.

Sohail Mahmood told Anadolu Agency the deal should be finalized by September. Talks were launched in October last year during a visit to Turkey by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“Many Turkish firms are operating in Pakistan, mainly in the construction and energy sectors, and there should be more trade activities between the two countries,” Mahmood said in an interview conducted on Friday during a visit to the central Anatolian city of Konya for an art award ceremony.

“The free trade agreement could help to boost economic cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan. We expect to get a result and sign the agreement in September.”

Last year, trade between the countries reached $600 million. Turkish exports around $289 million worth of goods to Pakistan, mostly telecommunications, televisions, textiles and industrial machinery.

Mahmood also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Turkey’s fight against terrorism. “Turkey is a very strong country,” he said. “I hope that this fight will be finalized and Turkey will defeat terrorism.”