ISLAMABAD: A Turkish government delegation, led by its Transport and Infrastructure Minister Cahit Turhan, on Friday held delegation-level talks with the Pakistani officials, led by Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi, in connection with Turkish President Recep Tayyab Erdogan’s visit to Islamabad.
The Pakistani delegation also included Maritime Affairs Secretary Rizwan Ahmed, Additional Secretary Nadir Mumtaz Warraich and Joint Secretary Kamran Farooq Ansari.
Speaking on the occasion, Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi explained the delegation on the salient features of Pakistan’s new shipping policy, which includes tax exemptions [for the ships registered in Pakistan] and preferential berthing rights.
He invited the Turkish companies to establish their industries in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) being set up in the port cities of Karachi and Gwadar.
While highlighting the potential of Pakistan in terms of the development of coastal cities and the tourism industry, Zaidi also invited the Turkish minister to attend the upcoming Maritime Expo in Karachi, to be held later this year.
The Pakistani side further requested the Turkish delegation to ease their visa restrictions for them.
Turkish Minister Turhan on the occasion stressed bilateral cooperation in the shipping sector through assistance in shipyard operations and exchange of technology and experience.
He said the Turkish companies would provide Pakistani manpower with preferential opportunities, noting that Pakistani seafarers were renowned for their professionalism.
Accepting Pakistan’s invitation, the delegation agreed to send the Turkish companies to participate in the Maritime Expo.
The Turkish delegation also showed a keen interest in CPEC projects and endorsed their support for the development of infrastructure in Pakistan.
[…] Source link […]