ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered 52 Super Mushak Aircraft to Turkey under the Pak-Turk Strategic Economic Framework (SEF).
According to sources, the prime minister recently approved the action plan for Pak-Turk Strategic Economic Framework (SEF) in which the Pakistani side has sought Turkish cooperation in various sectors of the economy.
As per details, cooperation in defence production includes delivery of 30 attack helicopters to Pakistan Army, delivery of 52 Super Mushak to Turkey, Turkish collaboration with Pak defence production establishment for cooperation in the fields of avionics, IT communications, weapons, ammunition, security vehicles and vessels.
Pakistan has also requested Turkey to build four ships for Pakistan Navy – two in Turkey and two in Pakistan.
The proposed cooperation in trade and textile includes grant of GSP Plus status to Pakistan by Turkey, being a member of EU Customs Union. In addition, Pakistan has also requested simplification of customs procedure, exchange of electronic data and technical support to Pakistan Customs.
Moreover, the Pakistani side has sought elimination of non-tariff barriers, strengthening of cooperation on technical barriers to trade, and early conclusion of Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
The proposed action plan under the SEF for trade and textile also includes establishment of Pak-Turk Joint Business Council, development of textile infrastructure including garment cities in Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi, transfer of technology for upgradation of textile industry – ginning, weaving, dyeing and finishing, joint ventures between textile houses for value-added products, technical assistance for development of Pakistan Textile Technology Park and technical cooperation for improvement of intellectual property rights in Pakistan – training, legal and technical regime.
The proposed plan further includes establishing a joint working group on Pak-Turk Hospitality Council, a memorandum of understanding between Board of Investment and Turkish Investment Authority, facilitation and exchange of information on investment opportunities, provision of credit-line ($350 million) for import of Turkish goods and financing projects, signing of Combined Freight Transport Agreement, establishment of Pak-Turk Trade Corridor – free flow of goods and services, technical cooperation for Pakistan Railways in mechanical, electrical and maintenance areas, joint ventures for export to third country, an amendment in air services agreement as well as allocation of additional frequencies.
