Foreign minister lists key sectors for investment, calls economic diplomacy crucial for Pakistan-Turkey ties
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar speaking at the Pakistan-Turkiye Business Conference on July 4, 2026. PHOTO: MOFA/X
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that Pakistan is particularly seeking Turkish investment in key sectors including energy, mining, minerals, power infrastructure, information technology, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism and defense industries.
These sectors, the foreign minister said during a Pakistan-Turkiye Business Conference, “offer enormous opportunities not only for commercial success but also for technology, transfer, industrial modernization and job creation.”
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Sunday, FM Dar noted during the conference that the Pakistani government “has embarked on an ambitious program of economic reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” He added that the program aims to improve macroeconomic stability, increase investor confidence, create an enabling business environment for business leaders and to create an enabling business environment for business leaders.
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With this, he just highlighted the importance of cooperation in new technologies. “Artificial intelligence, digital innovation, FinTech, advanced manufacturing and research partnerships increasingly determine the competitiveness of our two economies,” he noted, adding that there is “enormous potential for our universities, research institutions and private sectors to work together in these areas.”
In his address at the conference, the foreign minister noted that Islamabad and Istanbul “enjoy a relationship that is unique in international affairs and history.” He added that the two countries have “consistently stood by each other” over decades, “whether on issues of regional peace and security, humanitarian aid or support for each other’s core national interests.”
According to the Secretary of State, “this political trust is among our two nations’ strongest assets.”
Speaking on the purpose of the conference, FM Dar stated that the challenge facing both countries “is to transform this extraordinary political and fraternal relationship into an equally dynamic economic partnership,” adding that the international landscape is changing rapidly, the global economy being reshaped by geopolitical competition, technological transformation, changing supply chains, energy transitions and new trade and investment patterns.
With such changes in the global system, FM Dar stated, “countries that work together, diversify their partnerships and build robust economic links will be better positioned to thrive in the future.” The foreign minister emphasized, “Pakistan and Turkey have every reason to be among these countries.”
Discussing the strategic location of both countries, FM Dar stated that they are “strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia.” He added that such positioning allowed Istanbul and Islamabad to “connect markets, regions and opportunities that extend far beyond our own borders.”
“This strategic geography must become an economic advantage for both our peoples,” urged FM Dar.
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He said diplomacy today “is no longer limited to political dialogue alone,” he said, “Economic diplomacy is the name of the game,” and is becoming “one of the most important instruments through which nations create prosperity for the people in today’s world.”
According to the foreign minister, the embassies of both nations, along with their commercial missions, investment promotion agencies and business associations, must work more closely together than ever to facilitate trade, encourage investment and remove barriers that hinder entrepreneurs.
“The world is changing,” the secretary of state said, noting that alliances “are being built and tested, trade deals are being renegotiated and the rules of global competition are being rewritten.” He added: “In this era of uncertainty, Pakistan and Turkiye must not only respond to the changes, but we must shape ourselves and work together for excellence.”
“Let our dependence be on each other and no one else,” the foreign minister told the conference. He added that the two nations stand together and can “enter any market and compete with any business and enterprise in the world, provided we have the sincerity of purpose and resolve to work in unison.”
For this, he noted, the potential exists. “Let’s get it together for the benefit of the people of Turkiye and Pakistan,” FM Dar stressed. He added: “Let this conference send a clear message that Pakistan and Turkiye are ready to shape the future together, God willing, not only as trusted friends but as partners in prosperity, innovation and regional stability.”
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The Foreign Minister, along with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, arrived in Istanbul on Friday, accompanied by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit was made at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the aim of Prime Minister Shehbaz and Erdogan focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Turkish President expressed their commitment to increase the bilateral trade volume between Istanbul and Islamabad to $5 billion. The two also discussed ways to increase bilateral trade and investment in special economic zones.
