Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Turkish companies to expand their investment in Pakistan, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and creating a more business-friendly environment for foreign investors.
The invitation came during a series of meetings with senior executives from Turkiye’s leading business groups and industry organisations in Istanbul, where the prime minister is on an official visit at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Focus on Expanding Economic Partnership
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the long-standing brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye, saying the strong political ties between the two countries should be translated into a deeper economic and investment partnership.
He encouraged Turkish businesses to explore investment opportunities in several priority sectors, including:
- Energy
- Mining and minerals
- Infrastructure
- Maritime and logistics
- Information technology
- Telecommunications
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Privatisation
The prime minister said Pakistan offers significant opportunities for international investors and reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating long-term partnerships with Turkish companies.
SIFC Highlighted as One-Window Investment Platform
During the discussions, the prime minister highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in supporting both domestic and foreign investors.
He said the SIFC continues to provide a one-window facilitation mechanism, offering institutional support and streamlined procedures for strategic investment projects in Pakistan.
According to the government, the initiative is intended to improve coordination among federal and provincial institutions and accelerate investment decisions in key sectors of the economy.
Turkish Business Leaders Welcome Reforms
Turkish business executives welcomed Pakistan’s recent economic reforms and investor-friendly policies, according to the official statement.
They expressed confidence in the country’s economic outlook and reaffirmed their interest in expanding investments and developing long-term partnerships across multiple strategic industries.
The business leaders also acknowledged efforts to improve Pakistan’s investment climate and said they looked forward to exploring new commercial opportunities in collaboration with Pakistani partners.
Digital Cooperation Discussed with Turkcell
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the Chief Executive Officer of Turkcell, one of Turkiye’s leading telecommunications companies, to discuss expanding cooperation in digital technology and telecommunications.
During the meeting, the prime minister shared the government’s vision of establishing a Pakistan–Turkiye Digital Corridor aimed at strengthening regional digital connectivity, facilitating secure cross-border data flows, and promoting greater integration of digital infrastructure.
He invited Turkcell to explore collaboration with Pakistani institutions in several areas, including:
- 5G deployment
- Network optimisation
- Spectrum management
- Digital infrastructure
- Technology transfer
- Telecommunications equipment manufacturing
- Software development
- Digital skills training
- Capacity building
Commitment to Investment-Friendly Policies
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to maintaining a transparent, predictable, and investment-friendly business environment.
He said the government would continue supporting strategic investments, particularly in information and communication technologies, through policy reforms and institutional facilitation under the SIFC framework.
The Turkcell chief executive welcomed Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda and expressed interest in exploring opportunities in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies. He also reaffirmed the company’s willingness to work closely with Pakistani stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial partnerships that support the economic and technological goals of both Pakistan and Turkiye.
