A s a result of structural trans- formation dur- ing the three decades, Turkey became the 17th largest economy in the World and 6th largest econo- my in Europe. Turkey has the largest free market economy and is the biggest industrial power among countries situ- ated between Italy and China. With its economic per- formance, Turkey is one of the growth engines of the newly emerging multi-polar global economic system. Istanbul is not only the busi- ness center of the region, it is the center of global diploma- cy, a major transport hub, as well as a busy cultural and tourismdestination. It is also rapidly building its techno- logical and financial infra- structure in order to become a global financial center. As a country which is well integrated into the European market by way of the customs union, Turkish companies possess a high level of expert- ise and competitive power in production, export and investment related activities. They have also accessed and established their presence in other rising economic regions, such as the Middle East, Gulf Countries, Africa, CIS and the Asia-Pacific. With its transcontinental position, Turkey is an ideal global business destination between Asia, the center of global growth, and the Euro Zone, the largest single mar- ket. Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK); Global Brand of Turkish Private Sector DEIK, the gateway of the Turkish private sector to the world, was founded to moni- tor and develop Turkeys eco- nomic, commercial, industri- al and financial relations with foreign countries and international organizations. It has 99 founding institu- tions, representing all sectors of the Turkish private sector. DEIK operates through Bilateral Business Councils which are established by a cooperation agreement signed with foreign counter- parts. The Business Councils have two sides; one on the Turkish side and the other a counterpart organization in the relevant country. As of October 2014, there are 199 business councils operating under DEIK. Headquartered in Istanbul, DEIK has repre- sentatives in 65 cities in Turkey as well as in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Having a pioneering role in Turkeys relations with international organizations, DEIK works to develop coop- eration with international organizations. DEIK also attaches great importance to the regions and sectors in which the activities of Turkish businessmen are con- centrated or developing, and organizes activities with the participation of high-level representatives of those sec- tors and regions. DEIK plays the leading role as an intermediary between the Turkish private sector and global business community. With its nation- al, regional and global net- work; its professional team, and its close ties with the public sector, DEIK is ready to support and guide all kind of business initiatives in Turkey. T oday, the people of Turkey are celebrating 91st anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. Pakistan and Turkey enjoy very special and time tested relations. These brotherly ties are underpinned by a huge reservoir of emo- tions of friendship, goodwill and mutual trust. The governments of Pakistan and Turkey are keen to further deepen and strengthen their bilateral ties in all spheres specially economic and commercial relations. The institutional mecha- nism of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council is an ideal forum for this objective. The Government of Pakistan is pursuing a comprehensive and multi-faceted agenda of socio-economic development and social welfare. Turkey with its strong economy and excellent development model in the last decade has emerged as an ideal and strategic development partner for Pakistan. The two governments are vigorously working for pro- viding facilitative frameworks and conducive conditions to the traders, entrepreneurs and investors of the two countries. A concerted effort is underway for creating an effective interface between the private sec- tors of the two countries. Furthermore, in the complex and difficult regional environment, the two leading Muslim democracies, Pakistan and Turkey are factors of stability and harmony in the broader region. On this auspicious occasion, I wish to convey our profound sentiments of friendship and good wishes to the people and the Government of Turkey for their continued success. I pray for everlasting friendship and broth- erhood between our two peoples. Yasasin Pakistan-Trkiye Dostlugu. H.E. Mr Muhammad Haroon Shaukat Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey I greet the people and Government of Turkey on their 91st National Day. Since the founding of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, the Turkish nation has come a long way. During their long journey of statehood, Pakistan and Turkey have always stood by each other in good and bad times. Though separated geographi- cally, we are one nation, two states. The present governments of both Pakistan and Turkey are keen to further strengthen political, social, commercial and defence ties and make it an exempla- ry strategic partnership. While welfare of the people tops the agenda of both the elected governments, it is our desire that we should further enhance our commer- cial relations. Pakistan Consulate in Istanbul will extend a helping hand and shall facilitate business communities of Turkey and Pakistan to boost our existing com- mercial ties and realize its true potential. The recently completed projects by Turkish firms including Wind Farm in Jhimper, the Metro Bus and Urban Waste Management in Lahore, etc. could be a model to follow and extend the same to many other Pakistani cities. Similarly great potential exists for collaboration in the energy, construction, agro-based industry and municipal services. Long live Pak-Turk friendship! Dr. Yusuf Junaid Consul General of Pakistan in Istanbul T urkey was proclaimed a republic 91 years ago, on 29th October 1923, by the Grand National Assembly. We pay tribute to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, and to his comrades-in-arms, and also to all our martyrs of all conflicts. Today we also remember once again, the support and soli- darity extended by the Muslims of the sub-continent, the forefathers of the broth- erly Pakistani people, during Turkeys war against foreign invaders between 1911- 1923. We shall never tire from reiterating our gratitude to them. Relations between Turkey and Pakistan are excellent and we are proud that our tradition of brotherly solidarity continues. In the past year, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdo?an visited Pakistan as Prime Minister, H.E. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif par- ticipated in the Trilateral Summit in Ankara, and H.E. President Mamnoon Hussain attended President Erdo?ans oath taking ceremony, which attest to the intensity of our political relations. In the economic sphere, business relations were increased through the Turkey-Pakistan Business Forums organ- ized in Istanbul and in Lahore, and this month all dimensions of our economic relations were reviewed at the 15th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission for Economic and Technical Cooperation. In the defence field, we were proud to hold the Jinnah 2014 combined exercise in Turkey, in memory of Quaid-i Azam. Regarding cultural relations, we have been celebrating the Turkey-Pakistan Cultural Year in both countries with various activities. In the field of education, we are happy to see increasing cooperation among our uni- versities and increasing number of student exchanges. We look forward to the 4th meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council to be chaired by both Prime Ministers, in the coming months. We will contin- ue to work to further develop our brotherly relations in the future and pass it on to our younger generations. May the Turkish-Pakistani friendship and brotherhood last forever. I t gives me great pleasure to address you on the 91st anniversary of the birth of the Republic of Turkey. Most of my childhood in Ankara was spent around Cinnah Bulvari (Jinnah Boulevard) which is one of the main arteries of my hometown. Taking Shahrah-e- Kemal Ataturk during one of my first visits to the Sindh Assembly made me feel proud to be Turkish in this brotherly country. We are taught that countries do not have friends but common interests. But rela- tions between Turkey and Pakistan are exceptional as we are true brothers. To serve in a brotherly country with a positive agenda was one of the main reasons which brought me to Karachi. Although economic and trade relations have much room for improvement to reach their true potential, it is in the cultural field that most achievements have been realised and 2014 is being celebrated as cultural year in both countries. I am especially pleased with the growing numbers of brilliant Pakistani students who chose to continue their studies in Turkey. Together with my wife Sule, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan for their incredible hospitality, their precious friendship and their continuing support. Mr Murat Onart Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Karachi mer Cihad VARDAN President, Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Turkey, a transcontinental business destination THE visit of H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan, December 24, 2013 PAKISTAN-Turkey Business Forum meeting in Lahore, December 23, 2013 PAKISTAN Air Force F-16 Modernization Program delivery ceremony of the last aircraft, September 2, 2014 THE 15th session of the Turkish-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission for Economic and Technical Cooperation, October 15-16, 2014 H.E. Mr Sadik Babur Girgin Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Pakistan 02 ADVERTI SEMENT SUPPLEMENT DAWN WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29, 2014 Bilkent engineering students triumph in international and national competitions BILKENT IE students Nazli Akar, Basak Kepir, agil Koyigit, Isil Koyuncu, Melis Beren zer and Tunca Trkoglu have been awarded the Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) Undergraduate Operations Research Prize for their IE 477-478 System Design project entitled Flight Scheduling Optimization and Automation for AnadoluJet. The award was presented during the INFORMS Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. INFORMS is the largest professional society in the world in the field of operations research, management science and analytics. The Undergraduate Operations Research Prize Competition is held each year to honor a student or group of students who conducted a significant applied project in operations research or management science and/or original, important theoretical or applied research in operations research or management science while enrolled as an undergraduate. The submissions vary from single-authored theoretical research papers to applied projects conducted by student teams. The overwhelming majority of submitted papers have been of exceptional quality, with a few being published in highly-regarded academic journals. A TEAM of Bilkent CS and EEE students, TechWeb, com- posed of members Mehmet Furkan Sahin, Baraa Orabi and Erdem Biyik, took the first place in Turkey in the IEE Extreme 7.0 Programming Competition. TechWeb was ranked 100th among all 7,500 participants worldwide. IEE Extreme is a 24-hour global programming competition that takes place every year, organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the worlds largest professional association. The other Bilkent teams participating in the competition were System Exit (fourth place in Turkey), Replay (sixth), BilkentInvokers (seventh) and HAL9K (eighth). BILKENT EEE students Nurdan Kilinoglu and zge Gktrk were selected for the final round of the 2014 Go Green in the City international case challenge organized by Schneider Electric, which was held in Paris. The annual event promotes the emergence of innovative solutions to meet the future challenges of energy management.This year's competition attracted 12,000 students from159 coun- tries around the world, with the top 12 teams presenting their smart energy initiatives to a jury in the final round. Nurdan and zge offered a method for optimizing energy use and reducing the cost of street lighting. A team of Bilkent IE students has come in second in the Idea Trophy contest organized by Unilever Turkey. Unilever IdeaTrophy gives university students the opportunity to learn how business works in real life while developing their skills and abilities. Magnumania, a team made up of Bilkent stu- dents Sila Sener, Aysegl zge Ari and Gliz Bilgtay, partic- ipated in the final camp held in Istanbul and presented their project to a panel of Unilever Turkey board members. Magnumania was selectedas the first runner-upby the panel. ******** Team Null from Bilkent, consisting of CS students Cihat ge (captain), Ali Yesilyaprak, Alim Gkkaya, Alper Gndogdu and Furkan Mustafa Akdemir, took the second place in Siber Meydan, a cyber security competition for university students. Siber Meydan was organized by TBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) Cyber Security Institute in conjunction with the National Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan. The competition took place in two rounds: a qualification and a final round. A total of 65 teams made up of 256 stu- dents participated in the qualification round, whilethe top- 10 teams were invited for the final round. ******** Bilkent ME undergraduate Arda Seme won the TBITAK Undergraduate Research Project Award. Arda Semewill be working on Mass Sensing with Square- Shaped Nanoscale Resonators. Arda joins fellow ME stu- dents Gkberk Kabacaoglu, Ilbey Karakurt, Alper zogul and Berkin Uluutku, who were the past recipients of the undergraduate research project award. The outcomes of these research projects have been published in Applied Surface Science and Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B. B est wishes to our Turk broth- ers on their 91st Republic Day. We wish the Turkish nation a glorious future. Pakistan truly values the brotherly rela- tionship with our Turkish brothers. Pakistan and Turkey are two nations with one soul. Pakistan may have many friends and allies but has only one brother and that is Turkey. We at Gulhane are trying to promote business ties between Turkey and Pakistan by introducing Turkish, light- ing, home dcor and other products into Pakistan. Trade ties between two nations are a great way to expand and enhance cultural ties, and people to peo- ple contacts. If the two nations can expand joint projects and collabora- tions, there is a tremendous opportunity for the two countries to expand their bilateral trade and enjoy economic ben- efits. The governments of two nations must work fast to conclude a trade agreement between the two nations so that bilater- al trade may expand, resulting in eco- nomic benefits for both countries. Current trade volume between the two countries do not reflect the actual trade potential. Also its imperative to look into expanding transportation and communi- cationroutes betweenboththecountries. Lastly, this special supplement to commemorate the Republic Day of Turkey is a great initiative by Dawn, hopefully this will become a tradition and continue in future. Pakistan and Turkey Promoting business relations By Talha Ahmed, Gulhane T urkey is a land of remarkable opportunities - a country rich in history, cultural diver- sityand one that has gone through immense economic revolution. It has been a seat of learning for cen- turies. Higher education in Turkey offers widespread network of universities exceeding well over 180; Turkeyattracts a large influx of international students fromall corners of the world, exceeding 50,000 annually. The incentive to pursue higher educa- tion inTurkey is not merely an outlook of an inexpensive, quality education but it provides students to experience the rich- ness of cultures that blend so well here. The gateway to education in Turkey - Alma Matters is an international study abroad consultancy firm that can help students find one of the best places to study based on financial, academic and personal needs. Established in 2012, Alma Matters has grown rapidly and now supports a large network of international affiliates and clients across the globe. With a strong support network in Turkey, Alma Matters has a direct link with the Higher Education Commission. We proudly represent some of the glob- ally recognized universities in Turkey including: Bilkent University, BahcesehirUniversity, IzmirUniversity , AtilimUniversity , IstanbulKulturUniversity, Istanbul Aydin University, METU Making plans to study abroad can be quite stressful as there are several aspects to consider. Right fromplanning, choosing the university, submitting your application, organizing your visa, to dropping you off safely at your accom- modation, we assist youdiligently throughout in the procedure. In addition to this, we can assist you avail certain scholarship opportunities offered by institutions withinTurkey. Alma Matters has a well established network across major cities ofPakistan including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Our committed manage- ment team consists of the CEO, Mr. Tahawur Jafri, Country Manager - Pakistan, Ms. Zohra Omar, Regional Director - Pakistan, Mr. Shehzad Malik and Regional Director - UK, Ms. SairaZehra. Our friendly team of experts provide quality consultation and guidance that favours an independent, individual approach to every student. Get your career on course - Come to Turkey, Come to Alma Matters. By Zohra Omar Country Manager - Pakistan Alma Matters - gateway to education in Turkey METU teammeets Alma Matters teamin Pakistan ADVANTAGES OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM Double-Major Education The undergraduate students of Istanbul Aydin University can get a second Bachelor's degree program as well as their original Bachelor's degree if they successfully complete at least 36 credits in their second degree program. Minor Education The undergraduate students of Istanbul Aydin University can get a Bachelor's degree of their original program as well as a minor certificate if they successfully complete at least 18 credits in their minor program. INTERDEPARTMENTAL TRANSFER SYSTEM The students of Istanbul Aydin University can transfer to those departments that match the entry requirements and educational content of their original if they pass all courses successfully after studying at least one termfor their original associate degree programand at least two terms for the under- graduate program. Moreover, the students can use the lateral transfer systemif their examresults of the year of acceptance (in the examby Assessment Selection and Placement Center) are equal to or higher than the base point of the programs to which they want to transfer in Istanbul Aydin University. CONTINUING EDUCATIONAND RESEARCH CENTER (CERC) Continuing Education and Research Center contributes to the skilled labor of the country by means of consultancy serv- ice and training in the areas of communications, organization and manage- ment, social skills, and pro- fessional competences. It provides training to at least 10,000 people a year. We organize individual- ized education programs for both our students and different occupational groups. We also organize corporate trainings in line with the requirements of the companies. A university whose diplomas are accredited with the countries within European Union and the European Higher Education area Only Turkish universi- ty emphasizing applied education with its thou- sands of solution partners in the industry Cooperation with internationally renowned universities Scholarships continued for the full matriculation period of studies Highly qualified academic staff Two diplomas via double major program Opportunity to continue for bachelor studies for qualify- ing associate degree students in Turkey or abroad at partner institutions The biggest university laboratory complex inTurkey under one roof University whose alumni are preferred in the business world Social activities via student clubs Gaining scholarship opportunity during education Scholarship for achievement in sports Center for alumni employment Turkey's most preferred foundation university at the cen- tral placement test for universities Host to national and international conferences 03 ADVERTI SEMENT SUPPLEMENT DAWN WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29, 2014 Why Istanbul Aydin University? O ntex, Europes second largest hygienic dis- posables company, marked the completion of three years in Pakistan in 2014. From a modest start in late 2011, when Ontex estab- lished a local company and started to import and sell its baby diapers brand Canbebe, the company has grown to new heights. Today, Canbebe is established as a leading baby diapers brand in Pakistan with nationwide distri- bution and brand recognition as a high quality diaper. Only one year after establishing its brand in the mar- ket, Ontex set up a diaper manufacturing plant in Karachis Port Qasimindustrial area. Its five million Euro investment in this plant was a clear signal of the companys belief that Pakistan is an investment friendly country andone withmassive poten- tial. Few other multinational companies have moved with such confidence into the Pakistan market. As a result, Ontex Pakistan now employs over fifty people nationwide and manufactures several sizes of Canbebe locally, at international quality standards. Ontex General Manager for Middle East and Africa, Mr. Ozgur Akylidiz, who is based in Turkey stated: Pakistan not only offers a large and growing market of middle class consumers, but is also a country with deep historic brotherly relations with Turkey. Both of these reasons made it easy for us to decide to invest in Pakistan. I strongly believe that our investment here will be successful and will help to further strengthen the tie between our two nations. We believe that Pakistan can in the near future serve as an export hub for Ontex, said Mr. Akyildiz. For now, our local manufacturing serves the needs of the Pakistan market, but we intend to invest more in order to export to the regional markets as well. For this to happen, we needa stable regulatory system for customs duties and other permissions. Also, we need stable and affordable electricity supply so that we can remain competitive as a local manufacturer. When this happens, Karachi, Sindh province, and Pakistan will all benefit. Ontex completes three years in Pakistan W e need a qualified work- force, skilled in the use of information technologies; competent in the use of at least one foreign language in busi- ness life; who are inquisitive, productive, innovative, partici- patory and proactive on a glob- al scale. Given this need of our time, we launched the first founda- tion vocational school in our country in order to provide higher education opportunities to high school and equivalent schools alumni, educate the qualified workforce which our country needs and contribute to the improvement of human capital. We later established Istanbul Aydin University to include undergraduate and graduate programs. Istanbul Aydin University is a higher education institu- tion with experienced academic staff, contemporary and continuously updated programs, foreign language prepara- tion program, modern technical equipment for learning, a free and socially active campus life, providing you the knowledge, the entrepreneurial andcreative spirit required for the 21. century. I believe that modernTurkey will be able to rise as a leader in science, technology and world politics with your efforts and contributions. I hope that our students will discover and plan the career that they dreamand build a happy future for them- selves. In order to realize these hopes and beliefs, we pursue our continuous work at Istanbul Aydin University with the mis- sion of becoming a model university and assuming an impor- tant role in Turkeys education sector. Our university, while proceeding to educate the young generations inadopting the Turkish Republics indispensable and fundamental values, also undertakes a vision to become an entrepreneurial uni- versity as a duty and responsibility. We have a strong belief that Istanbul AydinUniversity will educate individuals who will have opportunities and privi- leges to develop themselves, follow the founding principles of our nation, represent our country globally, help our coun- try take its place among the leading countries inthe world. Paving the way for modernization Dr. Mustafa AYDIN, President - Board of Trustees, Istanbul Aydin University 04 ADVERTI SEMENT SUPPLEMENT DAWN WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29, 2014 Z orlu Energy Group is one of the major IPPs (Independent Power Producers) in Turkey and Middle East and Asia region with its investments in a wide range of energy business line and creates long termvalue for shareholders by help- ing to meet increasing demandfor energy in a safe and responsible way. Building on its growth in compliance with the principle of product and service variation in a bid to more efficiently use the planets natural resources, Zorlu Energy Group attaches a great deal of importance on studies into the fields of local and renewable energy, such as wind, geothermal andhydroelectric energy.The Group sets ambitious renewable energy targets, installed and operated its own renewable power systems, and signed purchase agreements to buy directly from renewable energy project operators, bypassing utilities. The Group has a pas- sion for continuous improvement, chal- lenges, excellence and particularly value people, the environment and integrity in all national and international activities. In this respect, renewable resources, which Zorlu Energy deem indispensable in its growth map and plays a strategic importance. The Group has set a target to unleash the potential of energy to ensure sustain- ability and a better life, as well as invest- ing in domestic resources and installing technological systems producing efficient energy in the industry. Fulfilling each stage of energy production in a comple- mentary way from project design to con- struction and from the operation to the maintenance of power plants, The Group renders suchturn-key deliveryservices. The Groups activities ranges from elec- tricitygeneration, tradetonatural gas dis- tribution and sales that are distinguished inthe energy sector bothinTurkey andin the Middle East andAsia region. Zorlu Energy Group runs 745 MW established power inTurkey, 1.011 MWin total, with7hydroelectric, 2geothermal, 2 windand3natural gas facilities inTurkey. The Group owns established a wind ener- gy plant of 56,4 MWin Pakistan with 100 % share and Dorad Natural Gas Combined Cycle Plant of an established power of 840 MWwith 25 %share. The Groupis also active inruns natural gas distribution operations in 20 residen- tial areas to households andcompanies in Gaziantep and Thrace regions within Trakya and Gazdas Gaziantep Natural Gas Distribution Inc. and also provides CNG and LNG sales activities in Turkey and abroad, under Zorlu Natural Gas Import, Export and Wholesale Trade Inc. and Zorlu Natural Gas Supply Company. Unveiling Pakistans best and untouched wind potential of the world ZorluEnerji, committedtoundertaking leading projects both in Turkey and abroad, has completed Pakistans first pri- vate sector energy investment in 2013 by constructing the countrys first wind farm. Utilityinterest inwindpower is increasing because it complements Pakistans reliance on new energy resources and more than 21,000 MWgeneration capabil- ities wereplannedinorder todecreasethe gap between supply and demand. Therefore the company works hard to unveil the best and untouched wind potential of the world in Pakistan inte- gratingits expertisewithfull commitment to the renewable energy investments. PakistanWind Farm, with a capacity of 56.4 MW, was constructedinJhimpir with a US $ 151 million investment by Zorlu Enerji Pakistan, whichis 100 %ownedby ZorluEnerji.Theplant begancommercial sales of electricity on 26th July, 2013. It is Pakistans first wind farmand is planned to generate 159 million kWh of electricity per year and will provide electricity for 350,000 houses. The plant will contribute to the growth of Pakistans renewable capacity and to the lowering of the coun- trys dependence on imported energy sources. Pakistan is ranked the second among the best wind corridors in the world. The wind corridor, on which the project is located, is known as the Gharo-Jhimpir, District Thatta-Sindh, efficient wind cor- ridor and is regarded as one of the most efficient wind corridors in the region, which is windy for twelve months of the year. Studies conducted in the region show that the region has a wind poten- tial of 60,000 MW. Zorlu Enerji Pakistan has to option to expand the plants installed capacity up to 300 MW. A sales and implementation agree- ment for the plant was signed with Pakistan National Transmission and Dispatch Company and Pakistan Alternative Energy Development Board. In accordance with this agreement, Zorlu Enerji secured a 20-year power purchase guarantee from the Pakistani govern- ment, as well as a guarantee against any risks related to a change in legislation or wind speed. The plant was also rewarded with the Middle East Renewables Deal of the Year 2011 Award by the Euromoney Publications Project Finance maga- zine. P akistan and Turkey enjoy the best of relations, politically, historically and culturally. Turkish people use the word KARDESH (beloved friend) for us. But trade and economic relations do not reflect thebrotherlyrelations andmuchis to be achieved in this area both by the governments andprivate sector business- men of the two countries. The balance of payment has been in favour of Pakistan for the last 12 years as Pakistanexports are textile rawmaterials i.e. cotton yarn, cotton cloth, Denimcloth etc. and we mostly import raw material from Turkey. The current bilateral trade figure is approximately US$590 billion fallen down from US$1.2 billion (2011) due to the following reasons. IMPEDIMENTS The major impediments relate to the governments of both countries who sho- uld facilitate and then leave business to business community of the two countries. 1) Turkish Government, in order to pro- tect their textile industry imposed COUNTERVAILING SAFEGUARD import duties on textile products and tex- tile raw material from all over the world including Pakistan in early 2011. 2) This issue was strongly taken up with relevant Turkish authorities and in the JOINT BUSINESS COUNCIL meeting held at Karachi in October 2011, presided by Chairmen from Pakistan and Turkey Business Councils withmorethan50mem- bers from both sides, the matter was dis- cussed and some leading textile importers from Turkey pointed out that bilateral trade (which was US$1.2 billion) will sharply fall as textile raw material from Pakistan is used for value addition in Turkey. Representations were made to rel- evant authoritiesjointlybut without result. Asexpected, thefigureswent downto$750 million in the very first year (2012). 3) Inspite of very cordial relations between the two sides, no Preferential TradingAgreement (PTA) exists between the two countries despite many meet- ings/negotiations since2011.This is anera of regional trade and FTAs and PTAs which bring WIN WIN situation to con- cerned countries but unfortunately no such agreement exists even in ECO Region of which both countries are mem- bers. 4)Yet another impediment is that there is no roador traintransportationbetween the two countries which effects early arrival of goods in Pakistan or Turkey. Presently the only means of transporta- tion is shipping which takes 25/30 days between Karachi and mainTurkish ports. 5) Unfortunately the Islamabad- Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train which madetest runs in2010reachingin14days has not taken off mainly due to opera- tional problems (lack of locomotives etc) fromPakistan side. The bright side is that now Pakistan Railways has successfully restarted its freight trains within the country and new locomotives are being Inducted in the sys- tem, the Government of Pakistan should immediately take measures to start this important route. During the meeting of ISTANBUL FORUM in February 2014 in Ankara, the chambers of three countries proposed that the ITI train link be extend- edbyroadfromIslamabadtoAfghanistan. This was well taken at the high level meeting of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Presidens of Afghanistan and Turkey and was part of the Declaration issued after the meeting. It is pertinent to point out that the fright rates should be competitive and schedules be strictly adhered to get confi- dence of the business community. The bilateral trade with Turkey and Iran together is approximately $ 1.6 billion which Railways can target. 6) There is no road transportation between the two countries although Iran and Turkey have excellent road network. Pakistan-Turkey Business Council realiz- ing the fact made efforts through ECO Chamber of Commerce to facilitate open- ing of road transportation through trucks and trailers etc. Pakistan Is the only coun- try in ECO Region which has not ratified theTIRConventionfor facilitationof road tradetraffic inspiteof assurances given. In the recently concluded meeting of ECO Chamber of Commerce in Karachi last month, the other member countries took note of the situation and requested Pakistani business community i.e. FPCCI to take up this matter on top priority with GOPin order to expedite road transporta- tion. In this connection, a trial run by trucks was carried out which took about 10/11 days fromKarachi to Istanbul. 7) As the European Union has allowed GSP Plus status to Pakistan after fulfill- ing all conditions, the TURKISH GOV- ERNMENT should also grant the same Status to Pakistani Goods which are exported there, as Turkey is member of European Customs Union for the last many years. These measures will Boost confidence and enhance the Bilateral Trade at a fast pace. These are the Major Impediments which exist for many years and relate to respective Governments who should facil- itate the Private Sector by resolving these issues asap. BRIEF IMMEDIATEMEASURES FOR EXPANSIONOF BILATERALTRADE A) Government of Turkey should Reconsider its decision and Exempt Pakistan from Countervailing Duty on Textiles Raw Materials and also allow Pakistan the GSP PLUS status as they are Membersof EUCustomsUnionsince1996. B) Governments of Turkey & Pakistan shouldfindways andmeans tocometoan agreement for earliest Conclusion of PTA for which Discussions/Negotiations are taking place since 2011 without success. For FTA (Free Trade Agreement) , GOP may start Negotiations with EUROPEAN UNION in order to Conclude this Agreement withTurkey. C) Also efforts are made for early con- clusion of ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) which covers Ten Countries includingTurkey for Reduced import tar- iff. Only one ratification from One ECO Member state is required for the imple- mentation/Negotiations of ECOTA. D) Government of Pakistan may facili- tate Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Railway route at the earliest and ensure tight schedules to gain confidence of Private Sector. E) Earliest accession be given by the goverment to the TIR Convention for ECORegion in order to have Speedy and Competitive Road Transportation by Trucks andTrailers. The private sectors of both countries also have an important role to introduce each others products and create aware- ness by way of participating In trade fairs in each others countries, taking frequent trade specific product delega- tions etc. Turkey stands 6th as economic power of Europe, literally producing everything from raw material to itermediaries to fnished high tech products. With reduced rateof duties (under PTA), thereis alarge scope of Turkish products to enter Pakistani market which will lead to more joint ventures betweenthe two sides. The bilateral trade figures can go beyond $2.5 billion if the respective governments remove hurdles. There are a number of top class Turkish construction companies operat- ing in Pakistan building highways, dams, Infrastructure of ports etc besides handling defence- related projects. The first Wind Energy Project in Pakistan was started by a Turkish Company who are now investing more in the project. There are Turkish Investments in tex- tiles, chemicals,food, pipes and many other sectors. Besides we enjoy eating famous ADANA KEBABS at Solen Resturant in Karachi. Pakistan-Turkey economic and trade relations By Amjad Rafi, Chairman Pakistan-Turkey Business Council Zorlu Energy: best expertise in safer, greener and efficient energy