Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private-sector-led economic growth, describing the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ICCI) Business Opportunity Conference in Istanbul on August 13 as a timely initiative to raise bilateral trade with Turkey to $5 billion, according to a statement on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference at ICCI, Khan said Turkey is Pakistan’s second home and stressed that deep-rooted political and brotherly ties must now be transformed into stronger economic partnerships through investment, joint ventures and technology transfer. He announced he would lead the Pakistani business delegation to Turkey and facilitate engagements with Turkish investors.

Khan said Pakistan has entered a new phase of political and macroeconomic stability, resulting in growing international confidence. He said the government’s priority is to empower the private sector, accelerate industrialisation and position Pakistan as a competitive manufacturing and export hub. He added that reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, simplifying regulations, rationalising tariffs and promoting industrial competitiveness are underway.

Khan highlighted that the government is introducing progressive industrial, auto and electric vehicle policies while creating new opportunities in renewable energy, battery manufacturing, electronics and pharmaceuticals. He said special emphasis is being placed on strengthening SMEs and exporters through easier access to finance, export refinancing and targeted tax incentives.

ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood expressed gratitude for the government’s support of the chamber’s international outreach initiatives. He said the Istanbul conference is designed to showcase Pakistan’s economic potential, facilitate B2B meetings, attract investment and create export opportunities in sectors including real estate, construction, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture, food processing, textiles, tourism, engineering and logistics.

Mehmood said ICCI is committed to projecting Pakistan as a reliable and investment-friendly destination while strengthening economic diplomacy through private-sector engagement. He expressed confidence that the conference would contribute towards the shared vision of expanding bilateral trade to $5 billion. Enes Malik Cetin, Commercial Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad, welcomed the initiative and expressed confidence that B2B matchmaking would further strengthen trade and investment relations.