ISLAMABAD – Turkey is looking to assist Pakistan in shipyard operations byexchanging technology and experience. This was disclosed by a Turkishdelegation led by Transport and Infrastructure Minister Cahit Turhan in ameeting with the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi.
Cahit emphasized bilateral cooperation in the shipping sector wherePakistan can be assisted in shipyard operations by exchanging technologyand experience.
Pakistani manpower will be given preferential opportunities in Turkishcompanies. Once the details and other necessary protocols are finalized,bilateral MOUs will be signed to ensure expeditious implementation.
The Turkish side also showed interest in CPEC and expressed its support forthe infrastructure development of Pakistan. Pakistan and Turkey have a longhistory of relations whereby both countries have stood by each otherthrough thick and thin.
Ali Zaidi was accompanied by Secretary Maritime Affairs Rizwan Ahmed,Additional Secretary Nadir Mumtaz Warraich and Joint Secretary KamranFarooq Ansari in the meeting.
He disclosed the salient features of Pakistan’s new shipping policy to theguests, which includes tax exemptions for the ships registered in Pakistanand preferential berthing rights. He also invited Turkish companies toestablish their industries in Export Processing Zones being established inthe port cities of Karachi and Gawadar.
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Pakistan has huge potential in developing coastal cities and the tourismindustry. In the next couple of years, some planned projects will belaunched that will altogether revolutionize the maritime sector of Pakistan.
The Turkish minister was invited for the Maritime EXPO being planned inKarachi later this year. He accepted the invitation and agreed to inviteTurkish companies to participate in the event.
Pakistani side in cognizance of the issues faced by seafarers requested theTurkish side to facilitate them and ease their VISA restrictions. Theiremployment on Turkish ships was also discussed as Pakistani seafarers havebeen lauded worldwide for their professionalism.
