RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Turkey is a gateway to Europe and can facilitate Pakistani exporters to market their products in the EU countries, including the Pakistani handmade furniture.

A Turkish furniture producers’ delegation headed by a leading Turkish businessman Ahmet after visiting the ‘Interiors Pakistan exhibition’ held a meeting with Pakistan Furniture Council’s Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq to explore investment opportunities in areas of interest.

Talking to media, Ahmet said that Turkey was exporting 65 percent of its textile and vegetables to Europe and they could also streamline exports from Pakistan to Europe via Turkey as the Turkish firms are well established and well-connected with the buyers of European markets.

The Turkish furniture manufacturing companies were keen to strengthen trade relations with the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) as both the countries have good potential to enhance bilateral cooperation in furniture sector. He said Turkish firms had 2,000 show rooms in their country and 1,000 in Europe with total turnover of $5 billion per annum.

PFC chief said Pakistan and Turkey had the trade volume well below the potential as Pakistan exported commodities worth $322.60 million and imported commodities valuing $238.45 million during 2014-15, showing a trade balance of $84.15 million in its favour.