Pakistani business leaders were honoured in Istanbul on Friday as the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) wrapped up its International Excellence Awards-2026, calling for stronger economic ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.

The awards ceremony, held at a five-star hotel in Istanbul on 14 March 2026, recognised 12 Pakistani entrepreneurs and companies for their contributions to trade, investment and innovation. Among the awardees were Samiullah Abbasi (Chairman of Saphire Fibres), Khalid Mahmood (CEO of Metro Cash & Carry Pakistan), and Ayesha Khan (Founder of Khaadi), who were cited for expanding Pakistani exports and fostering business partnerships with Turkish firms.

ICCI President Zafar Bakhtawari told the gathering that Pakistani businesses must leverage Türkiye’s strategic location as a gateway to Europe and Central Asia. "Pakistan’s exports to Türkiye grew by 18% in 2025, but we can do much more," he said. "The awards are a reminder that our private sector is ready to lead this charge."

Key facts from the awards

- Event: ICCI International Excellence Awards-2026
- Date: 14 March 2026
- Location: Istanbul, Türkiye (five-star hotel)
- Awardees: 12 Pakistani entrepreneurs and companies
- Top honours: Samiullah Abbasi (Saphire Fibres), Khalid Mahmood (Metro Cash & Carry), Ayesha Khan (Khaadi)
- Trade growth: 18% increase in Pakistan-Türkiye exports in 2025

Why this matters for Pakistani businesses

The awards come as both countries push to hit a $1 billion annual trade target by 2027, up from $720 million in 2025. Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Metin Kılıç attended the event and called for removing non-tariff barriers, including cumbersome customs procedures and high freight costs.

For Pakistani exporters, the message is clear: Türkiye is a critical market for textiles, surgical instruments, rice and IT services, but paperwork and logistics remain hurdles. "We need a single-window clearance system for Turkish-bound shipments," said Bakhtawari. "Right now, a consignment from Lahore to Istanbul can take 10-12 days due to delays at ports."

What Pakistani businesses should do next

- Check eligibility for Turkish trade fairs: Türkiye hosts the Izmir International Fair (15-24 August 2026) and Ankara Business Forum (12-14 November 2026), where Pakistani firms can showcase products.
- Review FBR’s export incentives: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) offers zero-rated sales tax on exports to Türkiye under the Pakistan-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement (PTFTA). Confirm your business qualifies here.
- Explore Turkish joint ventures: The Board of Investment (BOI) lists 15 Turkish-Pakistani partnerships in textiles and food processing. See the list here.
- Use PIA’s cargo flights: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) now operates direct cargo flights to Istanbul three times a week, cutting transit time by 30%. Book via PIA Cargo.

What to watch in the coming months

- PTFTA review: The Pakistan-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement is up for a mid-term review in June 2026. Businesses should lobby for lower tariffs on key exports like surgical instruments and basmati rice.
- Currency fluctuations: The Pakistani rupee has weakened by 12% against the Turkish lira since January 2026, making Pakistani goods cheaper in Türkiye—but also increasing import costs for local firms. Monitor updates from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) here.
- Energy cooperation: Turkish energy firm Zorlu Enerji is exploring a $200 million wind power project in Sindh, which could lower electricity costs for export-oriented industries. Track progress via the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) here.

Bottom line

The ICCI awards are more than a pat on the back—they’re a call to action. Pakistani businesses that move fast to secure Turkish partnerships, streamline exports and lobby for trade reforms will be the ones reaping the rewards as the $1 billion target approaches. For those still on the fence, the message from Istanbul is simple: the door to Türkiye is open—walk through it.

What’s your biggest challenge exporting to Türkiye? Share your experience in the comments.