Turkish bank to provide $300 million credit facility
Export Credit Bank of Turkey (Exim Bank) is to give $300 million credit facility to Pakistan for 2013-14 for which a formal pact will be signed during the 3-day (September 16-18) official visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Turkey, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. Prime ministers of both countries will co-chair the third meeting of the High Level Co-operation Council (HLCC) to be held in Ankara on September 17, 2013.
The HLCC mechanism between Pakistan and Turkey was established during the visit of Prime Minister Erdogan to Pakistan in October 2009. The joint political declaration signed on the occasion provides HLCC "to oversee and steer the unique partnership and intensified co-operation between the two countries." The HLCC has thus far met twice - December 2010 in Ankara and May 2012 in Islamabad. During these meetings, 25 MoUs/agreements were signed between the two countries.
The Prime Minister would accord an opportunity to promote Pakistan as an investment destination despite a dispute between GoP and M/s Karkey Rental Power. A business forum with participation of leading Turkish companies is being planned on the sidelines of the visit. An energy forum is separately being planned to be held in Istanbul on September 6 where experts from the relevant Ministries would provide a detailed overview on the technical and financial aspects of feasible energy projects including measures concerning protection of investments, security and special incentive packages by the GoP.
Commenting on much delayed comprehensive Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) the sources said it remains Pakistan's foremost priority. PTA negotiations between Pakistan and Turkey commenced in 2004. The progress has been intermittent ever since. The 4th round of technical negotiations took place in Islamabad on May 20, 2012.
Imposition of safeguard measures by Turkey on Pakistani textiles and chemicals has reinforced the need for a facilitative economic framework: following a high of $1 billion in 2011, the bilateral trade volume fell to $831 million in 2012 - Pakistani exports registering a decline of 36 percent. After Turkey failed to accede to Pakistan request for elimination of trade defence measures including safeguards and anti-dumping Pakistan has pushed in earnest for the conclusion of a "comprehensive" PTA giving comparative advantage to both sides.
The two sides have conveyed their offer and wish lists which are being evaluated. Turkey has also offered to host the next round of negotiations ahead of the HLCC; dates are being finalised. "It is our expectation that the process would be completed in time for the PTA to be signed during the HLCC," the sources continued.
FACILITATIVE FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK A Currency Swap Agreement (CSA) was signed between the Central Banks of Pakistan and Turkey in November 2011. Opening of respective bank branches still remains a work-in-progress. While Habib Bank retains token presence in Istanbul, there are no Turkish banks operating in Pakistan. Pakistan embassy in Ankara feels that Is Bank, Halk Bank and Asya Bank, three of the largest Turkish private banks could be attracted to the Pakistani market. Last year, the Is Bank unsuccessfully bid for the HSBC in Pakistan.
Likewise, during the last IEC, the two sides resolved to strengthen co-operation in their banking/insurance/commodity exchange sectors including the possibility of MoUs, between the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Under-secretariat of Treasury of Turkey, and the Istanbul and Karachi Stock Exchange. This matter is being pursued by the Ministry of Finance/State Bank of Pakistan.
INVESTMENTS Pakistan and Turkey have bilateral agreement on reciprocal promotion and protection of investments (signed in 1995, renegotiated and signed afresh during the 2nd HLCC in Islamabad) and avoidance of double taxation.
Turkish footprint already exists in Pakistan energy, infrastructure and urban development sectors: A 50 MW wind power project at Jhimpir near Karachi has been commissioned by the "Zorlu Energi Pakistan Limited" (ZAPL) while another Turkish company, FIBA Holdings is at an advanced stage in negotiations for the establishment of a similar 50 MW wind energy project close to the site (the company has requested for an early issuance of licence by the AEDB, determination of power tariff and provision of grid connection by the NTDC). The 57-km Multan-Khanewal section of M-4 Motorway, 160-km Indus Highway, Lahore bypass of the M2, Water Supply of the Ormara Naval Base, etc, have also been constructed by Turkish companies. In Lahore, the Metro Bus Project and solid waste management system have a Turkish role.
According to sources, considerable scope for further Turkish investments especially in the energy (hydel/coal and wind) and infrastructure sectors exists. The Ministry of Water & Power has been directed to prepare a blue-print of workable projects along with their financial and technical feasibility, to be presented during the energy forum in Istanbul with a view to conclude agreements during the Prime Minister's visit.
Similarly, the possibility of engaging the Housing Development Administration (TOKI) of Turkey, in the construction of low-cost housing in Pakistan will be explored. An MoU for co-operation in the field of housing between TOKI and Pakistan's Ministry of Housing and Works was signed during the 1st HLCC meeting in Ankara in December 2010. TOKI would provide a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister during his visit.
Action-plan for joint-initiatives especially in sectors such as energy, infrastructure development, construction, communications and urban development and transportation are also being developed accordingly by the concerned ministries.
COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION Under a code sharing arrangement, Turkish Airlines operates 7 weekly flights to Karachi and Islamabad. The Turkish Airline has evinced keen interest in enhancing the frequency of these flights as well as adding Lahore as a new destination point. The issue is expected to be raised again at the leadership level. The Aviation Division has been requested to provide the necessary update.
Possibilities of collaboration in the Railways sector are also being discussed at different levels. During the last JEC, Pakistani side expressed interest in benefiting from Turkish experience in modernisation of the railways. In this regard, it was agreed that Pakistan would propose an MoU on areas of mutual co-operation.
Turkish bank to provide $300 million credit facility | Business Recorder