Gujrat Chamber Seeks Turkish Visa Office and Direct Flights to Boost Trade

Pakistan Business Leaders Push For Enhanced Turkish Trade Links

Gujrat, pakistan – A renewed push for strengthened economic ties between Pakistan and Türkiye is underway, with key business figures advocating for increased air connectivity and streamlined visa processes. The Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GtCCI) is spearheading these efforts, aiming to unlock greater opportunities for businesses in the region.

Calls For New Visa Office And Airline Route

The GtCCI has formally requested the establishment of an anatolia visa request office in Gujrat, Pakistan. This initiative seeks to alleviate the burdens experienced by local entrepreneurs and travellers navigating the current visa application procedures.President of the GtCCI,Ahmed Hassan Mattu,recently presented these proposals directly to Consul General of the republic of Türkiye,Mehmet Eymen Simsek,during a diplomatic meeting.

In addition to visa facilitation, the GtCCI is also lobbying for a direct Turkish Airlines flight originating from sialkot International Airport. Such a route would serve not only the cities of Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, but also a wider network of surrounding districts, providing crucial connectivity for business and leisure travel.

Visa Office Feasibility Under Review

Consul General Simsek acknowledged the potential benefits of a dedicated visa office in Gujrat. though, he cautioned that establishing such a facility presents significant logistical and financial challenges. These include substantial investments in infrastructure, security protocols, personnel recruitment, and ongoing operational costs.

Airline Expansion Already In Progress

Regarding the prospect of a new Turkish Airlines route, Simsek highlighted recent positive developments. The frequency of flights between Lahore and Istanbul has been increased, rising from 11 to 14 weekly services. He expressed cautious optimism,indicating that the introduction of flights from sialkot is being considered,pending a comprehensive feasibility study. Global air passenger demand has shown resilience in late 2023 and early 2024, according to the international Air Transport Association (IATA), perhaps bolstering the case for new routes.

Pakistan-Türkiye Trade: A Growing partnership

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Türkiye has been steadily increasing in recent years. In the fiscal year 2023, bilateral trade volume reached approximately $3.1 billion, demonstrating a growing economic interdependence. Key exports from Pakistan to Türkiye include textiles, leather goods, and agricultural products, while Türkiye primarily exports industrial machinery, chemicals, and automotive parts to Pakistan.

Area of Discussion	Details
Visa Office Request	GtCCI proposed an Anatolia visa application office in Gujrat.
Airline Route Request	GtCCI advocated for a Turkish Airlines flight from Sialkot International Airport.
Lahore Flight Increase	Turkish Airlines increased Lahore-Istanbul flights from 11 to 14 weekly.
2023 Bilateral Trade	Approximately $3.1 billion.

The GtCCI’s initiatives reflect a broader ambition to deepen economic cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye, fostering a more conducive environment for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The establishment of new infrastructure and streamlined processes are vital steps in achieving this goal.

what impact would a direct Turkish Airlines route have on businesses in the Gujrat region? Do you think increased air travel will significantly boost trade between Pakistan and Türkiye?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!

How will establishing a Turkish visa office in Gujarat benefit trade and investment between India and Turkey?

gujrat Chamber Seeks Turkish Visa Office and Direct Flights to Boost Trade

The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is actively lobbying for the establishment of a Turkish visa office in Gujarat and the introduction of direct flights between Gujarat and Turkey. this strategic push aims to substantially enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two regions, capitalizing on growing economic ties. The move reflects a broader trend of increasing India-Turkey economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like textiles, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals.

Current Trade Landscape: India-Turkey Relations

Currently,trade between India and Turkey is experiencing steady growth,but logistical hurdles and visa processing delays are hindering its full potential. Key trade figures as of late 2025 show:

* Bilateral Trade Volume: Approximately $8.3 billion annually.

* Key Indian Exports to Turkey: Textiles, automotive components, iron & steel, chemicals, and agricultural products.

* Key Turkish Exports to India: Machinery, electrical equipment, auto parts, and processed minerals.

* Investment Flows: Increasing Turkish investment in India’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, and Indian investment in Turkish tourism and renewable energy.

The GCCI believes streamlining the visa process and improving air connectivity are crucial to achieving the ambitious target of $10 billion in bilateral trade by 2027, as outlined in recent discussions between Indian and Turkish trade officials.

The Case for a Turkish Visa Office in Gujarat

Gujarat, a major industrial and economic hub in India, serves as a gateway for notable international trade.The absence of a Turkish visa office in the state necessitates businesses and individuals to travel to Mumbai or Delhi for visa processing,adding to both time and financial costs.

Establishing a dedicated visa office in Gujarat would:

1. Reduce Processing Times: Faster visa approvals would facilitate more frequent business travel and trade missions.
2. Lower Costs: Eliminating travel expenses for visa applications would benefit smes (small and Medium Enterprises) in particular.
3. Boost Investment: A streamlined visa process would encourage greater Turkish investment in Gujarat’s diverse industries.
4. Enhance Tourism: Easier visa access would promote tourism between the two regions, fostering cultural exchange and economic benefits.

The GCCI has submitted a detailed proposal to the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighting the economic benefits and logistical advantages of establishing a Turkish consulate or visa request center in Ahmedabad.

Direct Flights: Bridging the Connectivity Gap

Currently, travel between Gujarat and Turkey involves multiple layovers, increasing travel time and costs. Direct flights would significantly improve connectivity and facilitate smoother business operations.

the potential benefits of direct flights include:

* Reduced Travel Time: Cutting down travel time from approximately 14-16 hours to around 8-9 hours.

* Increased Trade Volume: Facilitating more frequent and efficient movement of goods and personnel.

* tourism Growth: Attracting more tourists from Turkey to Gujarat’s cultural and historical sites, and vice versa.

* Strengthened Business Ties: Encouraging joint ventures and collaborations between companies in both regions.

Several airlines, including Turkish Airlines and IndiGo, have expressed interest in operating direct flights between Ahmedabad and Istanbul, pending regulatory approvals and route clearances.The GCCI is actively working with airport authorities and aviation officials to expedite the process.

Sector-Specific Opportunities

Several sectors stand to benefit significantly from improved trade relations and connectivity:

* Textiles: Gujarat is a major textile manufacturing hub, and Turkey is a significant importer of textiles and apparel. Direct flights and easier visa access would facilitate increased trade in this sector.

* Pharmaceuticals: India is a global leader in pharmaceutical production,and Turkey represents a growing market for Indian pharmaceuticals.

* Engineering Goods: Gujarat’s engineering industry can benefit from increased exports to Turkey, particularly in areas like machinery and equipment.

* Renewable Energy: Turkey is investing heavily in renewable energy, creating opportunities for Indian companies specializing in solar and wind power technologies.

* Agriculture: Gujarat’s agricultural sector can explore export opportunities for products like spices,fruits,and vegetables to the turkish market.

Recent Developments & Government Support

In December 2025, a high-level delegation from the GCCI visited Turkey to explore potential trade and investment opportunities. The delegation met with representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Trade and the Turkish Confederation of Business and Industry (TUSIAD) to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

The Indian government has also expressed strong support for enhancing trade relations with Turkey. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is actively working on a extensive trade agreement with Turkey, which is expected to further boost bilateral trade and investment. The “Make in India” initiative is also being promoted in Turkey to attract investment in India’s manufacturing sector.

Practical Tips for Businesses

For businesses looking to capitalize on the growing India-Turkey trade opportunities:

* market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify potential customers and partners in Turkey.

* Cultural Sensitivity: Understand Turkish business culture and etiquette.

* Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with Turkish import/export regulations.

* Networking: Attend trade shows and conferences to network with potential partners.

* Language Support: Consider hiring translators or interpreters to facilitate dialog.

* Utilize Trade Promotion Organizations: Leverage the support of organizations like the GCCI and the Indian Embassy in Turkey.

Case Study: Success of Indian Textile Exports to Turkey

A Gujarat-based textile manufacturer, Arvind Limited, successfully increased its exports to Turkey by 30% in the last fiscal year by establishing a direct partnership with a turkish apparel brand. this success was attributed to improved communication, faster order processing, and reduced logistical costs. This