Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday, giving in principle approval to the draft Strategic Economic Framework between Pakistan and Turkey, directed for early finalization of the framework aimed at transforming the bilateral relations between the two countries into a broader growing strategic economic relationship. Chairing a meeting, the prime minister directed the relevant ministries to vigorously pursue the framework and put in place strong institutional arrangements for its implementation. Economic Affairs Division secretary gave a detailed briefing on contents and contours of the proposed framework. It was informed that during the prime minister’s visit to Turkey in the first week of January this year, the top leadership of the two sides had agreed to transform the bilateral relationship into a long-term strategic trade, investment and economic relationship based on the principles of reciprocity and fairness. On his return from Turkey, the prime minister constituted a 10-member ministerial committee headed by Finance Minister Asad Umar to finalize the proposed framework. Subsequently, two meetings of the ministerial committee were chaired by the finance minister and ideas and proposals were received from the 16 relevant ministries of the federal government. After due consideration and examination, proposals were identified, evaluated and incorporated into a wholesome draft strategic economic framework. The finance minister briefed the meeting that it is an integrated framework that has been built keeping in view the best interest of Pakistan, capitalizing on mutual complementarities and key advantages of the two economies, the framework so finalized will serve as the overarching strategic policy framework integrating all facets of existing bilateral economic cooperation into a single platform. Published in Daily Times, February 21st 2019.