Consul-general vows further British investments in Turkey, if stability assured

BURSA - Doğan News Agency

British Consul-General to Turkey in Istanbul Leigh Turner. DHA Photo

British Consul-General to Turkey in Istanbul Leigh Turner said the number of British companies investing in Turkey would rise if further stability and democracy in the country were granted, in a tourism and business seminar held in western Bursa province on Sept. 17. 

Referring to recent terror attacks by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Turner underlined they considered the group a terror organization, adding the recent attacks have not affected British investment in Turkey. 
“We will continue to resume our investments and to lead our investments where we spot profitable opportunities,” said Turner.

‘Refugee crisis should be solved zone by zone’

Turner also addressed that Europe has been in the sphere of the Syrian migrant crisis.

“This is a problem that needs to be solved across Europe, in fact, at every zone on the route, distinctly. If the groups have already departed, countries should assure that they are being treated in the best way. The U.K. is also ready to debate this issue, as in Europe.” 

The country was the second largest foreign investor in the Turkish market in 2014 with investment amounting to around $1 billion, and it is looking to increase exports and foreign direct investment into Turkey, especially in the area of energy, renewables and information and communication technology (ICT), according to a press release by the British of Chamber of Commerce in Turkey in July. 

Bilateral yearly trade volume between the U.K. and Turkey has reached $16 billion - nearly 65 percent of which consists of exports from Turkey to the U.K., which stands out as one of Turkey’s most important trade partners, according to figures from the chamber.