Trade, visa limits imposed on Turkey by Russia still in effect: Zeybekci

Aysel Alp - ANKARA

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A number of limits in Turkey’s bilateral visa and trade transactions with Russia still remain in place, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci has said, adding that this makes the Turkish side “uncomfortable.”

“Turkish trucks still cannot work there and companies still suffer from visa restrictions. We hope these problems will be overcome but we are uncomfortable,” Zeybekci told a group of journalists, also voicing unease with the ongoing embargoes by Russia on many products from Turkey. 

“There has not been any easing of embargoes on fruits and vegetables from Turkey. After the Christmas holiday ends, we will be closely following this process,” he added. 

Russia partly lifted the embargo on Turkish agricultural products in October 2016 and authorized import of drupes and citrus fruit. Discussions on other products are continuing. 

Zeybekci also said the government had called big investors to benefit from project-based subsidies. 

“We have invited many technology producers to invest in Turkey. We have been in very constructive talks with them,” he added. 

Talks are underway with Iran to increase the number of products in the scope of the preferential trade agreement from 265 to 400, Zeybekci said. 

“We have almost reached a consensus on around 100 products,” he added.