Turkey open for you, minister tells Zambia

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

TUSKON President Rızanur Meral (L) and Zambian Minister Sichinga (R) shake hands as Minister Çağlayan looks on. AA photo

Many countries eye the underground treasures of Africa while “brothers” living on the continent are priority for the Turkish businessmen, Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan said at the Turkey-Zambia Trade and Investment Forum in Istanbul, which was also attended by Zambian Trade Minister Robert Sichinga.

“Turkey is open for you 24/7,” Çağlayan said, adding that Turkey was ready to cooperate in every field with Zambia, including education and health.

Çağlayan said Turkey and Zambia currently had a trade volume of $120 million, adding that Turkey’s imports from Zambia amounted to $114 million, $103 million of which was copper imports. Çağlayan also noted that Turkish Airlines was set to launch direct flights to the Zambian capital, Lusaka, and that Turkey’s support to African countries would continue to boost trade relations.

Zambian Trade Minister Sichinga said his country’b current priority was hydropower investments and invited Turkish businessmen to invest in the energy sector. Sichinga said the government planned three major dams and hydro plants on the Zambian River, adding that his country also had great solar power potential.

The visiting trade minister said investments in Zambia were under the protection of the government and the Zambian constitution, adding that Zambia was one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

Sichinga stressed that his country would also welcome support in the training of personnel in the Zambian health sector.