Turkish firms offer EU access to new markets: Minister

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

Turkish companies can open up big investment opportunities for EU countries in new markets, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said late on Sept. 26.

“You can find Turkish companies everywhere that EU countries don’t even think of setting foot,” Zeybekci said at an event hosted by the Turkish-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, specifically referring to Turkish companies in Africa, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Turkish companies offer important opportunities for the EU, as they have the ability to trade anywhere in the world,” he said.

“Turkey and the EU are not rivals, but complement each other,” Zeybekci added.

“If we complement each other, we will be stronger. The EU will be able to work in Africa, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan and Central Asia faster and more easily,” he added.

Zeybekci also stressed that despite recent tension between Ankara and Berlin, Germany remains Turkey’s biggest trade partner, saying the two countries have a trade volume of around $40 billion.

This is why it is essential for all EU countries to upgrade the Customs Union with Turkey, he added, saying that upgrading the Customs Union with Turkey would mostly be beneficial for Germany.

“Around 8,000 German companies engage in investment and production in Turkey,” Zeybekci said.