Turkish lender Halkbank opens new branch in Serbia
BELGRADE - Anadolu Agency
Turkish lender Halkbank on Oct. 29 added a new branch to its network in Serbia, where it already has a widespread presence.
At the opening of the branch in the capital Belgrade, Turkish Ambassador to Serbia Tanju Bilgic said the bank’s aim in Serbia is to boost trade with Turkey.
“Since the establishment of Halkbank in Serbia, our trade has grown significantly. In 2019 the trade volume will reach 2 billion euros [$2.28 billion],” he said.
Bilgic said economic ties are a key factor between the two countries, which is why more and more investors from Turkey should be attracted to Serbia.
The opening of the new branch also marked Turkey’s Republic Day.
Kenan Bozkurt, the bank’s CEO in Serbia, said Halkbank wanted to honor Turkey’s 95th anniversary.
33rd branch
“This is our 33rd branch in Serbia,” said Bozkurt.
“Halkbank expanded its network throughout Serbia and grew by more than 70 percent in three years and reached more than 450 million euros [$515.86 million] in assets.”
“The bank’s profit is also rising every year. We’re planning to reach $1 billion in assets within the next three years,” he added.
Focusing mainly on the real sector with a strong presence in retail banking, this year Halkbank also began giving agricultural loans.
New branches in other major cities are also planned to open in 2019.
