Turkish official calls for boosting trade with Qatar

Dr Yasin Aktay, adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called yesterday for taking advantage of the investment potential in the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey by launching more bilateral projects between businesses in the two countries, in a way that will reflect positively on the trade volumes of both the countries.

During a visit by a delegation from Middle East Businessmen Council to Doha, Aktay said Turkey is witnessing an unprecedented growth in several economical fields, especially in external trade where its exports over the past 12 months have reached about $164bn.

On the second anniversary of the failed coup attempt in Turkey he spoke about the efforts made by Turkey to face the threats and plots that target its economy and safety. He added that Turkey has become an even stronger and more persistent nation pursuing its development.

He said that a military coup is now impossible to be carried out due to the unprecedented capacities the Turkish military is enjoying on different levels, especially with fighting terrorism.

He praised Qatar’s firm stance in support of Ankara during the challenging time.

He confirmed that Turkey will not forget those who stood by it in those circumstances and those who chose to remain silent.

Head of the Middle East Businessmen Council Dr Ahmad Yabrudi said the delegation’s visit to Qatar aims to develop ties between Qatari companies and its Turkish counterparts by starting new partnerships and alliances in light of the significant business potential in both countries.

He added that the council agreed with entities in Qatar to form committees to achieve the aim.

He said that both sides agreed to organise an international forum to be held in Turkey in October where contracts between both sides will be implemented. In addition, Qatari businessmen will be introduced to the investment opportunities in Turkey apart from the tourist potentials and manufacturing industry, and the food and health sectors in the country

Yabrudi called for further joint work to develop the partnership between both countries which increased the trade volume to $1.3bn in 2017. He added that currently, more than 300 Turkish companies work in the Qatari market, 26 of which operate with 100% Turkish capital.

The volume of projects carried out by Turkish companies in Doha amounts to nearly $11.6bn.