Trade between Turkey and the Arab states growing fast

Turkey called upon all Arab states Thursday to establish joint projects with her particularly in trade, energy and transport fields.

"Turkish exports to the Arab world reached about USD 11,7 Billion last year while they were USD 2,8 in the year 2000, as well as our imports from the Arab countries increased during the same period from USD 4,5 billion up to USD 7,6 billion," Turkish minister of sate said during the opening of the first Arab Turkish Economic Forum.

Minister Kursad Tuzmen underlined that trade exchange between Turkey and the Arab states will reach USD 24 billon noting that, "all numbers during the first four months of this year show that."

Tuzmen called for establishing an Arab-Turkish joint area where capitals, products and naval services can move freely, "it will be the most important project within Arab-Turkish relations," he added.

The two-days forum which includes 8 Arab ministers and about 800 governmental representatives as well as businessmen from Turkey and Arab countries including Syria aims at enhancing joint economic relations between the two sides and developing trade exchange and joint investment as well.