Minister says Turkey's exports to break record in 2011

Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said Tuesday that Turkey's exports surpassed 100 billion USD as of October 3.

Speaking to reporters in Pretoria, South Africa where he has arrived with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Minister Caglayan said that "Turkey's exports in the last 12 months amounted to 131.7 billion USD."

With God's will, our export figures will break a new record in 2011, Caglayan said.

Comparing the industries of Turkey and South Africa, Caglayan noted that the industries of the two countries complemented each other.

"Our current visit to South Africa is crucial to develop commercial relations. Half of all Turkish exports go to European Union (EU) countries. There is a serious recession in Europe. This visit will help us open up to new markets," Caglayan said.

Turkish-South African trade volume stands at 2 billion USD. There is a double standard in taxation. I have brought up the taxation issue in my meeting with the South African counterpart, Caglayan also said.


/World Bulletin/