Izmir province of Turkey is looking for its share of tourists from Saudi Arabia, Mustafa Kahit, Governor of Izmir, the third largest city of Turkey, said. He also invited Saudi businessmen to establish joint investment projects in his country. The Turkish delegation invited Saudi businessmen to investigate business and investment opportunities and to establish joint ventures by visiting Turkey, especially Izmir, this summer to enjoy the natural beauty of the country. The special relationship between the two countries is ideal to increase the volume of trade exchange and the promotion of joint investments between the two, said the Izmiri official during a visit to the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Abdul Ghani Sabag, JCCI board member and director of the communication committee, pointed out that mutual visits between the people of both countries can be helpful in creating an understanding in various fields. Governor Kahit suggested that the last visit to the Kingdom of Turkish President, Abdullah Gul, and this meeting of the trade delegation will contribute to the economic cooperation of both countries and it will help open new opportunities for investment and consultation on joint projects and opportunities to increase the volume of trade. “The volume of trade between the two countries rose to $20 billion last year in favor of the Kingdom because of oil exports. Turkey's exports to Saudi Arabia ranked among the largest of the 22 countries that exported goods to Saudi Arabia in 2007 and ranks among the top 17 countries that imported items from the Kingdom in the same year. The total number of joint projects between the two countries amounted to 89 projects, including 33 industrial projects, 56 service projects at a total cost of SR3.282 million. Both countries support and develop trade relations and investment cooperation through appropriate means. Turkey reduced the cost of shipping and customs duties and allowed and facilitated Saudi businessmen to interact with the Turkish market in the contribution and promotion of products in the markets of both countries. “Saudi Arabia and Turkey maintain strong ties of friendship and have joint cooperation, coordination and interest in many areas at the economic level. There are commercial ties in the growth and diversity of sectors, particularly in the ongoing trade in food commodities and consumer goods,” said Mustafa Khait . The governor also pointed out that Izmir with a population of four million has a lot of industries and many well-known products which can provide opportunities for Saudi businessmen and investors to increase their trade ties.
