Trade hurdles on agenda of Turkish leader's China trip

By Seval Ocak Adiyaman

ANKARA (AA) - A top issue during the Turkish president’s visit to China next week will be certification hurdles to Turkish exports, Turkey’s Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said Thursday.

"China prolongs procedures on many issues. The country is reluctant on [importing] both food and agricultural products and industrial goods produced in Turkey," said Zeybekci.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay an official visit to China on May 14-15, accompanied by various government ministers.

Zeybekci stressed that certification issues are the biggest problem facing Turkish exporters to China.

"We will see this [meeting] as an opportunity" to address the issues, he added.

Zeybekci emphasized that Turkey favors reaching a solution with China on these issues.

On the visa problems of Turkish traders, Zeybekci said:

"China's visa policy for Turkey and hindering those who go to the country to buy goods are not acceptable."

Zeybekci said the visa issue is also set to be discussed.

In the present trade deficit, Turkey sells China only one product for every 10 Chinese products it buys, he said, calling the situation "unacceptable."

China sells to Turkey products worth of $25 billion including intermediate goods, auxiliary materials, and consumer goods which are not vital, Zeybekci said, adding that the ministry closely follows the products imported from China.

Last year Chinese imports to Turkey totaled $25.4 billion while its exports to China stood at $2.3 billion, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.