Turkey-ECOWAS forum set to begin in Istanbul

By Tuba Sahin

ISTANBUL (AA) - An economic and business forum, which is set to be held on Feb. 22-23 in Istanbul, will be bringing together more than a thousand business people and ministers from Economic Community of West African States.

The two-day event, organized by Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) in coordination with Turkish Economy Ministry, aims to deepen economic cooperation between Turkey and ECOWAS.

During thematic sessions, the representatives from Economic Cooperation Organization, Trade and Development Bank and Turkish Eximbank will be discussing opportunities regarding financing for trade in ECOWAS region.

A meeting between business circles and government officials will also be held during the event.

ECOWAS was established in 1975 in order to promote West African countries' integration in various areas such as industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, and social and cultural issues.

The trade union consist of 15 countries -- Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’ Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo.