Turkey expects more Czech investments: Trade minister

By Mehmet Fatih Erdogdu, Sevgi Ceren Gokkoyun and Aysenur Saglam

ANKARA (AA) - From Czechia to Turkey, $600 million of investments were made so far, Turkish side expects more, the Turkish trade minister said on Tuesday.

Turkey will be happy to see a joint technology investment in Turkey in technology based free zones, Ruhsar Pekcan stressed during a business dinner, hosted by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) in the capital Ankara.

Cooperation between the two countries has been continuing with close and constructive relations for a long time and it will continue by becoming strong, she added.

Pekcan highlighted obstacles must be removed for raising bilateral trade between the two countries.

Rifat Hisarciklioglu, the head of TOBB, said bilateral trade between Turkey and Czechia can be increased to $5 billion Turkey expects Czech investors.

"We are also ready to cooperate for directing Turkish investors to Czechia which has the best business and investment environment in central Europe," he underlined.

Turkish contractors can take part of infrastructure investments in Czechia, he added.

"Our contractors overtook 261 projects, including energy centrals, motorways, tunnels and bridges, worth $19 billion abroad last year."

Touching on the Turkish transportation sector, he said Czechia should raise the quota, which is annual 10,000 vehicles currently, for Turkish logistic firms.

Turkey also expects Czechia's support for modernization of the customs union and visa liberalization.

Andrej Babis, Czech prime minister, said Czechia aims to complete motorways network and invest in high-speed trains and two countries can cooperate in these areas.

Czechia exports 87% of its production to the EU countries and Czech companies should diversify their export markets, he added.

He also said Czech companies conduct projects successfully in areas of smart cities, mining and energy.

Karel Havlicek, the Czech industry and trade minister, stressed Czechia will continue to cooperate with Turkey, in especially energy, steel and medical sectors.

* Writing by Gokhan Ergocun