Turkey planning model custom, trade logistical centers

By Ugur Aslanhan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkey will establish model custom and trade centers in order to boost the country's share of the global logistic market, the country’s customs and trade minister said on Wednesday.

"The model will add considerable value to the Turkish economy and business circles through using various innovative approaches in its planning, financing, and management," Bulent Tufenkci told a Custom and Trade Center conference held in Istanbul.

Saying that Turkey serves as a natural bridge between Asia and Europe, Zeybekci added that the country has significant advantages for logistics centers globally.

Zeybekci stated that Turkey’s advantageous geographical location allows it to take steps to create a global brand in e-trade and logistics.

The centers carry great importance for pushing Turkey's potential, he said.

"Our models' main approach has principles of comprehensive and professional planning, bringing together all logistic sector shareholders, modern opportunities and multimode transportation infrastructure, incentives and simplified customs transactions, and operating and management models based on public-private partnership," Zeybekci said.

The first center will be set in Istanbul for its geographical location, population, and foreign trade volume, he said.