Turkish Trade Center set to open in New York

By Seval Ocak Adiyaman

NEW YORK/ANKARA (AA) - A new Manhattan-based Turkish Trade Center is ready to open on Thursday, Turkey’s economy minister said on Wednesday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Nihat Zeybekci -- who will open the Fifth Avenue premises near New York's iconic Empire State Building -- said the facility will be “the most important bridge for our country and exporters to enter the U.S. market".

Companies which do not have the ability to open branches by themselves can operate in foreign markets through trade centers like the New York facility, Zeybekci said.

The minister said many companies faced difficulties in entering foreign markets due to bureaucracy, high costs and security issues.

"Trade centers will contribute not only to countries' trade relations but also their image," he added.

Zeybekci said the Manhattan center will host 24 companies from various sectors such as garments, home textiles and the hotel trade.

The Turkish Trade Center will also provide significant opportunities for various ministries and civil society organizations to carry out their activities.