Trade Minister Mehmet Mus stated that the total trade volume with Azerbaijan and Georgia in 2020 will be exceeded before the end of the year.
After the “Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia 6th Business Forum”, Mus held a joint press conference with the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Cabbarov and the Minister of Economic and Sustainable Development of Georgia Natia Turnava.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the independence of two friendly countries of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia, Musss once again congratulated Azerbaijan on the victory of Karabakh.
Mus stated that as Turkey, they attach great importance to trade relations with friendly and brotherly countries Azerbaijan and Georgia, which date back to ancient times, and pointed out the importance of Azerbaijan and Georgia being one of the most important trade partners.
Noting that Turkey ranks second in both exports and imports of Azerbaijan in 2020, Mus said:
“As for Georgia’s imports, Turkey has taken the first place since 2007 and has become the most important trade partner. Our country is in the 4th position in Georgia’s exports in 2020. In addition, in the January-November period of this year, our trade volume with Azerbaijan increased by 6.5% compared to the same period of the previous year, and our trade volume with Georgia increased by 20% compared to the same period of the previous year. According to these figures, it is certain that we will exceed our total trade volume in 2020 with both countries before we complete the year.”
Referring to the importance of investments in bilateral relations, Minister Mus said, “Our business people are very enthusiastic about seeing both friendly countries as their own home and investing here. Our relations in the field of contracting have also reached a significant level. Both countries are in the top 10 in terms of the number of projects we have undertaken in the world.”
“Trade will make our region a center of peace and stability”
Stating that they will consult with the interlocutor ministers of Azerbaijan and Georgia on the steps that can be taken mutually to further develop bilateral trade and economic relations, Muss said:
“In our meetings, we will discuss the expansion of the current Preferential Trade Agreement with Azerbaijan and the current Free Trade Agreement with Georgia, the steps to be taken in the field of logistics, especially the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway Line, and cooperation in the customs field from many aspects. The mechanisms established between the three countries and the expanded cooperation will serve the common interests and expectations of the three countries in many areas in the coming period.”
Mus stated that the Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia Business Forum has also become an important platform serving this cooperation ground, “Our growing trade with these and similar platforms will strengthen the ties between our countries, increase our prosperity and wealth, and make our region a center of peace and stability.”
Source: Sabah / Translated by Irem Yildiz