ISTANBUL - Industry and Trade Minister Ali Coskun went to Italy on Friday to participate in the ministers meeting of EU Member and Candidate Countries.
Speaking in a news conference at Ataturk Airport before his departure, Coskun said that the issue of preparation of EU policies in return to competition in economy would be discussed during the three-day meeting in Rome.
''Regarding the issue of development and integration of domestic market in EU, which will be taken up during the meeting, a preliminary report has been prepared. The report suggests that Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania have to join the EU to make EU increase its competitive power. The issue of forming funds in EU member and candidate countries for research, development and technologic issues will be discussed. In another report, there is the issue of strengthening the power of EU by strengthening small and medium scale enterprises. Turkey also supports that,'' Coskun said.
Coskun recalled that the issue of strengthening small and medium scale enterprises was included in the government's urgent action plan, adding that EU closely monitored that process.
Coskun stressed that the meeting on formation of policies regarding small and medium scale enterprises (SMSEs) by the participation of 70-80 countries would be held in Istanbul in 2004.
''During the visit to Rome, we will have the opportunity to benefit from the support and experience of the Italian government about this issue,'' he added.
(Öª-AÖ) 11.07.2003