ZAGREB - I believe Turkey's EU entry talks will start, said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who spoke at Turkish-Croatian Business Council meeting in Zagreb on Monday.
Addressing the businessmen, Erdogan said that Turkey and Croatia can make joint investments in third countries. He added that the good relations between the two countries in political area can be extended to economic area as well.
Turkey and Croatia have supported each other in EU negotiation process, and Turkey supports Croatia's joining NATO as well, noted Erdogan.
Stressing that economy is an important impulsive force, Erdogan said that Turkish government will provide every type of support to (Croatian) businessmen who want to invest in Turkey. Erdogan recalled, "during the term of our government, foreign trade volume (which was 82 million Euro) with Croatia increased to 250 million Euro."
Regarding Turkish economy, Erdogan said, "in our 9th Development Plan, we aim to increase national income per capita to 10,000 USD. As of the end of 2005, global capital worth of 9.6 billion USD flowed in Turkey."
"Turkey and Croatia can mutually invest and cooperate in tourism, construction, ship construction, textile, automotive and food areas," added Erdogan.
Following the meeting, Erdogan and Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader proceeded to Dubrovnik city where the Croatian Premier will host a dinner in honor of Erdogan.