IZMIR - Izmir Trade Chamber (IZTO) Executive Board Chairman Ekrem Demirtas said on Saturday that Chios island of Greece was entrance door opening to Greece for Turkey, adding that the Olympic Games which would be held in Greece next year had to be used an opportunity.
Totally 48 members from Chios Trade Chamber came to western Izmir province the same day with their wives as the guest of IZTO. Speaking before the meeting of Greek and Turkish businessmen, Demirtas said that the relations between the two countries were positive.
Noting that Chios island of Greece was the closest Greek island to Izmir, Demirtas said that ''Greece prepares for a big organization next year. Turkish side can also play a role in 2004 Olympic Games.''
Chios Trade Chamber Chairman Antonios Zannicos said in his part that the increasing commercial relations between the two countries was to the advantage of Turkey. A few years ago, the trade was to the advantage of Greece, he said, adding the trade volume was expected to be to the advantage of Turkey at the end of 2003. Zannicos said that Greece also launched efforts to make Turkey join the EU, adding that Turkey's admission to EU would be the interest of people living in Chios.
Greek Consul to Izmir Evangelos Sekeris said that the recent politically friendly relations between the two countries also improved bilateral economic relations.
(ÖŞ) 08.11.2003