ANKARA - Sudanese External Affairs Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail who is currently paying an official visit to Turkey, met in Ankara on Tuesday Mr. Rifat Hisarciklioglu, Chairman of the Association of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB).
Speaking to reporters prior to the meeting, Hisarciklioglu said that Turkey is a bridge connecting the East and the West, while Sudan is a door opening to African continent.
Stressing that current commercial relations between Turkey and Sudan did not reflect the real potential, Hisarciklioglu said both countries should intensify efforts to increase and diversify bilateral trade on the basis of mutual interests.
''I want to mention that Turkish companies are ready to assume contracting services in Sudan. There are opportunities to make joint investments in several areas in Sudan, particularly in sugar production, cement, textiles, oil, automotive assembly industry, power generation, construction of motorways and bridges, water works, transportation, animal husbandry and foodstuffs,'' he said.
''Besides we think that there are important opportunities for Turkish entrepreneurs especially in agriculture, energy and manufacturing sectors. We also believe that Sudanese companies can cooperate with Turkish companies to supply equipment for infrastructure projects which will be financed by the Islamic Development Bank,'' he added.
Stressing that international organizations would provide financial assistance to Sudan after the signing of the agreement, Ismail said that they would use this assistance, as well as other funds gained from oil exports, in the realization of infrastructure projects.
Ismail said that Sudan would like to cooperate with Turkey in road construction, fertilizer and cement industries. He added that they aimed to develop bilateral trade thanks to the agreements signed to prevent double taxation and to boost investments.
(MS-GC-ULG) 27.07.2004