EU Perspective Is Driving Force Behind Turkey's Development, Minister

PARIS - Turkish State Minister Mehmet Simsek said Tuesday that the European Union (EU) perspective is the driving force behind Turkey`s political, social and economic development.
Speaking at a conference on "Investment Opportunities in Turkey", Simsek said that Turkey is determined to join the EU.
Turkey is on a road of no return from a political and economic perspective, Simsek noted.
"Turkey has a dynamic and constantly growing economy. We would like to see the participation of French entrepreneurs in this process," Simsek said.
"The recent period in Turkish-French economic relations is encouraging. However, we are below the actual economic potential available. We expect an increase in commercial relations in the near future," Simsek said.
Misconceptions and misunderstandings in France are an obstacle in developing relations between Turkey and France, Simsek said.
"Such misconceptions and misunderstandings could be eradicated through dialog and communication," Simsek said.
Pointing out that Turkey witnessed important economic, social and political developments in the past few years, Simsek said that "Turkey is not the old Turkey. It is a country rapidly getting modernized. It is up to us to correct misunderstandings."
"Important reforms have been made in the Turkish economy. There are opportunities for foreign investors in Turkey. France is an important commercial partner of Turkey," Simsek underscored.
French minister in charge of foreign trade, Anne-Marie Idrac, said that Turkey and the EU are dependent on each other in the future.
"Turkey and France have a long historical relationship," Idrac said.
"The two countries played the role of a mediator in the recent Caucasus crisis and the Middle East. Economic relations between Turkey and France are developing rapidly," Idrac noted.
"The trade volume between our two countries was 10 billion USD in 2007. We expect the trade volume between Turkey and France to reach 15 billion USD in 2008," Idrac said.
"2009 has been declared the `Turkey Year` in France. All activities as part of the `Turkey Year` would contribute to the promotion of Turkey in France," Idrac stressed.
Idrac said that she would visit Ankara in November upon an invitation by Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen.
Mehmet Simsek held a bilateral meeting with Idrac prior to attending the conference. Simsek would leave Paris on Tuesday.
(SOL-CE)
(ECO)