Turkey shows interest in Sudan’s cotton

January 23, 2008 (ISTANBUL) — Turkish minister showed interest in Sudanese cotton to bridge shortage facing the textile industry in the country, Anatolia news agency reported.

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister, Mehdi Eker, said that Sudan is an important country in the world in cotton sector, adding that Turkey wants to benefit from Sudan’s potential in this issue.

Speaking at Turkish-Sudanese businessmen meeting – held by Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) – in Istanbul on Tuesday January 22, Eker said Turkey, which is important cotton producer, has a shortage in supply in cotton regarding textile and ready-made clothing. “Turkey wants to benefit from Sudan’s potential in this aspect.” He added.

Eker said that relations between Turkey and Sudan had entered to an important period thanks to the trade agreement which was signed in 1980s. He added that the relations continued to develop in the last eight years.

Eker said that agriculture takes an important place in Sudanese economy and there are many sectors which Turkey can work with Sudan.

On the other hand, DEIK Executive Board President Rona Yircali said that worth of Turkish investments in Sudan have reached 220m US dollars in 2006, adding that total value of contractor projects which Turkey implemented in Sudan is 320m US dollars.

Following the speeches, the agreement on foundation of Turkish-Sudanese Business Council was signed.

(ST)