Turkish delegation proposes free trade agreement

ALAN PEAT
A TRADE delegation from Turkey - led by Zaya Altunyaldiz, the country’s deputy director for foreign exports for trade - has presented a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) for the SA Department of Trade & Industry (DoT&I) to sign.
From the Turkish perspective, according to Altunyaldiz, the delegation and the agreement are aimed at both righting the current trade gap - very much to SA’s benefit - and developing business overall between the two countries.
“Presently, Turkey imports around US$300-million (just under R2-billion) a year from SA while we only export US$110-m (R660-m) to SA.
“SA, therefore, has almost a US$200-m (R1.32-bn) trade surplus.”
However, the trade between Turkey and SA does not reflect the true potential, as Altunyaldiz sees it.
The delegation - from the region of Konya, one of the most industrialised cities in Turkey, and specialising primarily in manufacturing parts and components - was here to explore and develop the trade relationship.
“We are primarily looking for joint-ventures for us to do business in SA and Africa,” said Altunyaldiz.
One business sector already identified, where he feels the two countries can work together, is jewellery manufacture.
“Turkey is one of the best producers and exporters of processed jewellery and gold to the world market - and we are looking for joint-ventures in this area.”
Another area Altunyaldiz sees for joint investment is the tourist sector - but he expressed an overriding intention of creating a long lasting trade relationship for both countries.
“We shall continue to arrange further trade delegations from Turkey,” he told FTW, “and we would also like potential partners in SA to arrange to come to Turkey.
“If we can do the things I have said, our trade volume will soon reach US$1-bn (R6.6-bn).
“This potential is there.”