COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s economic policies are doing well and more Turkish companies are keen in investing in Sri Lanka, in construction, tourism and many more, Turkish Ambassador Tunca Ozcuhadar said yesterday.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the Turkish-Lanka B2B meeting in Colombo, the ambassador said that Turkey – Sri Lanka trade relations have seen a steady increase over the last few years. According to statistics, up to the third quarter of 2015, Sri Lanka exported goods worth US$115 million to Turkey.These exports range from tea to textiles. Similarly, during the same period, Turkey exported to Sri Lanka goods worth US$ 51 million which include the figures of electrical and electronic items as well.
“Considering these numbers, we see great potential for our bilateral trade to improve. Therefore, we are taking concrete steps to further strengthen trade ties between the two countries,” Ozcuhadar said.The ambassador said that Turkey was stable, secure and safe for investment.
The procedure regarding setting up a company in Turkey has been simplified and setting up costs has been reduced. For those investing in Eastern Turkey, there is also a 5 to 10 year tax holiday. The Turkish government has taken all these steps and more to increase trade and investments.
Ozcuhadar also said Turkish Airlines has opened Colombo to the whole world which will enable more trade and business opportunities for Sri Lanka. The embassy also adopts a liberal policy in issuing visas to Sri Lanka and began the online visa application process for Sri Lankans.
Sixteen top exporters of Electrical and Electronics Companies from Turkey, along with Electrical Electronics and Service Exporters’ Association (TET), affiliated to the Turkish Ministry of Economy, are visiting Colombo to explore joint business and investment opportunities with their Sri Lankan counterparts.
