19.02.2020 Ankara
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the meeting, which discussed the opportunities brought about by the Turkey-Kosovo Free Trade Agreement held at TOBB Social Facilities. At the meeting, he also signed the “Turkey-Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Forum” establishment agreement.
Speaking
in the opening of the meeting, prior to Hisarcıklıoğlu's participation, TOBB
Board Member Özer Matlı said the Turkey-Kosovo Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would
increase the competitiveness of Turkish companies against companies of Serbia
and Greece which enjoy a similar advantage.
In
his speech here, Matlı said that after Kosovo's declaration of independence,
they appreciated the developments in the creation of its legal infrastructure
and transition to a market economy in a short time.
Stating
that they support Kosovo's recognition and its involvement in international and
regional organizations, Matlı said, “Trade relations between Turkey and Kosovo
are on the increase. Our trade volume reached $345 million in 2019, up from
$288 million in 2018.”
Matlı
said there are significant infrastructure projects in Kosovo, such as airport
construction and operation, highway construction, electricity distribution, as
well as successful Turkish investments in many areas such as banking, health
and food.
Kosovo
Chamber of Commerce President Berat Rukiqi said they aim to further economic
relations between Turkey and Kosovo.
Stating
that Turkey supports Kosovo in all areas, Rukiqi said, “Good political
relations between the two countries, as well as successful trade partnerships,
must be established. Here, a great task falls on the relevant departments of
the embassies.”
Following
the speeches, Matlı and Rukiqi signed the “Turkey-Kosovo Chamber of Commerce
and Industry Forum” establishment agreement.
Kosovo
Ambassador to Ankara Ilir Dugolli also attended the meeting and exchanged views
with M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu.